Zelenkův kopec

Zelenkův kopec is a hill rising to 666 metres above sea level, located about 1 km north of the village of Ústup in the Blansko district of Moravia. For over a decade it was known for its wooden lookout tower, though today the spot is worth a visit mainly for the wide panorama the hilltop itself still offers.

What happened to the lookout tower?

The wooden observation tower on Zelenkův kopec was built following the design of a similar structure erected earlier near the town of Olešnice in 2004. The hexagonal tower, about 7 metres tall, officially opened to visitors on 20 December 2006. Two viewing platforms were reached by ladders, giving the structure a simple, hikers'-trail character rather than that of a grand landmark.

Over time the tower's technical condition deteriorated. In spring 2020 it was closed to the public for safety reasons, and in spring 2022 it was finally dismantled. No tower stands on the hilltop today.

What can you still see from Zelenkův kopec?

Even without the tower, the hill itself offers a pleasant ground-level view. On clear days you can make out the Žďárské vrchy range and the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands (Českomoravská vrchovina), and on exceptionally clear days even the distant Jeseníky and Orlické mountains. That keeps the spot popular with hikers looking for a wide panorama without needing to climb a tower.

How do you get there?

Zelenkův kopec sits just off the road connecting the villages of Ústup and Veselka, a few metres from the roadside among open fields. It's easy to reach by car or bike thanks to its proximity to the road, and the hilltop can also be worked into a longer walking route through the Blansko and Boskovice area — a region known for several other lookout towers and marked trails, making it simple to combine with other nearby stops.

When is the best time to visit?

Because the hill is an open spot surrounded by fields, the best visibility usually comes on clear days, especially in spring and autumn when the air tends to be cleanest and distant mountain ranges are most visible. In summer, haze can reduce how far you can see.

Frequently asked questions

Is the lookout tower on Zelenkův kopec still standing? No. The wooden tower was closed in 2020 due to its poor condition and was dismantled in spring 2022.

How high is the hill? Zelenkův kopec reaches 666 metres above sea level.

What can you see from there? On clear days, the Žďárské vrchy range and the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands are visible, and in very good conditions even the Jeseníky and Orlické mountains.

How do you get to Zelenkův kopec? The hill lies along the road between Ústup and Veselka in the Blansko district, easily reached by car, bike, or on foot.