Kelčský Javorník

Kelčský Javorník is the highest summit of the Hostýnské vrchy range, rising above the village of Rajnochovice in the Zlín Region of the Czech Republic. At roughly 865 metres above sea level, it is topped by a striking lookout tower that has turned the peak into one of the best-known viewpoints in the eastern part of Moravia.

What makes the lookout tower special?

The steel-and-timber tower was built between 2014 and 2015, designed by Ing. Ondřej Balážik together with Marta Balážiková and Pavel Petrů. It stands 35 metres tall, with the upper viewing deck set at a height of 30 metres — putting visitors at roughly 893 metres above sea level. Its distinctive silhouette comes from a central steel core carrying a spiral staircase, wrapped by twelve curved larch-wood slats that give the structure a smooth, almost sculptural profile rather than the boxy look of a typical lookout tower.

How many steps lead to the top?

Reaching the platform takes 156 steps. Every eleventh step widens into a small landing, giving hikers a natural spot to pause and take in the view before continuing the climb.

What can you see from the platform?

On a clear day the panorama stretches across a large part of eastern Moravia and into Slovakia: the wooded ridges of the Hostýnské vrchy right below, the Moravian Gate, the Moravian-Silesian and Vsetín Beskids, the Javorníky range, the Chřiby hills with Buchlov Castle, the White Carpathians, and the Vizovice Highlands. Under exceptionally clear conditions, the Jeseníky Mountains with Praděd, Králický Sněžník, and — across the border — the Považský Inovec and Malá Fatra ranges also come into view.

Is there an entrance fee?

No — access to the tower is free, with only a donation box on site to support its upkeep. It stays open year-round, making it a popular destination in every season, from summer hikes to winter walks through snow-covered forest.

How do visitors reach the summit?

Kelčský Javorník sits at the heart of the Hostýnské vrchy, close to the village of Rajnochovice, and is reached via a network of marked hiking trails winding through the range's forests. It draws day-trippers from across the wider Valašsko region and from nearby Hostýn, making it one of the area's most visited natural landmarks.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Kelčský Javorník? The peak reaches about 865 metres above sea level, making it the highest point in the Hostýnské vrchy.

How tall is the lookout tower? The structure is 35 metres high, with the main viewing deck at a height of 30 metres.

How many steps does the tower have? Visitors climb 156 steps to reach the observation deck, with a landing after every eleventh step.

When was the tower built? It was constructed between 2014 and 2015, designed by Ing. Ondřej Balážik, Marta Balážiková, and Pavel Petrů.

Is entry to the tower free? Yes, admission is free; only a voluntary donation box is available on site.

What views does the tower offer? On clear days you can see the Beskids, Javorníky, Chřiby with Buchlov Castle, the White Carpathians, and even the Jeseníky Mountains and Slovakia's Malá Fatra.