The Bavarian Inn Clock Tower: Year-Round Charm?

The Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel Tower is a 50-foot tower that houses a 35-bell carillon, a figurine movement, and an illuminated clock. The Glockenspiel Tower was added to the Bavarian Inn in 1967 and has since become a landmark in Frankenmuth, Michigan. The tower's figurines revolve to depict the legend of the Pied Piper of Hameln. But is the Bavarian Inn Clock Tower operational all year long?

The Glockenspiel Tower is 50 feet tall

The Glockenspiel Tower is a stunning example of traditional Bavarian style architecture. It is visible from the roads leading into Frankenmuth from the south. The tower was carefully constructed to be as authentic as possible, with attention to detail given to every aspect. The roof, for example, is covered with concrete roof tiles from the old Saginaw Zoo, the only real Bavarian-type tiles available in the area.

The 35 bells housed in the tower were cast by Eijsbouts Bellfounders of Asten, Holland, a world-renowned bellfounder. The bells were then shipped to Germany, where they were assembled by Korfhage and Soehne, experts in the design and construction of glockenspiels. After assembly and testing, the glockenspiel was disassembled and shipped to Frankenmuth, where trained technicians installed it in the tower.

The Glockenspiel Tower is not just a beautiful structure, but also a functional one. The bells play several selections throughout the day, and on each quarter hour, the clock sounds the 5-bell Westminster chime. At noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m., and 9 p.m., the glockenspiel plays several tunes, followed by a figurine movement depicting the legend of the Pied Piper of Hameln.

The Glockenspiel Tower is a true testament to the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into its construction. Standing at 50 feet tall, it has become an iconic symbol of the Bavarian Inn and a source of entertainment and wonder for visitors and locals alike.

The tower features a 35-bell carillon, figurine movement, and an illuminated clock

The Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel Tower is a 50-foot tower built in the traditional Bavarian style. It houses a 35-bell carillon, a figurine movement, and an illuminated clock, all imported from Germany. The carillon uses a special double keyboard, giving the sound of 70 bells. The bells were cast by Eijsbouts Bellfounders of Asten, Holland, and assembled in Buer, Germany, by Korfhage and Soehne, a company nearly 200 years old and world-renowned for its design and construction of glockenspiels, clockworks, and figure movements.

The illuminated clock, with gold-covered numerals and copper hands, sounds the 5-bell Westminster chime before striking the hour and on each quarter-hour. At noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m., and 9 p.m. each day, the glockenspiel plays several selections, immediately followed by the figurine movement. The figurines, carved from wood in the Black Forest of Germany, are 4½ feet tall and depict the legend of the Pied Piper of Hameln. The story unfolds on a movable stage on the bell tower, with figures moving around and disappearing through copper doors as scenes change.

The Glockenspiel Tower was added to the Bavarian Inn in 1967, instantly becoming a landmark with its revolving figures. The tower was constructed with structural steel, finished with stucco to match the existing Bavarian Inn, and topped with concrete roof tiles from the old Saginaw Zoo. The installation of the specially cast carillon bells and figurework for the Pied Piper of Hameln was completed in October 1967.

The figurines are 4.5 feet tall

The Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel Tower in Frankenmuth, Michigan, is a sight to behold, with its 50-foot bell tower and 35-bell carillon. But perhaps the most enchanting feature of this traditional Bavarian-style architecture is the figurine movement depicting the legend of the Pied Piper of Hameln. The figurines, standing tall at 4.5 feet, are a crucial part of the clock tower's performance.

The figurines are not just any standard size; their height adds to the grandeur of the display. Carved from wood sourced from Germany's Black Forest, these 4.5-foot-tall figures bring the story of the Pied Piper to life. The size of the figurines is essential to their visibility, especially during the performance when they move on separate tracks and disappear through copper doors as the scenes change. Their height ensures that visitors can easily follow the progression of the story.

The craftsmanship that went into creating these figurines is remarkable. Each figure is intricately carved and painted in the distinctive costumes of the 13th century, the time period of the Pied Piper tale. The attention to detail in their clothing and features adds to the overall authenticity of the display. The figurines are also fitted with plastic to withstand the elements, ensuring their longevity and preservation.

The size of the figurines is not only practical for visibility but also contributes to the overall impact of the performance. With their impressive height, the figurines command attention and create a sense of grandeur as they move across the stage. The 4.5-foot height allows for intricate details and expressions to be visible from a distance, enhancing the storytelling experience for viewers.

The Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel Tower's figurines, standing tall at 4.5 feet, are a testament to the care and attention to detail that went into creating this unique attraction. Their size, craftsmanship, and movement come together to create a captivating performance that delights both adults and children, bringing the legend of the Pied Piper of Hameln to life in a truly memorable way.

The figurines depict the legend of the Pied Piper of Hameln

The Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel Tower in Frankenmuth features a 50-foot bell tower with a magnificent 35-bell carillon, a figurine movement, and an illuminated clock, all imported from Germany. The figurines in the tower depict the legend of the Pied Piper of Hameln, which dates back to the 13th century.

The tale of the Pied Piper of Hameln originates from the town of Hamelin (Hameln) in Lower Saxony, Germany. The legend tells of a piper, dressed in multicoloured ("pied") clothing, who was hired by the town to lure away a plague of rats with his magical pipe. The people of Hamelin agreed to pay the piper for this service, but after he successfully rid the town of rats, they refused to fulfil their promise. Enraged, the piper left, vowing revenge.

On Saint John and Paul's day, while the adults were occupied, the piper returned, once again playing his pipe. This time, he used his instrument's magical power on the town's children, who followed him out of town, never to be seen again. Depending on the version of the story, one to three children were left behind: one was lame and couldn't keep up, another was deaf and couldn't hear the music, and the third was blind and couldn't see where they were going.

The figurines in the Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel Tower depict this legend, with the Pied Piper, 14 other figures from the story, and a horde of rats moving on four separate tracks. The figures are carved from wood sourced from the Black Forest in Germany, standing at 4.5 feet tall, and painted in the distinctive costumes of the 13th century. They appear several times a day on a movable stage in the bell tower, acting out the story as the clock strikes noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m., and 9 p.m.

The tower was built in traditional Bavarian style architecture

The Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel Tower in Frankenmuth, Michigan, is built in the traditional style of Bavarian architecture. The tower, which can be seen from the roads leading into Frankenmuth from the south, houses a magnificent 35-bell carillon, a beautiful figurine movement, and an illuminated clock, all imported from Germany.

Bavarian architecture is known for its half-timbered, exposed wood frames, with the German term "Fachwerk" describing the decorative and load-bearing nature of the wood. Walderhaus, one-story wooden structures, are typical residential and agricultural buildings in the Bavarian forest, often featuring a barn. On the other end of the spectrum, brightly painted wooden buildings line the cobblestone streets of Bavaria, also featuring the region's signature exposed wood.

The Glockenspiel Tower in Frankenmuth showcases the traditional Bavarian style with its stucco finish, matching the existing Bavarian Inn. The tower's roof is covered with concrete roof tiles sourced from the old Saginaw Zoo, the only Bavarian-type tiles available in the area. The tower's construction carefully followed authentic Bavarian architectural principles, creating a structure that stands as a testament to the region's traditional design aesthetics.

The tower's design also incorporates contemporary elements, such as the large window front, which connects the interior with the adjoining terrace and garden. Original ceiling beams and supporting columns are interwoven with modern, inwardly veneered metal columns, creating a harmonious blend of old and new. The use of real wood, such as oak, contributes to a sense of warmth and comfort throughout the tower's interior spaces.

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