Kraví hora

Kraví hora is a wooden lookout tower standing on the Olbramy hill between the villages of Bořetice and Němčičky in South Moravia, right at the heart of one of the Czech Republic's most celebrated wine-growing regions. Built to commemorate Bořetice's win in the nationwide "Village of the Year 2005" competition, the tower quickly became a local landmark surrounded on all sides by rows of vineyards.

How to get there?

The hill sits at an elevation of 272 meters between Bořetice and Němčičky, in the Břeclav district. This is classic wine country — narrow roads wind through the vineyards on the way in, and the tower itself lies along a route popular with cyclists and hikers exploring the Kyjov hills and the area around the Nové Mlýny reservoirs. The easiest approach is by car or bicycle from Bořetice, following the marked trail through the vineyards.

What will you see?

The tower was built in 2006 by local craftsmen and residents, giving it a distinctly grassroots, community character. The wooden structure stands 15 meters tall and has four viewing levels, with the highest covered platform at 12 meters. Sixty-five steps lead to the top.

From the upper platform, the view takes in landmarks typical of the region: the Nové Mlýny reservoirs, the Pavlov Hills ridge, and the gentle rises of the Kyjov hills. Above all, though, the tower offers a sweeping panorama of the vineyards that surround it on every side — these vineyards, together with the numerous wine cellars in the neighboring villages, are the main reason visitors come to this corner of Moravia.

It's worth noting that access to the tower is occasionally closed due to structural concerns — before setting out, it's a good idea to check the current status with local tourist information sources, as renovation work is underway.

When should you visit?

The best time to visit is late summer and early autumn, when the vineyards on the surrounding slopes turn vivid colors as the grapes ripen and visibility from the tower is at its best. Spring has its own charm too, with fresh green vine shoots contrasting against blossoming orchards in the valleys below. The region is also known for its numerous grape-harvest festivals in autumn, making that season especially appealing for combining sightseeing with local wine tasting.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Kraví hora tower built? The lookout tower was built in 2006 by local residents to commemorate Bořetice's win in the "Village of the Year 2005" competition.

How tall is the tower and how many levels does it have? The wooden structure is 15 meters tall with four viewing levels; the highest covered platform sits at 12 meters and is reached via 65 steps.

What can you see from the viewing platform? A panorama of the Nové Mlýny reservoirs, the Pavlov Hills ridge, the Kyjov hills, and the extensive vineyards surrounding Bořetice and Němčičky.

Is the tower always open to visitors? Not always — access is occasionally suspended for structural safety reasons, so it's worth checking the current status before visiting.