Nullpunkt Hohentübingen

(Summary of the log conditions at the end of the text)

Castle Hohentübingen

Castle Hohentübingen ("Upper Tübingen") is a medieval castle known to have existed since the 11th century, with its current shape mostly originating from the 16th century. It isn't only a well-preserved castle with nice viewpoints and an interesting museum, but also a memorial of land survey in the 19th century: The northeastern edge tower marks point zero of the survey of the kingdom of Württemberg which started in 1818 and was completed in 1840. Searching recovery from errors made in the early stages of the survey the Württemberg coordinate system had some weird quirks - it's the only german system which is not based on sea level but on an own "level zero" at about 273m above sea level, also it used an own length unit slightly different from the standard. Unfortunately, I haven't found an english description I could link to, sorry. German links are in the german description above.

See also: English homepage of the University Museum

Log conditions:

To log this virtual cache you need to take and upload two photos with your log:

The first photo should show the point zero itself, taken from whatever point you can spot it from. Usually that would be a picture of the northeastern tower from the eastern moat (easiest), or maybe a view of the castle from the Stiftskirche church tower (like on the picture above). You may be able to find other suitable viewpoints. However, the pole on the tip of the tower must be visible.
The tower itself houses exhibition rooms of the University Museum where you can alternatively find and photograph point zero as a central pole (look in the ancient coins section, entrance fee applies).

For the second photo you need to find an information sign somewhere in the castle area which mentions the survey. Please take a photo of one of them which shows the word "Landesvermessung" or the english equivalent "land survey of Württemberg" together with some personal item, for example a piece of paper with your cacher name or your GPS device. There are at least five suitable signs on the castle, one of them in English.

Add both photos to your log.

 If you visit the castle as a group of cachers and only one participant makes and uploads photos, this one must add a list of all participants in his or her log, and everyone else should mention the name of the one who uploaded the photos. Otherwise logs with no own photos may be considered incomplete and deleted.

Practical information:

- The castle is accessible daily between 7 am and 8 pm. It is not possible to acquire the second photo after 8pm.
- There's a public toilet in the courtyard, western wing.
- Limited accessibilty with bikes, wheelchairs and strollers: The main entrance from the city centre side is without steps but extremely steep and cobblestone plastered. The back entrance passes several stairs and is inaccessible on wheels.
- Parking: There are no public parking places for motorized vehicles available nearby. Please come on foot.

Summary of log conditions:

Take two photos and add them to your log:
1. Northeastern tower, pole on the tip must be visible
2. The word "Landesvermessung" (or "land survey") on one of the informational plates in the castle, together with a personal item.