Luchtwachttoren 7O1
During the Cold War, volunteers from the Air Guard Corps scanned the skies at this military observation tower in Warfhuizen. They looked out for hostile Russian aircraft flying lower than radar could detect.
Location
Built in 1955, the air watch tower is an open construction of prefabricated concrete elements. The tower was designed by architect Marten Zwaagstra and commissioned by the Ministry of War. The tower formed a triangle with the now demolished tower in Warffum (7O2) and the halved tower in Bedum (7O3). After 12 years, the tower lost its military function, but it remained standing.
The tower is now one of nineteen remaining air watch towers in the Netherlands. The Groninger Landschap restored vanished interior parts, such as the air guard instrument and furniture in the shelter niche, during the restoration in 2017.
From April to September, the Air Guard Tower is open for visits every third Sunday of the month. For groups, guided tours are also available on request.