Chvalovka

Chvalovka was a small wooden lookout structure in Brno, overlooking the Brno Reservoir from the edge of the Podkomorské Forests. It was built in the autumn of 2018 by the state forestry company Lesy ČR, which wanted to draw walkers and hikers toward the Chvalovka hill, which rises to 365 meters above sea level. The platform itself stood at roughly 352 meters, near the base of the hill.

How do you get there?

The lookout sat in the western part of Brno, within the forested area above the Brno Reservoir, close to established walking and Nordic walking trails. The spot was popular with locals looking for a short escape from the city — reachable on foot along forest paths, with no technical climbing involved.

What did you see there?

Chvalovka took the form of a simple wooden structure resembling a hunting stand rather than a classic stone or steel lookout tower. It stood about 4 meters tall, with nine steps leading to a small viewing platform at the top. From there, visitors could take in views across the Brno Reservoir and the surrounding woodland — a modest but easily accessible viewpoint, often combined with a walk along the area's marked Nordic walking routes.

Does the tower still exist?

No. Over time, the surrounding forest grew taller than the structure itself, gradually blocking the view it was built to offer. The tower was removed in 2025, and the site is no longer accessible to visitors in its original form. Even so, it remains a good example of small-scale tourist infrastructure that Czech state forestry has built for city residents.

When was the best time to visit?

While it stood, spring and autumn were the best seasons to visit, since the tree canopy was thinner and the reservoir view was less obstructed. In summer, dense foliage narrowed the panorama considerably, while winter approach paths could turn icy after snowfall. Today, visitors should know the tower itself is gone — though the surrounding forest remains a pleasant area for walking and Nordic walking regardless.

Frequently asked questions

Was Chvalovka a proper lookout tower? Not quite — it was a small wooden viewing platform shaped like a hunting stand, rather than the taller masonry or steel towers found elsewhere in the Czech Republic.

Who built it? It was built by the state forestry company Lesy ČR in autumn 2018, as part of developing the Podkomorské Forests for hikers.

Can you still climb Chvalovka? No. The structure was removed in 2025 after the surrounding trees grew tall enough to block the view it was designed to provide.

What could you see from the platform? The platform offered views over the Brno Reservoir and the surrounding forest — a popular short walking destination for Brno residents.