Rozhledna Hanse Kudlicha

Hans Kudlich Lookout Tower rises above the village of Úvalno in the Moravian-Silesian Region, just a few kilometers from Krnov. Perched on Strážiště hill at roughly 400 meters above sea level, it has been a landmark of this part of Czech Silesia for more than a century.

Who was Hans Kudlich?

The tower is named after Hans Kudlich (1823–1917), a physician and politician who served as a deputy in the Austrian Imperial Parliament. He is best remembered for proposing, in 1848, the abolition of serfdom and the forced labor obligations (robota) that bound peasants to their feudal lords — a role that earned him the nickname "liberator of the peasants." The tower itself was built in 1913 as a memorial in his honor, designed by brothers Oskar and Eugen Felgel and constructed by the Opava-based building firm of Julius Lundwall.

What's inside the tower?

The ground floor houses a vaulted chamber that serves as Hans Kudlich's mausoleum — an unusual combination for a lookout tower, which is normally built purely for sightseeing. Standing 22 meters tall, the structure had a turbulent history: after 1945 it fell into disrepair and stood neglected for decades, until a thorough reconstruction allowed it to reopen to visitors in 2000.

How do you get there?

The tower sits right above the built-up area of Úvalno, so the walk up from the village center typically takes fifteen to twenty minutes uphill. It's a popular target for day hikes and cycling trips from Krnov and nearby towns; the trails leading to Strážiště hill are well marked, and the climb doesn't require any special fitness.

What's the view like?

From the observation platform, visitors get a panorama over the Jeseníky foothills and the rolling countryside along the Czech-Polish border near Krnov. On clear days, both the Jeseníky mountain range and the lowlands toward Opava are visible. It's one of those regional viewpoints that combine scenery with history — a visit doubles as a short lesson on the fate of Silesian peasants in the 19th century.

What else is nearby?

Right below the tower there's an outdoor public swimming pool, which makes the spot worth visiting in summer even aside from the tower itself. A restaurant nearby means the trip can easily be extended into a longer break after the climb down.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the Hans Kudlich lookout tower? The tower is 22 meters tall and stands on Strážiště hill at about 400 meters above sea level.

Who was Hans Kudlich? Hans Kudlich (1823–1917) was a physician and politician, a deputy in the Austrian Imperial Parliament, known for initiating the abolition of serfdom in 1848.

Is there more to the tower than a viewpoint? Yes — the ground floor serves as Hans Kudlich's mausoleum, making it both a lookout tower and a memorial site.

Since when has the tower been open to visitors? It was built in 1913, fell into ruin after 1945, and reopened to the public in 2000 following a full reconstruction.