Pegelturm Neuwied

The level tower is a landmark of Neuwied and is actually purely decorative architecture.
A wide boat staircase adjoins the water level tower. There are markings on the side of the stairs showing the flood levels of previous years.
A gauge system for the dike is hidden beneath the masonry of the water level tower. However, it is not intended for shipping, but rather indicates when the dike has to be closed.
Source: lebendiges-neuwied.de

With the construction of the flood protection dike in 1928-1931, Neuwied's view of the Rhine underwent a fundamental change. The dike protects the city center and its surroundings from flooding. It is 600 meters long, the dike wall in light and dark stripes from Schloßstrasse to Friedrichstrasse with its two large gates and the slender water level tower, which is adjoined by a wide boat staircase. While the water level tower itself is a purely decorative piece of architecture and is considered a promotional landmark of Neuwied, underneath it, hidden invisibly in the masonry, is a water level system for the dike, but not for shipping.
neuwied.de

A landmark of Neuwied