The Diana Observation Tower stands on Friendship Hill above Karlovy Vary, in the spa forests that cover the hills around the town. Built in 1914, it gives a wide view over the town, the valleys of the Ohře and Teplá rivers, and the Ore Mountains. You can reach it by the Diana funicular or on foot along the forest paths. Entry to the tower is free. The grounds around it have a mini zoo and a butterfly house, so allow time to look around.
Built in the spa forests
The tower was designed by local architect Anton Breinl and built between 1912 and 1914. It is the youngest and best known of the lookout towers around Karlovy Vary. Its brick body has a wooden gallery, and the tower is on the list of cultural monuments.
The hills made the area hard to build on, but the same geology created the hot springs that made Karlovy Vary famous as a spa town. Five lookout towers were built in the city and its surroundings over time, and the Diana tower was the last of them. It stands on Friendship Hill, known in Czech as Výšina přátelství.
What the view covers
From the top you see most of the town, the valleys of the Ohře and Teplá rivers, and large parts of the spa forests. Further out are the Ore Mountains, with their highest peak Klínovec, the Doupov Mountains and the Slavkov Forest. On a clear day, the tops of the Smrčiny Mountains can be seen about 70 kilometres away to the west-south-west.
The tower is about 40 metres tall. To reach the top, you climb about 150 steps or take the lift.
Getting up by funicular or on foot
The Diana funicular leaves from near the Grandhotel Pupp about every 15 minutes. It climbs about 166 metres in roughly three minutes. On foot, the walk from the same area takes around half an hour, through the forest and past several lookout pavilions.
The halfway stop is Deer Leap, known in Czech as Jelení skok. There, a wooden gazebo called Mayer's Gloriette is the oldest sightseeing structure in the area.
Fares change, so check the operator's current prices before you go. Entry to the tower itself is free.
Around the tower
The grounds include a mini zoo with miniature pigs and pygmy goats, a butterfly house with tropical butterflies, and a playground. There is a restaurant with a terrace, and a small kiosk in front of the tower sells street food and drinks at budget prices.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is there an entry fee for the tower?
Entry to the tower is free. The Diana funicular is paid, so check its current fares before you go.
How do you get to the top?
Take the Diana funicular from near the Grandhotel Pupp, which runs about every 15 minutes and takes about three minutes, or walk up the forest paths. Once at the tower, you can take the lift or climb about 150 steps.
How long do you need?
Plan 30 to 45 minutes at the tower. Add time for the funicular or the walk, and for the grounds.
Is the tower open every day?
Yes, the tower is open seven days a week.
Should I buy tickets in advance?
Advance tickets are recommended.
