Lookout towers Zlínsko

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.

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.