Panorama Observation tower

Panorama is a wooden-and-steel lookout tower perched on the slopes of Kabátice hill above the village of Chlebovice, roughly 5 km from Frýdek-Místek in the Moravian-Silesian region. It's a favorite short trip for locals — the climb is easy, but the payoff is a wide view over the Ostravice valley and the surrounding hills.

How do you get there?

The simplest option is to drive to Chlebovice and park near the ski lift, leaving only about 500 meters to walk to the tower. Hikers can instead follow the yellow-marked trail that starts in Chlebovice: after roughly 800 meters you leave the marked path and continue along an unpaved forest track for about another kilometer. The route isn't technically demanding and works well for families with children.

What will you see from the top?

The tower stands 22 meters tall and has two viewing platforms — the first at 15 meters, the second at 17.7 meters, reached via 93 steps. From the upper platform you can look out over the Olešná reservoir, the town of Frýdek-Místek, and the ridgeline of the Beskydy Mountains. On a clear day the view stretches to distinctive peaks further along the horizon. The tower is freely accessible year-round, with no entrance fee and no fixed opening hours.

When is the best time to visit?

Clear autumn and spring days offer the best visibility, when the air is crisp and the foliage doesn't yet (or no longer) block the panorama. Summer weekends can get busier thanks to the nearby ski lift and cycling trails, while winter access paths can turn icy, so sturdy footwear is worth packing.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Right next to the tower stands a monument to František Lazecký, a poet and writer with local roots. In Chlebovice itself, visitors can also stop by a small beekeeping museum housing a collection of traditional hives and bee products — a pleasant addition if the tower visit is part of a longer walk through the area.

Panorama was built between 2000 and 2001 and opened to the public on July 29, 2001. Since then it has become one of the quieter tourist symbols of the Frýdek-Místek area — less famous than the main Beskydy peaks, but just as rewarding for anyone looking for a short, calm outing that ends with a genuinely good view.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for the tower? No, Panorama is freely accessible and free of charge year-round.

How far is the walk from the parking area? From the parking spot near the ski lift in Chlebovice, it's about 500 meters to the tower. Following the yellow trail from the village center instead makes for a longer route, partly along a forest path.

How many steps lead to the top? 93 steps lead to the upper viewing platform, with two viewpoints along the way at 15 and 17.7 meters.

What can you see from the tower? The Olešná reservoir, the town of Frýdek-Místek, and the ridge of the Moravian-Silesian Beskydy Mountains.