Erbenova vyhlídka

Erbenova vyhlídka is a stone lookout tower rising above Ústí nad Labem, standing atop the Brandtova výšina ridge at 420 metres above sea level, just north of the city centre. It ranks among the most popular short hiking destinations in the area, combining easy access with a view that stretches well beyond the city limits.

Where did the tower come from?

The structure standing here today dates back to 1933, when it was built by the German mountain club Gebirgsverein Aussig. It replaced two smaller, older lookout points on the same hill known as Malý Brand and Velký Brand. The name honours Alexander Erben, the club's chairman at the time, who was behind its construction.

In 2006 the tower underwent a major reconstruction that added an extra storey, extending the view from its upper platform even further. More recently, in 2025, a new tourist shelter was installed next to the tower, giving hikers a place to wait out sudden rain or simply rest along the trail.

What can you see from the top?

The stone tower stands 15 metres tall, and 56 steps lead up across two separate viewing platforms. From the top, a large part of Ústí nad Labem unfolds directly below. Looking south and west, the view opens onto the Czech Central Highlands (České Středohoří) — spanning from Buková hora past the distinctive peak of Milešovka to Bořeň. On clear days, the distant Ore Mountains (Krušné hory) are also visible on the horizon.

How do you get to Erbenova vyhlídka?

Several marked hiking trails converge on the tower, making it a flexible destination whether you're after a short walk or a longer hike. A yellow-marked trail starts right at Ústí nad Labem's main train station, so visitors arriving by train can set off directly on foot. Alternative routes include a blue and a green trail from the Dobětice neighbourhood, plus a separate green trail starting at the Chuderov bus stop. This network of approaches makes it easy to combine the lookout with a longer walk through the surrounding hills.

When is the best time to visit?

The tower is accessible year-round, and much of its appeal lies in the wooded approach through the forests covering the slopes of Brandtova výšina. Autumn and early spring tend to offer the clearest views of the distant Central Highlands peaks, since the air is crisper and the trees haven't yet filled out with leaves that can obscure the panorama. The shelter added near the tower in 2025 also makes a visit more comfortable during colder or unpredictable weather.

Frequently asked questions

How many steps lead up the tower? There are 56 steps in total, spread across two viewing platforms.

Where does the name Erbenova vyhlídka come from? It's named after Alexander Erben, chairman of the German mountain club Gebirgsverein Aussig, which built the current tower in 1933.

What's the easiest way to reach the tower? The most direct route is the yellow-marked trail starting at Ústí nad Labem's main train station.

What views does the platform offer? A panorama of Ústí nad Labem below, plus the Czech Central Highlands peaks of Buková hora, Milešovka and Bořeň, with the distant Ore Mountains visible on clear days.