Stříbrná krasavice

Stříbrná krasavice ("Silver Beauty") is an observation tower standing on the summit of Andrlův Chlum (560 m above sea level), within the cadastral territory of the municipality of Řetová in the Ústí nad Orlicí district, Pardubice Region, eastern Czech Republic. The iron structure earned its poetic nickname from its slender, gleaming silhouette, visible from a distance above the town of Ústí nad Orlicí.

How do you get there?

The tower sits on the Andrlův Chlum hill, in the northern part of the Řetová cadastral area, directly above the town of Ústí nad Orlicí. It's a well-known destination for hikers and cyclists exploring the surrounding Pardubice and Ústí nad Orlicí region. Right next to the tower stands the Hvězda mountain lodge, a convenient stop for a rest before or after the climb.

What will you see?

The current tower is a modern, multifunctional structure combining telecommunications and observation purposes. It was built in 1996 and officially opened on 19 May of that year. The tower reaches a total height of 49.4 meters, with the observation platform positioned at 34.6 meters, reached via 183 steps. From the top, visitors get a wide panorama over the surrounding hills of the Podorlicko area and the town of Ústí nad Orlicí spread out below.

Interestingly, the present-day tower is not the first to stand on this summit. An earlier wooden tower was built here in the summer of 1905, thanks to the efforts of the Ústí nad Orlicí Beautification Society. That original structure stood for over a decade before mysteriously burning to the ground within a few hours on the morning of 17 April 1918. Today's iron tower represents a much later revival of the lookout tradition on the same hilltop.

When should you visit?

The tower is open to visitors year-round, though on a varying schedule. From March to October it's open daily except Mondays, from 10:00 to 17:00. During the winter months, from November to February, access is limited to weekends only, and only when there's no frost. The spring-to-autumn season is therefore the most reliable time to visit, offering consistent opening hours and more stable conditions at the summit.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the name Stříbrná krasavice come from? The nickname refers to the appearance of the iron tower, which, seen from a distance above Ústí nad Orlicí, resembles a slender, silvery silhouette rising above the hills.

How many steps lead to the observation platform? The observation platform, located at a height of 34.6 meters, is reached by climbing 183 steps.

Is this the first tower ever built on this summit? No. An earlier wooden observation tower was built in 1905 but burned down in 1918. The current iron structure dates from 1996.

Is there anywhere to rest near the tower? Yes, the Hvězda mountain lodge stands right next to the tower and is a popular stopping point for hikers heading up Andrlův Chlum.