About this place
The lookout tower on Svatý kopeček stands above the town of Kadaň in the Chomutov district, crowning a basalt hill roughly 390–400 meters above sea level. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks of western Bohemia, visible from almost anywhere in town.
How do you get to the tower?
A blue-marked hiking trail leads from the center of Kadaň to the summit, and the walk takes only about fifteen minutes. Drivers can use a small parking area just below the top, leaving only a short uphill stretch on foot to the tower itself. Entry is free and the site is open year-round.
What is the history behind the tower?
The first viewing pavilion on Svatý kopeček was built around the turn of the 20th century (some sources date it to 1925). It burned down in the 1960s, leaving behind only a stone base, the entrance stairway, and eight concrete pillars. These original elements survived and were incorporated into the tower that stands today.
The current lookout tower was built between July and October 2003, with its ceremonial opening on October 13 of that year. The upper viewing platform sits about 9 meters above the level of the original floor, reached by a spiral steel staircase running through the tower's steel frame. The total height of the structure, measured from ground level, is around 16 meters.
What can you see from the viewing platform?
The upper terrace opens onto a wide panorama of the Krušné hory (Ore Mountains), with the range's highest peak, Klínovec, visible on the horizon, as well as the Doupovské hory on the opposite side. Below, the Ohře river winds past the historic core of Kadaň. On clear days you can also make out the silhouettes of the Prunéřov and Tušimice power plants, along with the area around the Nechranice reservoir and the town of Klášterec nad Ohří. It is precisely this mix of landscapes — river valley, historic town, two mountain ranges, and industrial chimneys — that makes the view stand out in the region.
Who is this lookout point for?
The short approach and free admission make the Svatý kopeček tower a good target both for a quick family walk and as part of a longer hiking route around Kadaň. It pairs naturally with a visit to the town itself, whose historic center is clearly visible from above.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee for the tower? No, access to the tower is free and available year-round.
How long is the walk from central Kadaň? Following the blue trail from the town center typically takes around fifteen minutes.
Can you drive close to the tower? Yes, there is a small parking lot just below the summit, leaving only a short walk on foot to reach the tower.
What can you see from the top platform? A panorama of the Ore Mountains with Klínovec, the Doupovské hory, the Ohře river, the town of Kadaň, and, in good weather, the Prunéřov and Tušimice power plant chimneys.
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