Ravensburg - Mehlsack - White Watchtower Rising above the Old Town

The iconic Mehlsack rises high above the surrounding buildings and bare trees of Ravensburg, its white cylindrical form making it one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

The Mehlsack is the best-known landmark of Ravensburg and one of the most distinctive surviving towers of the city’s medieval fortifications. In this photograph, the tall white tower rises between historic buildings and bare trees, emphasizing its striking cylindrical form and commanding position above the old town. The Mehlsack was built between 1425 and 1429 and reaches a height of approximately 51 metres with a diameter of around 10 metres. Its original name was “Weißer Turm bei St. Michael”, referring to the nearby former St. Michael complex. The popular name “Mehlsack”, documented since the 16th century, derives from the tower’s round shape and pale plaster, which were thought to resemble a traditional flour sack. The tower served an important defensive and surveillance function, with its upper platform allowing Ravensburg’s citizens to observe the nearby Veitsburg area, which was controlled by political opponents of the Free Imperial City. Today, the Mehlsack remains the defining symbol of Ravensburg and offers panoramic views over the old town and surrounding countryside.