Cibulka

Cibulka Lookout Tower stands on Šibeniční vrch, a hill roughly 656 metres high between the villages of Oloví and Krajková in the Sokolov district of the Karlovy Vary Region in western Bohemia. Rising from the forested foothills of the Ore Mountains (Krušné hory), it's one of the more popular viewpoints in this part of the Podkrušnohoří area.

Where does the name come from?

The tower's distinctive name, "Cibulka" (from the Czech word "cibule", meaning onion), comes from the onion-shaped dome that tops its roof. It isn't the first lookout to stand in this landscape — the story goes back to the late 19th century, when a wooden tower was built on the nearby Boučský vrch, funded by Josef Schmieger, owner of the Svatava textile mills. That original structure gradually deteriorated and was eventually dismantled, and the idea of recreating a lookout point in a new form and new location only resurfaced in 2007. Preparatory work began a few years later, and the new Cibulka tower was ceremonially opened in the summer of 2014.

What will you see there?

The modern tower reaches 26.1 metres in height and offers two viewing platforms — a lower one at 5.6 metres and an upper one at 23.8 metres. From the top platform, the panorama opens up in every direction: to the north lies the town of Oloví and the ridges of the Ore Mountains stretching toward the German border, to the east rises Boučský vrch, and to the southeast and south spreads the Sokolov Basin with the hills of the Slavkov Forest (Slavkovský les) in the background. This unusually wide field of view, given the tower's modest height, is the main reason it draws hikers and casual visitors alike.

How to get there?

Three different hiking trails lead up to the tower, so visitors can pick a route to match their pace — a shorter, steeper climb or a longer, gentler walk through the forest. Starting points include both Oloví and Krajková, and the tower can easily be worked into a longer hike through the Ore Mountains. It's open year-round, free of charge and with no set visiting hours, making it a convenient stop whether you're planning a full day out or just a short walk in the area.

When is the best time to visit?

The tower is accessible all year, but the clearest views come on days without the haze that often settles in mountain basins — typically crisp mornings in autumn and winter after rain, or clear days in spring and summer. Given the height and open construction, it's worth avoiding especially windy days. The area around Krajková and Oloví also makes a good base for further hikes through the Ore Mountains and for exploring the Sokolov Basin.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the Cibulka lookout tower located? On Šibeniční vrch (about 656 m above sea level), between the villages of Oloví and Krajková, in the Sokolov district of the Karlovy Vary Region.

Where does the name "Cibulka" come from? From the tower's onion-shaped roof dome — "cibule" is Czech for onion.

How tall is it and when was it built? The current structure is 26.1 metres tall and opened in the summer of 2014, replacing a much older tower from the late 19th century.

Is there an entrance fee? No, the lookout tower is freely accessible year-round at no cost.