Findlaterův obelisk

Findlater's Obelisk is an eight-metre, three-sided sandstone column standing quietly in the spa woods above Karlovy Vary, on a saddle below the Výšina přátelství (Height of Friendship), along the path leading up to the Diana observation tower. It sits only a short uphill walk from the town centre, yet sees far fewer visitors than the colonnades below.

Who was Lord Findlater, and why does he have a monument here?

The column was commissioned by the Karlsbad Town Council to honour James Ogilvy, Earl of Findlater, a Scottish nobleman who fell in love with the spa town's forests and viewpoints. Between 1793 and 1810 he stayed in Karlovy Vary fourteen times, and on each visit he poured money into the town's paths and shelters — funding the construction and expansion of several promenades and arbours throughout the wooded hills around the resort. As early as 1801 he financed a lookout shelter above the Teplá river that still stands today under the name Findlater's Arbour, a short walk from the obelisk itself.

When was it built and unveiled?

The obelisk went up in 1804 as the town's formal gesture of gratitude toward its Scottish benefactor, and it was officially unveiled on 4 August 1804. No record survives of the architect or stonemason behind the design, so its author remains unknown.

What does the obelisk look like?

It is a slender, three-sided, gently tapering column assembled from cut sandstone blocks, rising eight metres above the forest floor. Nearby stands a historic stone reconciliation cross, part of the same quiet corner of the spa woods.

Where exactly is it, and how do you get there?

The obelisk stands west of the town centre, in a saddle just below the Height of Friendship, on the route toward the Diana lookout tower. The easiest approach is to follow the yellow-marked trail from the Hot Spring (Vřídlo) in the town centre straight up to the monument. Alternatively, take the Diana funicular from Grandhotel Pupp, get off at the intermediate Jelení skok stop, and continue on foot along the forest paths that climb toward the obelisk.

Has it been restored?

Yes — the obelisk underwent a thorough restoration in 1913, and again in 2007, which brought it to its current, well-preserved condition.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Lord Findlater? James Ogilvy, Earl of Findlater, a Scottish peer who visited Karlovy Vary fourteen times between 1793 and 1810 and funded the expansion of its spa-wood promenades and arbours.

Why was the obelisk built? The Karlsbad Town Council raised it to thank Findlater for his long-running generosity toward the town's spa forests.

What is the obelisk made of? Cut sandstone blocks, forming an eight-metre, three-sided, tapering column.

When was it unveiled? On 4 August 1804.

How do you reach it on foot? Via the yellow tourist trail from the Hot Spring in the town centre, heading toward the Diana observation tower.

Is there anything else nearby worth seeing? Yes — a historic stone reconciliation cross, and Findlater's Arbour above the Teplá river, another structure the earl financed.