Around 500 observation towers in the Czech Republic offer panoramic views over forests, mountains, and valleys. Yet behind these picturesque vistas often lies a race against time – many of the wooden structures are gradually ageing and urgently require maintenance or renewal.
There are around 500 observation towers in the Czech Republic an impressive network that has been attracting hikers and day-trippers to spectacular views for more than a century. The trend of building elevated viewpoints spread into the country from England and Germany at the end of the 19th century. As reported by the news channel ČT24, the construction of observation towers experienced a new surge after the turn of the millennium, driven by EU funding.
Wood is especially popular as a building material. Wooden observation towers can be found in all regions of the country, averaging just under 17 metres in height. Around half of them were constructed only after 2011 – a clear sign of the ongoing boom. However, some of these structures are now gradually showing their age.
Two towers stand out in particular: the “Stezka v oblacích” (Path in the Clouds) in Dolní Morava, the tallest wooden construction in the country at 55 metres, and the lookout on the Boubín summit (Rozhledna Boubín) in the Bohemian Forest. The latter, situated at 1362 metres above sea level, had to be closed due to fungal infestation.
Wood requires care; operators are obliged to have their towers inspected regularly – the cost amounts to several tens of thousands of crowns per inspection. Experts measure factors such as moisture levels and look for signs of rot. The result is a detailed report with recommendations for repairs or, in the worst case, demolition.
According to the news channel, technicians estimate that about half of the wooden towers built up to 2015 are now in need of renovation. Their typical lifespan is 15 to 20 years. Over the last ten years, numerous observation towers have therefore had to be closed or demolished – a quiet loss in the landscape, but often the only way to avoid safety risks.
