Chlum

Chlum is a forested hill above the village of Újezd u Chanovic, part of the Chanovice municipality in the Klatovy district of the Plzeň Region. The hill is best known for the brick observation tower on its summit, standing at 609 metres above sea level. The tower itself is 28 metres tall and features a wooden viewing platform offering views toward Šumava, the Pošumaví area, and the Brdy hills.

How do you get to Chlum?

The tower sits on a hilltop close to Chanovice, a few kilometres from Újezd u Chanovic. The easiest approach is to drive to Chanovice, from where a marked forest trail leads up to the summit. The route connects with the "Nature and Forests of Pošumaví" educational trail, a 2.2-kilometre path with nine themed stops. It begins in the English-style park at Chanovice Chateau, continues through the surrounding forests to the observation tower, then on to an open-air museum of folk architecture, before looping back to the town.

What will you see there?

The main attraction is the tower itself — a brick structure topped with a wooden viewing platform that, on clear days, opens up views across the Pošumaví lowlands, the Šumava mountains, and the Brdy range. The construction project was taken over by the Chanovice municipal office in 2006 from the civic association Panorama, and the tower was built between 2008 and 2010. Beyond the tower, the educational trail's remaining stops introduce visitors to the local forest ecosystem and regional forestry practices, while the walking route also leads to an open-air museum showcasing traditional Pošumaví folk architecture.

When is the best time to visit?

The hill and its educational trail are accessible year-round, but spring and autumn tend to offer the clearest air and the best long-distance visibility toward Šumava and Brdy. In summer, the route runs mostly through shaded forest, making it a comfortable walk even on hot days. Plan for a few hours if you want to complete the full loop of the educational trail together with a stop at the Chanovice Chateau park and the open-air museum.

Who is this place for?

Chlum suits travellers looking for a relaxed, family-friendly walk paired with a scenic lookout rather than a demanding mountain hike. The short, clearly marked educational trail makes it a good fit for families with children, as well as anyone exploring the Pošumaví region while visiting Chanovice Chateau nearby.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the observation tower on Chlum? The tower is 28 metres tall and stands on a hilltop at 609 metres above sea level.

When was the tower built? It was constructed between 2008 and 2010, after the Chanovice municipal office took over the project from the Panorama civic association in 2006.

What can you see from the viewing platform? On clear days, the platform offers views toward the Šumava mountains, the Pošumaví area, and the Brdy hills.

Is the route to Chlum suitable for families with children? Yes, the "Nature and Forests of Pošumaví" educational trail is 2.2 kilometres long with nine stops, making it an easy and engaging walk for younger visitors too.