Lookout Tower Šiška

Šiška Viewing Tower rises in Ladronka Park in Prague's Břevnov district (Prague 6), on the ridge connecting the hills of Bílá Hora and Petřín. It's one of the more unusual observation towers in Prague — both for its shape and for the unlikely material it was built from, as well as the journey it took before landing in this park.

Where does the name come from?

The steel structure stands just 11.5 meters tall, but its ribbed, tapering silhouette immediately brings to mind a pinecone — hence the Czech name Šiška ("pinecone"). It was designed by Czech sculptor and architect Čestmír Suška (born 1952), known for turning discarded industrial objects into public art that anyone can walk up to and climb.

What was it built from?

The tower began life as an abandoned water cistern, found lying in a field near the town of Trutnov. Suška reshaped the disused tank into an open, spiral-staircase viewing tower — a striking example of industrial recycling turned into a functional, publicly accessible landmark rather than scrap left to rust.

A traveling tower

Šiška wasn't built for Prague originally. It was created in 2013 as a "traveling viewing tower" and, before settling in the capital, stood successively in České Budějovice, Brno, and Trutnov. It arrived in the Prague 6 district in October 2020, on free loan from Suška, initially agreed for a year and a half, and has remained in Ladronka Park since.

Getting there

The tower stands in Ladronka Park, a popular green space for walks and recreation among Prague 6 residents, sitting on the ridge of high ground between Bílá Hora and Petřín. It's reachable by tram or bus from the city center, followed by a short walk through the park toward the raised viewing point.

What will you see from the platform?

A spiral staircase of 41 open steps leads up to the viewing platform. From there, visitors get views over the greenery of Ladronka Park and the surrounding high ground between Bílá Hora and Petřín — a popular stop for a quick family outing combined with a panorama of western Prague, without needing to plan a full day trip.

When to visit?

The tower is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00, and admission is free. Right next to it stands the Šiška Café, built in the same distinctive style as the tower itself — a good spot for a break before or after climbing up to the platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is the Šiška Viewing Tower? The steel structure is 11.5 meters tall, with 41 open steps leading up to the viewing platform.

Is there an entrance fee? No, admission is free, and the tower is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00.

Where does the name "Šiška" come from? The name comes from the tower's shape, which resembles a pinecone (Czech: šiška). It was designed by sculptor and architect Čestmír Suška.

Is there somewhere to sit nearby? Yes, the Šiška Café stands right next to the tower, designed in a similarly artistic style to the structure itself.