Tetřev

Tetřev is a steel observation tower near Łomna Dolna, standing on the summit of Čerchlaný Beskyd — the eastern shoulder of Velký Polom (Wielki Połom) mountain in the Moravian-Silesian Beskids, on the Czech side of the border. The tower itself sits at an elevation of 944 metres above sea level, stands ten metres tall, and its viewing platform is reached via forty steps.

How do you get to the Tetřev tower?

The tower rises in the hilly terrain of the Moravian-Silesian Beskids, close to the village of Łomna Dolna near the Polish-Czech border. Access runs along hiking trails that follow the ridge of Velký Polom — this is mountainous ground, so a walking or cycling trip should be planned with sturdy footwear and enough time in hand. The most convenient approach starts from settlements at the foot of the range, from where the trails climb gradually through forest typical of the Beskids, tracing the flank of Velký Polom before reaching the Čerchlaný Beskyd summit where the tower stands.

What can you see from the viewing platform?

Despite its modest ten-metre height, the tower's position at 944 metres above sea level lifts visitors above the treeline covering the slopes of Velký Polom. Forty steps lead to the platform, which opens onto the surrounding hills of the Moravian-Silesian Beskids — a range of gentle, forested ridges characteristic of this stretch of the Carpathians along the Polish-Czech border. The spot suits hikers looking for a quiet vantage point away from crowds, without the effort of climbing the region's highest summits. The climb up the steps is short, so the panoramic reward arrives quickly once you reach the top.

When is the best time to visit?

Like most mountain lookout towers, Tetřev is best visited on clear days — spring, summer, and early autumn, when trails are dry and easy to walk. In winter, access can be harder due to snow and icy patches on the steeper sections, so it is worth checking trail conditions before setting out. Morning hours, when the air tends to be clearer, usually offer the best visibility from the platform.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly does the Tetřev tower stand? On the summit of Čerchlaný Beskyd, the eastern shoulder of Velký Polom mountain in the Moravian-Silesian Beskids, at 944 metres above sea level, near Łomna Dolna.

How tall is the tower itself? The structure stands ten metres tall.

How many steps lead to the viewing platform? Forty steps lead up to the platform.

Is the hike difficult? The terrain is mountainous, typical of the Moravian-Silesian Beskids — reaching it requires reasonable fitness and proper footwear, but no climbing skills.