Gablenz's Obelisk in Trutnov

Gablenz's Obelisk in Trutnov is a 20-metre cast-iron monument standing on Šibeník Hill right above the town, built in 1868 to commemorate the Battle of Trutnov fought on 27 June 1866. It is one of the few places in the region where the Austro-Prussian War still feels tangible — visitors can climb an internal staircase to the top and take in the same landscape that once served as a battlefield.

Who was the monument named after?

The obelisk honours General Ludwig von Gablenz, commander of the Austrian X Army Corps, whose troops defeated the Prussian army here on 27 June 1866. The Battle of Trutnov was the only Austrian victory on the northern front of the 1866 war — the rest of the campaign ended badly for Austria. That single win came at a heavy price: Austrian losses reached nearly 5,000 soldiers, roughly four times the Prussian casualties. The obelisk lists the names of fallen Austrian officers along with the casualty figures for each unit that took part in the fighting.

Why is the general buried here?

General Gablenz's story took a dramatic turn after the battle. In January 1874 he took his own life in Zurich, where he was initially buried. It was only in September 1905 that his remains, together with the original tombstone, were transferred from the Zurich cemetery to Trutnov and placed in the crypt of the monument built in his honour. As a result, the structure serves a double purpose — both a battle memorial and the resting place of the commander whose army won here.

What is there to see on site?

The obelisk doubles as an observation tower. An internal spiral staircase leads up to a viewing platform, offering views over Trutnov and the surrounding Krkonoše foothills. The monument is also the starting point for a longer visit: it forms part of an educational trail dedicated to the 1866 battle, which winds through the former battlefield around the town.

When can visitors go inside?

The tower is open to the public only during the summer season. In July and August, it opens Saturday through Monday, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission is a modest 20 CZK per person. Outside this window the tower itself stays closed, though the hill and the area around the monument remain accessible year-round.

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors climb to the top of the obelisk? Yes, an internal spiral staircase leads to a viewing platform, but access is limited to the summer season on specific days and hours.

Who is buried inside the monument? The crypt holds the remains of General Ludwig von Gablenz, commander of the victorious Austrian army at the Battle of Trutnov, brought from Zurich in 1905.

Which battle does the obelisk commemorate? The Battle of Trutnov of 27 June 1866, the only Austrian victory on the northern front of the Austro-Prussian War.

How much does admission cost? Entry to the viewing tower costs 20 CZK per person, payable on site during the summer opening season.

How do you get to the monument? The obelisk stands on Šibeník Hill right next to Trutnov and forms part of a local educational trail dedicated to the 1866 battle.