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Poledník Observation Tower: A Window to the Bohemian Forest

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Discover panoramic views and Cold War history at Poledník Observation Tower in Šumava National Park, Czech Republic.

Poledník Observation Tower, a former Cold War military radar station, now offers stunning panoramic views of the Šumava National Park and the Bohemian Forest. Standing at 1,315 meters, the 37-meter-high tower provides vistas stretching as far as the Alps on clear days.

A brief summary to Poledník

  • Monday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Poledník.

  • Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit for the best visibility.
  • Wear comfortable hiking shoes, as the trails can be uneven and steep in sections.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy at the observation deck while soaking in the views.

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Getting There

  • Hiking

    The most popular approach to Poledník is via hiking trails from Prášily. From the center of Prášily, follow the red-marked tourist path towards Jezero Laka (Lake Laka). After approximately 3.6 km, turn left onto the green trail towards Poledník. After another 3.9 km, turn left again to follow the track leading to the summit and the observation tower. The hike from Prášily to Poledník is approximately 10 km and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Note: There is an entrance fee to climb the tower: 60 CZK for adults and 30 CZK for children under 18.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Poledník by public transport, take a bus to Prášily. Buses are available from Sušice and Železná Ruda. From Prague, a direct bus line to Prášily is also available. Once in Prášily, follow the hiking directions to reach the Poledník Observation Tower (approximately 8 km hike). Bus fares vary depending on the origin. A single bus ticket from Sušice to Prášily costs approximately 40-60 CZK. From Prášily, follow the red-marked hiking trail towards Poledník. Note: There is an entrance fee to climb the tower: 60 CZK for adults and 30 CZK for children under 18.

Discover more about Poledník

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.

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