Lookout towers Žabeň

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.

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.