Osičina

Osičina is a modest but locally well-known hill in the Rychnov nad Kněžnou district of the Hradec Králové region, rising to 416 metres above sea level roughly a kilometre north-west of the village of Vojenice. Geologically it belongs to the Orlická Table (specifically its Třebechovice sub-unit) and is built of spongolite and marlstone. The hill itself barely stands out from the surrounding terrain — its topographic prominence is only 26 metres — yet it has become a recognisable landmark thanks to the steel tower on its summit.

Where did the lookout tower come from?

The structure was originally erected in the winter of 2002 as a mobile-network transmission mast for T-Mobile. Only afterwards was a viewing platform added and opened to the public, on 25 June 2004. That dual origin still defines the tower today: it continues to carry telecommunications equipment while also functioning as an observation point. The whole structure reaches 54 metres, with the viewing platform sitting at 33 metres above ground, reached by 165 steps.

What can you see from the top?

The climb is rewarded with a wide panorama that stretches well beyond the immediate countryside. On a clear day, visitors can pick out the Orlické Mountains, the Krkonoše (Giant Mountains), Kralický Sněžník, the Table Mountains across the border in Poland, the Železné hory (Iron Mountains), the area around Hradec Králové, the Rozkoš reservoir, the Opatovice power plant, and the distinctive hill of Kunětická hora. That range of views is part of why the tower is a popular stop for hikers and cyclists exploring the Podorlicko region.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Less than a kilometre from the tower (about 0.9 km) stands the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes, accompanied by a Stations of the Cross route — a quiet pilgrimage spot that contrasts with the more touristy character of the tower itself. A little further away, roughly 1.8 km from the hill, is the Church of St. Prokop in the village of Přepychy. The cadastral boundary of three villages — Vojenice, Záhornice and Přepychy — actually meets near the summit of Osičina, making the spot something of a shared corner for all three communities.

How do you get to Osičina?

The hill is easy to reach: a road connecting Vojenice and Záhornice runs past it and is accessible by car, and it is also served by marked hiking trails and cycling routes. At the foot of the tower there is a small refreshment stand offering hot and cold drinks, which makes Osičina a comfortable stop on a longer outing through Podorlicko rather than only a standalone destination.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the lookout tower on Osičina? The structure is 54 metres tall, with the viewing platform at 33 metres above ground, reached via 165 steps.

Does the tower serve any purpose besides tourism? Yes — it was originally built in 2002 as a mobile-network transmission mast and still functions as one alongside its role as a viewpoint.

When was the tower opened to visitors? On 25 June 2004.

How high is the hill of Osičina itself? 416 metres above sea level, with a topographic prominence of 26 metres.

What can you see from the observation deck? Among other things, the Orlické Mountains, the Krkonoše, Kralický Sněžník, Poland's Table Mountains, the Železné hory, and Kunětická hora.

Are there other attractions nearby? Yes — the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes with its Stations of the Cross (about 0.9 km) and the Church of St. Prokop in Přepychy (about 1.8 km).