In Heřmanice, a new observation tower in the shape of a cucumber has been completed

Heřmanice (Liberecko) - A new lookout tower in the shape of a cucumber is now open in Heřmanice in the Liberec region. Cyclists can reach it via a newly constructed bike path, and a parking lot has been built nearby for motorists. The municipality will provide additional facilities next year. Vladimír Stříbrný, the mayor of Heřmanice, told ČTK this.
         "We want to have a refreshment stand here. Someone from the locals who is unemployed could work there over the summer," Stříbrný said. The construction of the bike path and lookout tower cost around seven million crowns, of which about half was used for the wooden building.
      The lookout tower, with a diameter of five meters, is to be one of the main attractions along the bike path built as part of the Czech-Polish program Objective 3. It runs from the Polish town of Bogatynia through Heřmanice to Dětřichov. On the Czech side, 7.5 kilometers of routes have been added, connecting with other paths. These include links to the Pašerácká or Krakonoš trails.
      The 24-meter-high lookout tower is made of high-quality larch wood. It features 99 steps, and due to the double spiral staircase, tourists will not meet those descending on their way up. From the top, visitors can see the Jizera and Lusatian Mountains, the Zittau Basin, parts of Heřmanice, Dětřichov, and the Turów power plant in Poland.
      The lookout was originally to be built three years ago, but the municipality first faced problems securing a bank loan, and then it was hit by devastating floods. The original project also changed; the wooden structure on 54 legs ultimately ended up straight. "We wanted to have a curved, somewhat more dynamic lookout tower. We compromised due to the budget," said architect Jan Mach from the Liberec studio Mjölk, who authored the design, previously to ČTK. The top of the lookout had to be adjusted as well, allowing visitors to have unusually two viewing levels. "Since the design four years ago, the surrounding trees have grown and partially obstructed the view," the architect noted.