Poledník Observation Tower: A Window to the Bohemian Forest

Perched atop one of the highest peaks in the Šumava National Park, the Poledník Observation Tower offers visitors a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Originally a military radar station used during the Cold War to monitor radio communications, the tower was once a closely guarded secret, even omitted from some maps. After the Velvet Revolution in 1989, the military abandoned the site. In 1997, the Šumava National Park Administration purchased the building and began an extensive refurbishment. The tower was transformed into a public observation point, opening in July 1998. The reconstruction included adding windows to the fiberglass extensions (previously used for wiretapping and radar equipment) and a new walkway on top of the building. Today, the Poledník Observation Tower stands 37 meters high, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. From the top, visitors can see the Bavarian Forest, the peaks of Šumava, and, on days with exceptional visibility, even the distant Alps. The name Poledník, meaning "Meridian" in Czech, likely originated from local loggers who used the mountain's peak to determine when it was noon. The tower is accessible via several hiking trails, with the most direct route starting from the village of Prášily. The tower is open daily (except November through April) and has a small admission fee.