Rozhladňa Dúbravka

Rozhľadňa Dúbravka rises above the village of Soblahov, on the western edge of the Strážovské vrchy mountains, at an elevation of 323 metres, roughly 9 km from Trenčín. This wooden lookout tower was built in 2015 through a grassroots local initiative and has since become one of the best-known short hikes near Trenčín.

How was the tower built?

The tower was constructed in 2015 on the initiative of the civic association Spolok priateľov Soblahova (Friends of Soblahov), with Miroslav Mrázik as the driving force behind the project. The architectural design came from Ing. arch. Ján Kvasnica. Notably, the entire construction was financed exclusively from private sources, without public grants — a significant achievement for a small village. The grand opening took place on 29 November 2015, and the tower quickly became a local gathering point and a popular target for weekend walks.

What can you see from the top?

The structure stands 9.5 metres tall and has two viewing levels. Its lower section includes a covered seating area, so visitors can rest even before climbing to the top. From the upper platform, the view stretches across the Považský Inovec range, the White Carpathians (Biele Karpaty), and the Strážovské vrchy themselves, along with nearby villages such as Trenčianska Turná, Mníchova Lehota, Nové Mesto nad Váhom, and Trenčín. On clear days visibility extends well beyond the immediate hills, making the spot worth visiting at both sunrise and sunset.

How do you get there?

The easiest approach leads past the cemetery in Soblahov, from which the tower is only about a 10-minute walk at an easy pace. Hikers starting directly from Trenčín can follow the red-marked trail through the Brezina forest park, a route that takes around 1 hour 30 minutes. The path runs close to the former route of the Trenčín–Selec forest railway, adding a bit of local history to the walk.

What should you know before visiting?

Right next to the tower there's a public fireplace with benches and a covered seating area, making the site suitable for a longer break, a picnic, or a get-together with friends rather than just a quick photo stop. Access to the tower is free, and neither approach — from the cemetery or via the Trenčín trail — requires any special level of fitness, making it a good option for families with children.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Rozhľadňa Dúbravka? The tower is 9.5 metres tall and has two viewing levels.

When was the tower built? Construction was completed in 2015, with the official opening held on 29 November 2015.

How long does it take to walk from Trenčín? Following the red-marked trail through Brezina forest park takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. The shorter route via the cemetery in Soblahov takes only around 10 minutes.

What views does the tower offer? From the top you can see the Považský Inovec range, the White Carpathians, the Strážovské vrchy, and surrounding villages including Trenčín, Trenčianska Turná, and Mníchova Lehota.