Horní les

Horní les is a steel lookout tower standing on the hill of the same name right next to the village of Rovečné in the Vysočina region. The Horní les summit (774 m above sea level) is the highest point of the Hornosvratecká vrchovina, part of the Svratecká hornatina nature park, and the tower itself rises 59 metres above the ground. It's one of the most recognisable landmarks in the Bystřicko nad Pernštejnem area, visible from a considerable distance thanks to its slender silhouette.

Where did the tower on Horní les come from?

The site's history as a vantage point goes back to the 19th century — a trigonometric survey point was already marked on the summit in 1824. From 1918 onward there are records of a wooden survey-and-lookout tower locally nicknamed "Rakušanka." A 38-metre wooden structure was built here in 1968–69, but by 2000 it had become unsafe and its remains had to be dismantled. In its place, a telecommunications company built the current steel tower in 2001–2002, combining a transmitter mast with a public observation platform.

How do you get to Horní les?

The easiest route is the red-marked trail leading directly from Rovečné — about 3.3 km with 210 metres of elevation gain, so the climb takes under an hour at a relaxed pace. This same red trail forms part of a longer route running from Letovice through Křetín and Olešnice all the way to Rovečné and up to the summit. An alternative is the blue-marked trail, which approaches from Vír via the settlement of Chlum and continues on toward Nyklovice, Hlásnice and Svojanov — a good option for anyone planning a longer hike linking several points in the region.

What can you see from the observation deck?

A spiral staircase of 201 steps leads up to the top of the tower. The viewing platform sits 38 metres above the ground, which, combined with the elevation of the hill itself, puts the observation point at roughly 803 metres above sea level. From up there the panorama stretches well beyond the immediate surroundings: to the north you can make out Rovečné below, the ruins of Zubštejn Castle, and the Vírská přehrada reservoir. On clear days the view extends to the Orlické Mountains, the Jeseníky range with Praděd, and even as far as the Krkonoše and Králický Sněžník — making Horní les one of the longest-reaching viewpoints in the Vysočina region.

When should you visit?

The tower is open to visitors free of charge every season from 15 April to 15 October. Outside that window the platform is closed, so it's worth timing a trip around these dates, especially if the view from the top is the main reason for coming.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the Horní les tower? The structure is 59 metres high, with the observation platform positioned at 38 metres above ground level.

How many steps are there to the top? 201 steps on a spiral staircase inside the tower lead up to the viewing platform.

Is there an entrance fee? No, access to the observation platform is free of charge.

When is the tower open to visitors? Seasonally, from 15 April to 15 October — outside these dates the platform is not accessible.

How long does the hike from Rovečné take? Via the red-marked trail it's about 3.3 km with 210 m of elevation gain, so under an hour at an easy pace.