The Stachelberg fortress, which the tower overlooks, was designed as part of the Czechoslovak border fortification system against Nazi Germany.
Construction of the underlying fortress was abandoned in 1938 following the Munich Agreement.
The tower design features a helical staircase wrapping around a central pillar.
Stachelberg is one of the largest artillery fortresses in the world that was never completed.
The name 'Eliška' is derived from a local historical association related to the fortress grounds.
Rozhledna Eliška is a steel observation tower located atop the Stachelberg fortress complex near Trutnov. The structure rises 24.5 meters in height, with an observation deck positioned at 18.5 meters above ground level. It stands on the site of the unfinished Stachelberg artillery fortress, which was intended to be the largest defensive fortification in Czechoslovakia during the 1930s. The tower is constructed from galvanized steel and offers panoramic views of the Krkonoše Mountains and the Vraní hory range. The surrounding terrain features a complex network of underground corridors and concrete bunkers that remain accessible to visitors. It serves as a focal point for history enthusiasts interested in interwar military engineering.
The top observation deck facing west toward the Krkonoše Mountains.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear if you plan to explore the surrounding bunker trails.
Bring a windbreaker, as the elevated location is exposed to strong gusts even on sunny days.
Combine your climb with a guided tour of the underground bunker system to fully understand the location's context.
Attempting to enter restricted or gated areas of the bunkers without an official guide.
The tower is generally closed during the winter season; the site typically operates from spring through autumn.
