Babylon viewtower

Babylon lookout tower rises on the summit of Zelený kopec (Green Hill, 491 m above sea level), within the cadastral territory of Kladeruby nad Oslavou, about 1.5 km northeast of the village of Kramolín in the Třebíč district of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands (Vysočina). It ranks among the oldest surviving lookout towers in Moravia — a stone, Empire-style structure built in 1831 at the initiative of Heinrich Wilhelm III Haugwitz, the then-owner of Náměšť nad Oslavou Castle.

What does the tower look like?

Babylon stands 24.5 meters tall, with the observation platform sitting at 18 meters, reached by 112 steps. The lower section is built on a square floor plan, while the upper floors switch to an octagonal shape. The tower was originally designed with an additional wooden story, but that level was damaged during the Austro-Prussian War of 1866 and was never rebuilt — the tower has kept its shortened form ever since.

Inside, an oak spiral staircase winds up to the viewing room, which is ringed with windows and topped by a decorated ceiling featuring zodiac motifs — an unusual detail for a lookout tower of this age and type.

What can you see from the top?

From the platform, views open onto the valley of the Dalešice Dam reservoir and the wider Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. On clear days you can also make out the edge of Brno, the Pavlov Hills, and the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant. On exceptionally clear days, the panorama is said to stretch as far as Vienna and the Alps — a testament to how exposed this hilltop is despite its modest elevation.

How do you get there?

The easiest approach is on foot from the village of Kramolín, which is reachable by car. The path up to the tower is easy and requires no special preparation, making Babylon a good destination for a family walk combined with exploring the area around the Dalešice Dam. The tower itself belongs to the municipality of Kramolín, which manages the site and keeps it open to visitors.

Why is it worth a stop?

Babylon combines history — it's one of the oldest lookout towers still standing in Moravia, nearing its two-hundredth anniversary — with a panorama that takes in one of the region's key landscape features, the Dalešice Dam reservoir. It's a worthwhile stop for anyone touring the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands who wants a viewpoint close to the main hiking trails, paired with an early 19th-century architectural landmark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many steps lead to the observation platform? The platform, located at a height of 18 meters, is reached via 112 steps up an oak spiral staircase.

When was the Babylon tower built? It was built in 1831 on the orders of Heinrich Wilhelm III Haugwitz, owner of Náměšť nad Oslavou Castle, making it one of the oldest lookout towers in Moravia.

What can you see from the viewing platform? Visitors can see the Dalešice Dam valley, the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, the edge of Brno, the Pavlov Hills, and the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant, with Vienna and the Alps visible on exceptionally clear days.

Where's the best starting point for the hike up? The most convenient route starts on foot from the village of Kramolín, from which a direct path leads to the summit of Zelený kopec.