Location: On Výšina přátelství (Friendship Height) directly above the centre of Karlovy Vary
Elevation: 562 metres above sea level
Period of construction: Between 1912 and 1914
Official opening: 27 May 1914
Total height: 40 metres
Height of lookout platform: 35 metres
Number of stairs: 150
Accessibility: Accessible during opening hours

Diana Observation Tower opening hours

How to get there

Route 1: The easiest way to the Diana Observation Tower is to travel by the funicular from Grandhotel Pupp in the centre of Karlovy Vary. You may use the lift instead of climbing the stairs to the top of the observation tower.
 

Route 2: In case you would like to treat you body to some physical exercise, you may choose from a number of amazing walking routes that lead to the observation tower on the hill, for example the blue-marked tourist path from Stará Louka (Old Meadow), or Walking Tour 13.

History of the structure

The hill offering a breathtaking view of the spa town in the valley below was discovered as a destination for hikers by local cutler Václav Drumm and his uncle, chronicler August Leopold Stöhr, who had hewn their way through the thick woods and had placed two resting stools at the lookout point. Contemporary guides promoted the site as a lookout with the best view of the spa throughout the 19^th century. As years went by, prominents began to appear among the hikers heading to the newly landscaped lookout point, including Johann Wolfgang Goethe or Theodor Körner. Until the beginning of the 20^th century, they had to climb up the hill on foot.

The funicular leading to the top of the hill was built in 1909 and a hunting lodge with the adjoining observation tower were constructed by the firm of local builder František Fousek according to the design of architect Anton Breinl also from Karlovy Vary between the years 1912 and 1914. The brick observation tower was equipped with a modern electric lift. The grand opening took place on 27 May 1914 and the site immediately became a popular destination of the spa guests. The observation tower had been named after Hans Kudlich before World War II and in honour of President Edvard Beneš for a short period after 1945, ultimately, however, the name Diana prevailed.