Herzog & de Meuron Turns Swiss Antenna Tower into Alpine Destination

Herzog & de Meuron has transformed a 1980s telecommunications antenna tower on Mount Titlis in the Swiss Alps into a tourist destination with a restaurant, viewing platform, and retail space. The 56-meter (183-foot) tower, located 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) above sea level, now features two cantilevered blocks inserted diagonally into the original structure, plus four vertical circulation towers. The conversion includes a suspension bridge, a 360-degree viewing platform, a lower-level retail area, and a 140-seat restaurant on the upper level. The exterior retains original steel, concrete, and glass, while interiors are lined with wood for warmth. An underground tunnel, originally built by the Swiss Army, connects the tower to the mountain station and glacier cave. Two large-format LED screens provide information about the surrounding landscape. Co-founder Jacques Herzog described the structure as 'more James Bond than mountain hut,' calling it 'a kind of signpost rising into the sky above Titlis.' The project is part of a broader reimagining of the mountain's tourist infrastructure.