In Czech Switzerland, there will be a lookout from an atypical viewpoint near Růžová

Růžová (Děčínsko) - People will be able to view the Czech and Saxon Switzerland from a new lookout this winter. The atypical structure has started to be built near the village of Růžová in Děčín district after nearly twenty years of preparations. Interested parties can contribute to the construction of the tower through a public collection.

Three observation towers have stood on Růžák hill throughout history, all of which eventually succumbed to fire. The new structure will be made of concrete and may resemble the design of the National Library by architect Jan Kaplický. "The shape of the lookout was designed long before Kaplický's library and originated from the ideas of young architects from Liberec. Unfortunately, they have since aged," said Mayor Helena Křížková to ČTK.

Concrete was chosen for its durability and unusualness. "Concrete is quite appropriate considering that the area of the municipality was part of the line of fortifications from World War II. There were a total of 12 bunkers," the mayor stated.

Construction work has now begun. Before that, ownership relationships had to be clarified, and a land use plan for the municipality had to be created. "And, of course, not least, the preparation took so long because we negotiated for several years with representatives of the Protected Landscape Area of the Elbe Sandstones," Křížková added.

Originally, the observation tower was to be twelve meters tall, but after discussions with conservationists, it will only be 6.2 meters. Nevertheless, it will offer views of Czech and Saxon Switzerland; tourists will be able to see sights such as Lilienstein, Groser Winterberg, Papstein, Pravčická Gate, as well as Milešovka in the Czech Central Mountains, Sokolí vrch, Sněžník, Jedlová, and other hills.

The costs of construction are 2.5 million crowns. The municipality has announced a public collection, which currently has 200,000 crowns in it. Interested parties can purchase a step for 20,000 crowns, with a plaque bearing the donor's name to be placed on the step, or a plaque with a name for 500, 1000, or 2000 crowns. For half a million crowns, it will also be possible to acquire the name of the lookout, but this must be approved by the council.

The rough construction is expected to be completed by the end of September, with a planned completion by November, when plaques with the names of donors will be installed in the interior. Access to the lookout, which is 500 meters away from the nearest parking lot, will be free.