Visit the torenkamer Gradatus (Latin: step by step) in St Gertrudiskerk during your ascent of the Peperbus. The work of Willebrord Snellius has an important place in the tower room. Snellius developed land surveying in the Netherlands at the beginning of the 17th century.
In the years 1615 - 1616, he stood on the Peperbus to perform triangulation measurements. He thus accurately calculated the earth's circumference in a scientific manner for the first time. He determined this using a giant quadrant, a quarter circle, with a radius of over 2 metres. Later, his calculation of the earth's circumference proved to be almost exactly correct.

Next to the quadrant, a large globe made up of mirrored triangles hangs in the high space of the tower room. A central grand staircase leads you to the symbolic "Gate of Heaven", a triangle of mirrors that provides an infinitely repeating image of visitors.

The role of the Peperbus in Berg society is highlighted. Stories about the Peperbus are told at the top of the vaulted space, with the repeating sound of a heavy clock in the background.

Opening hours

Open from 27 October 2025 to 26 April 2026 on Saturdays and (shopping) Sundays from 1pm to 4.30pm. Last ascent of the tower is at 3.45pm.

Monday 6 April 2026 open from 1pm to 4.30pm. Last climb of the tower is at 3.45pm.

From 27 April 2026 to 26 October 2026 open every Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm. And Sunday from 1pm to 4.30pm. Last ascent of the tower is at 3.45pm.

Monday 27 April 2026 open from 1pm to 4.30pm. Last climb of the tower is at 3.45pm.

Monday 25 May 2026 open from 1pm to 4.30pm. Last climb of the tower is at 3.45pm.

Please note! On the following days, the Tower Room cannot be visited: 4 April, 6 May (in the afternoon), 9 May (in the morning), 14 May (in the morning), 30 May (in the afternoon), 6 June, 28 June, 11 June (in the afternoon).

Children under 5 years old (or smaller than 1 metre) are not allowed to climb the Peperbus for safety reasons.