Kuníček observation tower

The Kuníček observation tower rises above the summit of Hodětín hill (572 m) in the municipality of Skoupý, right on the border with Petrovice, in the Příbram District of Central Bohemia. It's one of the more unusual lookout towers in the region, combining an eye-catching steel structure with panoramas that stretch as far as the Šumava mountains.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The tower stands a short walk from a car park near the village of Kuníček — about 500 meters along a forest path that climbs gently uphill. The route is easy enough for families, though the final stretch has a noticeable incline. There's no direct public transport to the site, so most visitors arrive by car or bicycle; local hiking and cycling trails connect the tower with both Skoupý and Petrovice.

What makes the tower's design unusual?

Opened on 28 June 2003, the tower stands 60.02 meters tall, making it one of the taller lookout towers in the Czech Republic. Its structure is an unusual mix: a steel lattice frame wrapped around a central steel tube, set into a reinforced-concrete base shaped like two concentric cylinders clad in fieldstone. A staircase winds up through the internal tube to two viewing platforms — a lower one at 9.6 meters and the main platform at 36.6 meters.

What can you see from the top?

From the upper platform, visitors get one of the most rewarding views in the central Vltava region. On clear days the panorama takes in the Brdy hills and, further away, the peaks of Šumava, while closer to hand lies the rolling landscape known as the "Czech Siberia" — the hilly borderland between the Příbram and Benešov districts. The area is also known for a geological curiosity nearby: the largest rocking boulder (viklan) in the Czech Republic, which makes the walk to the tower worthwhile even before reaching the top.

When is the best time to visit?

Visibility is usually best on clear autumn and winter days, when the air is drier and there are no leaves blocking the view. In summer, an early morning visit beats the haze that tends to build up later in the day. The tower is open year-round, but the internal staircase can get slippery in icy conditions, so sturdy footwear is worth packing.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? The tower is freely accessible; any current fee information is best confirmed directly with the Petrovice municipality before visiting, as arrangements can change.

Can you reach the tower without a car? Yes — local hiking and cycling trails link it to both Skoupý and Petrovice, though this takes considerably longer than driving to the car park at Kuníček.

Is the walk suitable for children? The approach from the car park is short and easy, but the steep spiral staircase inside the tower needs supervision with young children.

What else is worth seeing nearby? The Czech Republic's largest rocking boulder (viklan) sits close to the tower, and the surrounding Czech Siberia hills are popular for longer hikes.