Slovanka (820 m a.s.l.) is a forested peak in the Jizera Mountains that hides a remarkable treasure — the oldest iron observation tower in the Czech Republic, standing here since 1887. It is a place where a pleasant woodland walk rewards you with history, fresh air, and views across the Maxov Ridge.

The summit sits in the Maxov Ridge, close to the Severák ski resort near Hrabětice. The landscape is dominated by dense forest, and the trails leading up are gentle and well-suited for families or casual walkers. In summer the trees provide welcome shade; in winter the surroundings transform into a quiet snowy scene, and the old iron tower takes on a beautifully austere character against the pale sky.

How to get to the summit

• From Hrabětice or the Severák resort area — forest trails lead to the summit, estimated walking time approx. 30–45 minutes, difficulty: easy.

Practical information

• The Slovanka mountain hut (built in 1928) stands at the summit and offers a resting point for visitors.
• The observation tower is open to the public — it stands 14 m tall in total (a 3 m stone base plus an 11 m cast-iron structure).
• The tower has been a listed technical monument since 1999 and was fully restored and reopened on 5 July 2000.

At the grand opening of the tower in August 1887, some 5,000 visitors turned up — and the voluntary entrance fees they paid on that single day covered the entire cost of building and transporting the structure from Vienna. A funding story that many modern projects can only dream of.