Dalimilova is a mess
25 min from the Settlement
Dalimilova rozhledna – observation tower on Větrov Hill
Dalimilova is a mess is one of the most beautiful observation towers in the Sudetes. The stone structure is erected on the top Vetrov in the Czech Rychlebské Mountains. It is a copy of the old tower that was located on Śnieżnik. An easy, short and pleasant trail leads to the tower. Not far from it there is Paprsek shelter with a free, large playground.
A replica of the former observation tower on Śnieżnik
Dalimilova rozhledna is an observation tower built in 2021. It was built by Dalimila Mika, as a completely private initiative. It is a replica of the former observation tower that was located on Śnieżnik. The initiator of the idea to build the tower on the Větrov peak (918 m above sea level) is the son of the owners of the Paprsek chalet. For decades, they have been promoting tourism in the Rychlebské Mountains on the Polish-Czech border. They were also witnesses when the tower on the top of Śnieżnik was demolished in 1973. Their stories about it fascinated their son Dalimil so much that he decided to build a replica.
The lookout tower on Śnieżnik - a stone beauty that has ceased to exist
The first one observation tower on Śnieżnik was opened in 1899, after more than 4 years of construction. Prince Albrecht Hohenzollern himself attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The beautiful stone tower was a tourist destination for many years. It was 34 meters high. It had two viewing terraces. One was located at 17 meters and the other at 33 meters. The tower building also housed a small inn.
Observation tower on Śnieżnik after 1945 it began to fall into ruin. All because there was no one willing to maintain it. The harsh weather conditions it was exposed to caused it to quickly deteriorate. In the 1960s, stones began to fall from the tower, the internal stairs collapsed, and the windows were broken. As a result, in 1966 the tower was closed to tourists. Due to the lack of funding for its renovation, in 1973 it was decided to blow it up in the air.
The remains of the tower lay on the top of Śnieżnik until 2021. That was when the construction of a new tower. Its shape and appearance, however, met with many negative opinions. At the same time, on the Větrov peak, located a dozen or so kilometers from Śnieżnik, there was already a replica of the old tower, erected on Śnieżnik in 1899.
Dalimilova rozhledna, or the most beautiful observation tower in the Sudetes!
Dalimilova rozhledna, or translating into Polish – Dalimila observation tower. It took its name from the name of the person who came up with the idea of its construction. In our opinion, it the most beautiful observation tower in the entire Sudetes. The stone structure fits perfectly into the landscape of the Rychlebskie Mountains. Its appearance is simply fairy-tale-like. As if it had been taken straight from a Disney movie.
What is important, during the construction of the Dalimila observation tower, emphasis was placed on exact reproduction of the old building from Śnieżnik. The one on the top of Větrov looks identical. It is also 34 meters high and has two viewing terraces – located at 17 and 33 meters. They are surrounded by stone battlements. To get to the top, you have to overcome winding granite stairs. There is also a refreshment point in the Dalimila viewing tower. Just like in the old days on Śnieżnik.
Dalimilova rozhledna - how to get there?
The top of Větrov, on which stands the Dalimilova rozhledna, leads several routes. Two of them are short and very easy, so we can recommend them to families with children. We can reach Dalimilova Rozhledna also by starting the trail from Poland. Details below.
From the village of Velké Vrbno (1.5 km; 25 min)
This is the shortest and easiest option to get to the Dalimila Tower. We can leave our car at the free parking lot under the ski lift. From there, we will reach the tower after a wide, paved road after just 1.5 km walk. The route can be covered with a pram, but it is important that it has off-road, inflatable wheels.
https://mapa-turystyczna.pl/map/widget/route/h1l0p0/33ve2.htmlRoute: Velké Vrbno, lanovka – Větrov, Dalimilova rozhledna | mapa-turystyczna.pl
From the Paprsek shelter (2 km, 30 min)
A slightly longer walking option, but also not very strenuous. Paprsek shelter we can get there by our own car. There is a large and free parking lot. From there, we reach the Dalimila tower by a wide, forest road, following the green trail. This section can also be covered with a pram.
https://mapa-turystyczna.pl/map/widget/route/h1l0p0/3yyjo.htmlRoute: Paprsek, turistická chata – Větrov, Dalimilova rozhledna | mapa-turystyczna.pl
From Staré Město (5 km; 1h 30 min)
A slightly longer route. It is marked by a green trail, which then leads to Paprsek.
https://mapa-turystyczna.pl/map/widget/route/h1l0p0/3mlyf.htmlRoute: Staré Město – Větrov, Dalimilova rozhledna | mapa-turystyczna.pl
From Petříkov (8 km; 2h): red trail to the Paprsek cottage
It leads along the ridge of the Rychlebské Mountains — a very pleasant and wide path. And then the green trail to Větrov;
https://mapa-turystyczna.pl/map/widget/route/h1l0p0/3gnrl.htmlRoute: Petříkov, okraj – Větrov, Dalimilova rozhledna | mapa-turystyczna.pl
From Bielice (10.5 km; 2 h 30 min)
A long but picturesque route from Bielice. Initially we follow the blue trail along Biała Lądecka. It leads first to the Polish-Czech border and then to the Paprsek chalet. Then we follow the green trail towards Větrov;
https://mapa-turystyczna.pl/map/widget/route/h1l0p0/3z0mr.htmlRoute: Bielice, forester's lodge – Větrov, Dalimilova rozhledna | mapa-turystyczna.pl
You can also easily reach Dalimilova rozhledna by bike. A trail leads through the Rychlebskie Mountains. a dense network of bicycle routes. Trips can be started both on the Polish side - in Bielice, Stary Gierałtów or on the Płoszczyna Pass, as well as on the Czech side. In winter, the most popular means of transport in this area are cross-country skiing trails.
Dalimilova rozhledna - entrance tickets
Admission to the Dalimila observation tower is subject to a fee. The cost for one person is 120 Czech crowns. Children up to 6 years of age are exempt from the fee. Tickets are purchased from a machine. You can pay in cash or by card. There is also a ticket machine in the observation tower. catering point. You can buy drinks, snacks and souvenirs there. The tower also has apartment for rent.
Dalimilova is a mess is open from 10 am to 4 pm. It is closed during the winter. Its owner also states that it may be closed in unfavourable weather conditions. Therefore, it is worth visiting it in good weather.
What can you see from the Dalimila observation tower?
Dalimilova rozhledna offers a wonderful panorama. From its viewing terraces we can see the highest peaks of the Hrubý Jeseník Mountains Great-grandfather, Keprnik and Serac in the main role. In addition, there is a visible Snowflake with a new observation tower. We can also see Paprsek and the highest peak of the Rychlebskie Mountains, Smrk.
Viewing the views from the Dalimila observation tower is made easier by special boards. They contain a very detailed description of the panorama. Inside the tower, you can learn about the history of the observation tower from Śnieżnik. The fate of the shelters that have operated in the Śnieżnik massif over the years is also described. One of the more interesting is the Lichtenstein shelter, which was located right next to the famous elephant statue.
