Until 2010, two transmission masts stood on the Bisamberg as part of the Bisamberg transmitting station. Built in the late 1950s, the taller of the two, at 264 metres, was the tallest structure in Austria. On 24 February 2010, both masts were demolished by controlled explosions, following the permanent shutdown of broadcasting operations shortly beforehand. Preserving the masts was not considered financially viable. Since then, the Danube Tower (Donauturm) has been the tallest structure in Austria.
Vienna/Lower Austria, February 2010: For decades, the two transmission masts had been a defining feature of the Bisamberg skyline.
Vienna/Lower Austria, Bisamberg, looking south towards the Vienna Woods, February 2010: The smaller transmission mast on the Bisamberg was 120 metres tall.
Vienna/Lower Austria, Bisamberg, looking south, February 2010: The smaller transmission mast on the Bisamberg was 120 metres tall.
Vienna, Fillenbaumgasse, 24 February 2010: Onlookers watch as the smaller transmission mast collapses following its controlled demolition. The demolition, scheduled for noon, was delayed by approximately 40 minutes because a local resident refused to leave the exclusion zone established for the operation. The demolition could only proceed after the police had removed him from the area.
Vienna/Lower Austria, Bisamberg, 24 February 2010: For a few hours, only the taller transmission mast remained standing. At 3 p.m., its fate was sealed as well.
Vienna/Lower Austria, Bisamberg, 24 February 2010: Onlookers have gathered on a hill overlooking the transmitting station.
Vienna/Lower Austria, Bisamberg, 24 February 2010: Journalists, photographers and camera operators wait for the demolition.
Vienna/Lower Austria, Bisamberg, 24 February 2010: Detonation.
Vienna/Lower Austria, Bisamberg, 24 February 2010: Watched by onlookers, the taller transmission mast collapses.
Vienna/Lower Austria, Bisamberg, 24 February 2010: Onlookers after the successful demolition.
Vienna/Lower Austria, Bisamberg, 24 February 2010: Onlookers inspect the remains of the guy wires.
Vienna/Lower Austria, Bisamberg, 24 February 2010: Work is already underway on the remains of the taller transmission mast.
Vienna/Lower Austria, Bisamberg, 24 February 2010: Part of the smaller transmission mast has embedded itself in the ground.
Vienna/Lower Austria, Bisamberg, 24 February 2010: Remains of the smaller transmission mast.
Vienna/Lower Austria, Bisamberg, 24 February 2010: Children search through the wreckage of the smaller transmission mast for a souvenir.
Vienna/Lower Austria, Bisamberg, 24 February 2010: The wreckage of the smaller transmission mast.