The tower was inaugurated on July 6, 1901, making it one of the oldest in the Plzeň region.
The structure is built entirely of red brick, a notable departure from the wooden towers common at that time.
The tower was out of service for over two decades during the 20th century due to its use as a television relay station.
The summit of Krkavec hill has been a popular excursion site since the late 19th century.
The 116 steps leading to the top are located outside the main brick cylinder, spiraling along the exterior wall.
The height of the tower is exactly 18 meters, placing the observation platform at 522 meters above sea level.
It is a protected technical monument of the Czech Republic.
The masonry incorporates specialized yellow and red brick patterns typical of Bohemian industrial architecture.
Rozhledna Krkavec is an 18-meter-tall brick observation tower situated on the 504-meter-high Krkavec hill near Plzeň. Built in 1901 by the Club of Czech Tourists, it is one of the oldest observation towers in the region. The structure features a distinctive circular brick design with an external staircase winding around the tower core. Visitors climb 116 steps to reach an open observation deck that provides panoramic views of the Bohemian Forest (Šumava) and the Krušné hory mountains. The tower is managed by a local hospitality establishment located at its base, which provides refreshments and services. It serves as a major waypoint for regional hiking and cycling trails connecting the town of Ledce to the surrounding wooded landscape. The brick masonry was restored in the 1990s to ensure structural integrity after years of limited access. It remains a historic example of turn-of-the-century tourist infrastructure in Western Bohemia.
From the ground looking upward to capture the contrast between the red brick tower and the surrounding forest canopy.
Bring binoculars to identify the distant silhouette of the Šumava mountains on clear days.
Wear sturdy footwear suitable for forest paths, as the approach is primarily unpaved terrain.
Check the local social media page for the tower operator before departing, as the tower entrance is tied to the adjacent building's status.
Attempting to drive directly to the tower; the site is accessible primarily by walking or cycling from the village periphery.
The tower entrance is typically accessible during the operating hours of the adjacent restaurant; closed seasonally in deep winter if weather conditions make the external stairs hazardous.
Respect the privacy of the adjacent hospitality area and adhere to marked forest trails to protect local flora.
