Babylon (Blansko District)

Babylon is an observation tower rising above the village of Kozárov in the Blansko district, in South Moravia. It stands on a hill of the same name, at an elevation of 654 metres, and ranks among the most visited viewpoints in this part of the Drahanská vrchovina highlands.

How do you get to Babylon?

The tower sits right by the village of Kozárov, a dozen or so kilometres north of Blansko. Reaching it by car or bicycle is the most practical option — parking spaces are available near the tower, and marked hiking and cycling trails run through the area, connecting Kozárov with neighbouring villages of the Drahanská vrchovina uplands. The tower's coordinates are 49.4436, 16.4639.

What can you see there?

The current structure was built in 2000 as a mobile phone mast for the operator Oskar (built by Ericsson), erected on the spot where a wooden lookout tower had stood back in the 1950s. The tower is 42 metres tall, and 139 steps lead up to the observation platform, which sits 24 metres above the ground. The tower is operated by the Kozárov municipality, and admission to the platform is paid.

From the platform, a wide panorama of South Moravia opens up. On clear days you can make out the Pavlov Hills, the cooling towers of the Dukovany nuclear power plant, the Orlické Mountains, and the Hrubý and Nízký Jeseník ranges. Under exceptionally favourable conditions, even the peaks of the Alps, more than 190 km away, come into view.

What else is there nearby?

At the foot of the tower you'll find a children's playground, a trampoline, and a bistro with a dedicated corner for kids, plus restrooms. That makes Babylon a good destination not only for people chasing views, but also for a full family day out — a climb up the tower can easily be combined with a rest and a meal on site.

When is the best time to visit?

Clear, cloudless days offer the best visibility, when the panorama stretches all the way to the Alps. Thanks to the tower and its surrounding facilities — playground and bistro included — Babylon makes an appealing trip both in spring and summer, when the greenery of the Drahanská vrchovina highlands is at its fullest, and in autumn, when the air tends to be cleanest and distant mountain ranges are easiest to spot.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the Babylon tower? The structure is 42 metres tall, and its observation platform sits 24 metres above the ground, reached via 139 steps.

Is admission to the tower paid? Yes, the tower is run by the Kozárov municipality and entry to the observation platform requires a paid ticket.

What can you see from the observation platform? In good weather you can see the Pavlov Hills, the cooling towers of the Dukovany nuclear plant, the Orlické Mountains, and the Jeseníky ranges, and under exceptional conditions even Alpine peaks over 190 km away.

Is there anything for children near the tower? Yes, at the base of the tower there's a playground, a trampoline, and a bistro with a children's corner, making it a solid destination for a family outing.