Get to know the surroundings! Lookout

A climb to the observation towers in the Giant Mountains is a great experience for lovers of mountains and hiking. Enjoy an unforgettable view of the landscape, which changes with each season, whether it is golden autumn or spring green.

Žalý lookout tower – Beautiful views of the Giant Mountains and the surrounding area

The top of the Přední Žalý hill (1019 m above sea level), located between Benecke and Vrchlabí, has been a popular destination for tourists since the beginning of the 19th century thanks to the wonderful view of the Giant Mountains. The first wooden observation tower was built here in 1836 as a simple aiming point. When the forest overgrew this viewpoint, the association Riesengebirge-Verein from Vrchlabí set up a 15-meter high metal lookout tower in 1888. Next to it, Jan had Count Harrach build a wooden excursion restaurant with a veranda in 1890. Unfortunately, the metal observation tower quickly fell into disrepair and was demolished after four years.

The current stone lookout tower was built in 1892 at the initiative of the Jilemnica branch of the Club of Czech Tourists and also at the initiative of Count Jan Harrach. It was named in honor of the Austrian emperor Franz Josef I and was inaugurated on September 7, 1892. The construction of a new access road to Žalý from Mrklov was also connected with the construction of the observation tower. In 1900, the original wooden restaurant burned down and was replaced by a new one, which was brought here from the Jubilee National Exhibition in Prague. This restaurant disappeared during the Second World War, but in 2009, according to the project of the architect Klose, a faithful replica was built here.

From the Žalý lookout you can see a unique view of the Krkonoše and Podkrkonoše mountains. You can see, for example, the Kotel, the mound of Hanče and Vrbata on Zlaté várší, Medvědín, Černá hora, Luční bouda and Sněžka. In the distance, you can also see well-known places such as Ještěd, Bezděz, Ralsko, Trosky or Zvicinu. You can reach the lookout tower by walking along the red tourist sign from Beneck or you can use the chair lift from Herlíkovice.

Lookout tower U Borovice – Great view of the region

The private lookout tower U Borovice, built on the initiative of František Hubař, a native of Ropracht, was built for the pleasure of himself and other visitors. After climbing 70 steps, you will be rewarded with a wonderful view of Ještěd, Bezděz, Jizera, Štěpánka, Kozí Hřbety, Žalý and Benecko. In good weather, you can also see the silhouettes of the Eagle Mountains or the Cossacks.

The observation tower is 18 meters high, built of bricks and lined with granite stone. The top is equipped with a wooden walkway made of larch, which gives the building a natural character and fits harmoniously into the surrounding landscape.

It is located only one hundred meters from road no. 289, on an elevated hill between the villages of Helkovice and Roprachtice, and is easily accessible for all lovers of views and nature.

Štěpánka lookout tower – Pearl of the Jizera Mountains with a rich history

Štěpánka, the oldest neo-Gothic stone lookout tower in the Jizera Mountains, rises on the hill Hvězda nad Příchovicemi at a height of 958 m above sea level. m. It is named after Archduke Štěpán, who in 1847 became the patron of the construction of the imperial Krkonoše road. However, the construction of the observation tower was interrupted for 40 years after he left for Hungary. During this time, the unfinished torso was taken care of by the mountain association and tourists who came here to watch the sunsets. The association eventually took over the management of the building and 4 years later, in 1892, the lookout tower was completed and opened to the public.

Štěpánka offers beautiful views of the western Giant Mountains, the Jizera Mountains, Desna and Kamenice. Its construction is accompanied by a legend, according to which Prince Rohan stopped the construction on the warning of a gypsy woman that she would soon die after its completion. When the observation tower was completed in 1892, the prince actually died shortly afterwards.

Every year, Štěpánka hosts a traditional New Year's hike to Hvězda hill, which attracts more and more visitors. This ascent is an ideal opportunity to enjoy unique views of the surrounding landscape and welcome the new year in the beautiful surroundings of the Jizera Mountains.

Jára Cimrman Lighthouse – A unique lookout tower in the heart of Příchovice

The Jára Cimrman lighthouse, designed by architect Professor Martin Rajniš, is a unique wooden lookout tower that has become a year-round attraction in the tourist area of ​​Kořenov.

Half of the building is sunk into the slope and lined with stone from local mining, which gives it a natural look perfectly in harmony with the surrounding landscape. The lookout tower itself is built of pine wood, with an original aerial structure that resembles a lighthouse in its appearance.

With a height of 25.6 meters including the mast, the observation tower offers not only a beautiful view of the surrounding hilly landscape of Příchovice, but also an architectural experience thanks to its innovative design.

Lookout forest park Hlídka na Stráž – Natural oasis in Rokytnica nad Jizerou

Hlídka na Stráž, a scenic forest park in Rokytnica nad Jizerou, offers visitors not only beautiful views, but also a unique connection with nature. The individual viewpoints, which represent the characters from the city's emblem – the Fox, the Bear, the Sheep and the Miner – will take you to different places with breathtaking views of the city, the surrounding mountains and the forest landscape. These light wooden and steel buildings are perfectly integrated into the environment and offer a unique experience when conquering them. And what is the best? Entrance to the forest park is completely free.

The forest park is equipped with new rest areas, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the peace of nature. The viewpoints reveal views of the Rokytnice valley, the panorama of Lysá hory, Kotle and further up to Paseky and Vysoké nad Jizerou. Each of them offers a slightly different view of the surrounding landscape, but all of them are guaranteed to be unforgettable.

Hlídka na Stráž is an ideal place for a family outing or an afternoon with friends. Take comfortable clothes, suitable shoes and a small snack - and leave all your worries at home. You can set off at any time during the day, on foot or by bike. The forest park will guarantee you a great experience and a test of whether you can conquer all the viewpoints – the Fox, the Bear, the Sheep and the Miner!