Lookout towers Morava

Rozhledna Kraví hora near Bořetice is set in a picturesque landscape interwoven with countless cycle paths and vineyards. It is therefore no little wonder that it ranks among the most popular destinations for people who love sports and high-quality Moravian wine. An interesting feature is also the fact that the Olbramy hill, upon which it towers, is in the immediate vicinity of the whimsical Svobodná spolková republika Kraví hora. Consequently, for those with a sense of humour, this micro-territory can be explored from a bird's-eye view and subsequently visited in person.

The lookout tower was built in 2006 on a hill with an elevation of 272 metres above sea level, which means that even though the platform stands at a mere 12 metres, visitors will enjoy an unobstructed view of the surrounding countryside. Bringing a camera along on the way up is certainly recommended, as Pálava and the Novomlýnské nádrže reservoirs will lie directly opposite, naturally inviting nature photography. Furthermore, a smaller chapel decorated with folk Slovácko motifs stands at the base of the viewpoint.

A further point of interest is that the initial impulse for the construction of the lookout tower was a victory in the 2005 Village of the Year competition. When travelling towards it, by following the yellow tourist trail, visitors will pass wine cellars that might tempt them to taste some of the local produce. However, if advice may be offered, this activity is best postponed, as reaching the viewing platform requires climbing 65 steps, a feat that might prove somewhat challenging after a glass or two.

This tourist destination can be reached both from Bořetice and from nearby municipalities such as Vrbice and Němčičky. This makes it easy to secure comfortable accommodation near the Rozhledna Kraví hora away from the unpleasant bustle of the town. Countless wine guesthouses, suitable for celebrations and weddings alike, or private lodgings await visitors in the surrounding area. Afterwards, quality relaxation can be pursued by heading to the nearby Arboretum Němčičky, which is likewise well worth a visit. Visitors are invited to tune in to new experiences and come and enjoy their well-deserved leisure time here.

Architectural pearl of Valašsko

Rozhledna Vartovna is an architecturally exceptional structure towering on the hill of the same name (651 metres above sea level) in the Hostýnské vrchy hills, not far from the municipality of Liptál in the Zlín Region. This modern tower, officially opened in 2009, stands thirty-seven metres tall and features an unconventional triangular ground plan with radial ends, giving it a futuristic appearance. Two hundred and thirteen steps lead to the viewing platform situated at a height of thirty-five metres. Vartovna offers a circular view of the Vsetín region, the Vizovické vrchy hills, and the Hostýnské vrchy hills, while Malá Fatra can even be seen in good conditions.

Access

The lookout tower can be reached by car, with parking available at Sedlo pod Vartovnou, where a paid car park is located. From there, visitors must ascend to the summit on foot along a gentle path approximately 1.5 kilometres in long. The lookout tower is most frequently accessed via the yellow tourist trail from the municipality of Liptál, which leads through the forest and is approximately three kilometres long. Another option is the red tourist route from the municipality of Seninka.

What is worth discovering

In the vicinity lies the historic town of Vsetín, where visiting Zámek Vsetín with the Muzeum Valašska is recommended. Further along into the region stands the Hrad Lukov castle ruin, which is one of the most extensive in Moravia. For lovers of history and sacred architecture, the Hostýn pilgrimage site with the Bazilika Nanebevzetí Panny Marie is crucial. A wonderful trip with children is offered by the ZOO a Zámek Lešná, located not far from Zlín.

Gothic castle tower with a view

Štramberská Trúba is the remnant of the 13th-century Strallenberg medieval castle, the origin of which is associated with the Benešovic or Přemyslid dynasties. The 40-metre-high tower dominates the picturesque town of Štramberk, nicknamed the "Moravian Bethlehem". The tower acquired its present appearance with a characteristic wooden gallery during a reconstruction in 1903, following a design by the architect Kamil Hilbert.

Today, Trúba serves as a popular observation tower offering breathtaking views of the Beskydy and Jeseníky mountain ranges, as well as the Moravská brána. The castle grounds also function as a cultural centre. Below the tower stands Jaroňkova útulna, a folk-style wooden structure that previously served as a tourist hostel.

Access

The tower can be reached on foot from Náměstí Štramberk via a steeper paved path or steps around Jaroňkova útulna. Parking is available at the central car park below the square. The "Štramberk, nám." bus stop is within walking distance. The "Štramberk" railway station is located about 1 km from the centre.

What is worth discovering

Directly in Štramberk, visitors are recommended to taste traditional Štramberské uši, a local gingerbread specialty. Not far from the square lies the world-famous Šipka cave, where the remains of a Neanderthal child were discovered. The Botanical Garden and Arboretum in the old limestone quarry are also well worth a visit.

Štramberská Trúba is an icon of the region, combining history, architecture, and magnificent views. It represents an ideal trip destination for the entire family.

Unique spiral-shaped structure with a view of the Beskids

The Rozhledna Bílá hora is located on the summit of Bílá hora (557 meters) near the historic town of Štramberk in the Moravskoslezský kraj. It was ceremoniously opened in 2000 and is unique for its architecture, which resembles a DNA helix. The lookout tower, designed by architect Milan Šmída, has a height of thirty-six meters and is accessed by one hundred and sixty-five steps. From the viewing platform, a circular and panoramic view is offered of the Podbeskydská pahorkatina region, the Moravskoslezské Beskydy (dominated by Lysá hora), the Oderské vrchy, and the picturesque town of Štramberk with the Štramberská trúba tower.

Access

Visitors can reach the lookout tower by car from the I/58 road leading from Štramberk. A free parking lot is available for visitors near the foot of the mountain, from where a mildly rising asphalt road about eight hundred meters long leads to the lookout tower. The most popular pedestrian access is directly from the center of Štramberk along the yellow tourist trail, which leads through the Šipka natural monument. The nearest bus stop, Štramberk, náměstí, is located approximately one and a half kilometers away. The lookout tower is open year-round.

What is worth discovering

The dominant feature of the immediate surroundings is Hrad Štramberk with the aforementioned Štramberská trúba tower. In the town of Štramberk, visitors can view historic wooden houses and taste the local specialty – Štramberské uši. South of the mountain is the Muzeum Tatra Kopřivnice, dedicated to the history of the automotive company. Nearby is also the Kamenný vrch natural monument and the Šipka cave, known for the discovery of a Neanderthal jawbone.

Since 2012, visitors have been able to admire views of the Valašsko region from the heights of the Miloňová Lookout Tower. It is located in the Zlín Region, in the Vsetín District near the town of Velké Karlovice. It was built at an altitude of 846 metres above sea level, and from it, visitors can see not only a large part of the Beskids, but also the Javorníky mountain range. A green tourist trail leads to the lookout tower, so visitors certainly cannot miss it. Visitors can also connect here to the yellow trail, which guides them along the ridges of the Vsetínské vrchy hills.

It is a hexagonal wooden lookout tower with a concrete base, designed by architect Antonín Závada, the author of the better-known project of the Jurkovičova rozhledna in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm. The Miloňová Lookout Tower rises to a height of 20 metres, while the roof is another four metres higher. The viewing platform is circular, so visitors will have a truly magnificent view in all directions. Visitors can set off here all year round, because thanks to its stable structure, adverse weather conditions do not bother the lookout tower. Furthermore, in fine weather, even children will enjoy the journey, as around the lookout tower they can walk a children's tourist trail named Hledej poklad na Galiku.

As the location of the Miloňová Lookout Tower implies, several tourist trails with attractive destinations are immediately available here for visitors. It is sufficient to book accommodation near the Miloňová Lookout Tower, and it does not matter whether it will be apartments, cottages, or a guesthouse. From any accommodation in the surrounding area, visitors can set off somewhere else every day. For example, Vsetín or Nový Hrozenkov can serve as a starting point for visitors. However, visitors can just as easily stay in Karolinka or Hovězí. Visitors should simply be careful on some tourist trails and take their identity card or passport with them, as the local trails often extend into Slovakia.

Once visitors have had enough of walking in the mountains, it will certainly come in handy to refresh themselves at the Velké Karlovice swimming pool. Conversely, if visitors have arrived during the winter season, they should certainly make use of one of the Beskid ski resorts, for example the Razula ski resort or Synot Kyčerka. At any time of the year, the Karlovské muzeum and the Muzeum sklářství Karolinka are worth a visit. Should visitors also desire culture, they are invited to check out the programme of the Valašské národní divadlo. Whatever visitors ultimately decide, they will thoroughly enjoy nature, entertainment, and knowledge here.