Rozhledna Žaltman

Žaltman observation tower stands on the highest peak of the Jestřebí Mountains, right on the border between the villages of Radvanice and Velké Svatoňovice in the Trutnov district, about 2 km north of the center of Malé Svatoňovice. It's one of the most visited viewpoints in the Kladské Pomezí region, sitting at a crossroads of trails linking Radvanice with the rest of the Jestřebí range.

How do you get to Žaltman?

The tower sits on the 740-meter summit, and it's reachable only on foot or by bike via marked trails — there's no road access for cars. The shortest approaches run about 4 km each, from either Radvanice or Malé Svatoňovice. A slightly longer but equally popular route starts in Odolov, roughly 8 km away. Entry to the tower is free and it's open year-round.

What can you see from the top?

The current structure is a 25-meter steel tower, with its highest viewing platform sitting at 23.5 meters. Getting there means climbing 122 steps. The climb pays off: on a clear day you can see the Krkonoše (Giant Mountains), the Orlické Mountains, the Trutnov area, the Adršpach rock town, the Rýchory hills, the Vraní hory across the border in Poland, and further landmarks like Králický Sněžník, Zvičina, Kumburk, and Trosky. It's one of the widest panoramas anywhere along the Czech-Polish borderland.

What's the history behind this tower?

The first tower on Žaltman was built between 1966 and 1967, put up through volunteer labor by members of the TJ Baník Malé Svatoňovice sports club. It officially opened to visitors on September 24, 1967, and served as the region's main viewpoint for more than five decades. Over time the steel structure deteriorated, and trees growing around it began blocking the very views it was built for. The old tower was dismantled in October 2019, and a new, taller structure went up in its place over the following year. The replacement opened on a deliberately symbolic date — September 24, 2020, exactly 53 years after the original tower first opened.

Who is this trip for?

Žaltman makes for a straightforward day trip or bike outing — the approach is moderately demanding but requires no ticket or booking. The summit sits at a junction of trails connecting Radvanice, Malé Svatoňovice, and Odolov, so it's easy to combine the climb with a longer walk through the Jestřebí Mountains. It suits both visitors chasing a scenic high point for their hike and anyone interested in the local history of volunteer-built tourist infrastructure.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for the Žaltman tower? No, entry is free, and the tower is open all year round.

How many steps lead to the top? There are 122 steps to the highest viewing platform, and the tower itself is 25 meters tall.

Where's the closest place to start the hike? The shortest routes, about 4 km each, start in Radvanice and in Malé Svatoňovice. From Odolov it's around 8 km.

How does the current tower differ from the original one? The first tower, built in 1966–1967, was dismantled in 2019 due to poor condition and trees blocking the view. The new, taller tower opened in 2020, exactly 53 years after the original.