The lookout tower on Jitrovník hill in Šluknov in Děčín will open in September

author: Ing. arch. Tomáš Beneš

Šluknov – Šluknov in the Děčín region has begun the construction of a lookout tower, which will return to the top of Jitrovník after more than 120 years. The original lookout tower is today commemorated by two anchoring blocks that once served to secure the cable ensuring the stability of the former structure. The city, along with the Czech Tourist Club, is preparing for the opening on September 26. In the future, the city hall plans to build a parking lot at the foot of the hill. The lookout tower will cost around 13 million crowns. Martin Chroust, head of the development and environmental department at the city office, told ČTK.

Currently, the steel supporting structure of the lookout tower is being constructed. "It's not a typical building that takes place in one location. Most of the production happens in a hall where the lookout tower is being prepared, and the actual assembly will only take place at the top," Chroust said. So far, everything is going according to plan. Chroust praised the good preparation of the project.

Near the top of the 510-meter-high hill, people can sign their names and write messages in a notebook placed in a wooden box on a tree. In addition to Czechs, Germans and Poles often conquer this elevation. "The opening will take place on the occasion of an international hike from three directions," Chroust explained about the September opening of the lookout tower. The city will also improve the greenery in advance.

In recent years, the city has expanded its network of hiking trails. Hikers will also be able to access the future lookout tower via the local hiking trail. Under Jitrovník, there is a trail marked with yellow signs, which the Czech Tourist Club will extend to the new structure. Overall, according to Chroust, the trail network in Šluknov is nearly complete. The last section, which will guide visitors through sacred monuments, will be added this year.

The city will retain the anchoring blocks at the top. A notebook will also remain near the lookout tower. The original wooden lookout tower will be commemorated by the wooden cladding that will surround the new structure. Its height will be different. The lookout tower from 1888 was 24 meters tall; the new destination for hikers will be seven meters higher. Although many trees have largely disappeared from the once densely wooded hill due to the bark beetle calamity in recent years, the design of the lookout tower has accounted for their return. The views of the surrounding area are expected to delight visitors even in decades to come, once the forest regrows. Chroust promises views from Sněžka to Klínovec.

The original lookout tower was lost in a storm in 1903. The galvanized steel structure promises a lifespan of at least 70 years. The elliptical structure was designed by architect Tomáš Beneš.

On the way to the future lookout tower, hikers will be able to glimpse the remains of Vogel's hut. The restaurant was built by Johann Vogel in 1888. Later, the building served as a recreational center. It burned down in 1998 and has been left to decay since.