Růženka Observation Tower
The new observation tower with the poetic name Růženka has been open to the public since spring 2018 on the Pastevní vrch hill (402 m.a.s.l.), in the municipality of Růžová. The municipality of Růžová is located 8 km from the municipality of Hřensko – the border crossing with Germany. There is also an educational trail leading through Pastevní vrch (402 m.a.s.l.).
The observation tower itself is only 6.5 m high with a beautiful all-round view. On the German side you can see, for example, Grosser and Kleiner Zchirnstein, Pfaffenstein, Papststein, Lilienstein, Kaiserkrone, etc., and on the Czech side you can see Vlčí hora, Pravčická brána, Vysoký Sněžník, Jedlová or Studenec and others.
The Green Tower in Růžová was created by the architects of the MJÓLK association, who designed the Vokurka Tower in Heřmanice and are currently in the building permit phase for the Tanvaldem Lookout, the Finkenstein Lookout in Smržovka, the White Tower in Bílý potok and others. The tower should acquire its green color by growing with appropriately selected plants within a few years. Despite being made of concrete, its appearance will not disrupt the appearance of the hill.
The viewpoint is located on the land of the municipality of Růžová and all the land used during the construction is owned by it. So far, the costs incurred in connection with the preparation of project documentation, biological assessment of the area and issuance of a building permit and the construction itself have amounted to 2.7 million CZK. The above costs were partially shared by citizens and entrepreneurs of the municipality. The citizens of the municipality and supporters of the viewpoint contributed to the construction of this work in a public collection in the amount of 300,000 CZK.
Pastvní vrch, formerly called Hutberg, is at first glance a low hill 402 m above sea level. Its peak was already a popular place in the past with a beautiful panoramic view. There was a windmill here, later the Hubertusbaude restaurant with a viewing terrace. However, the mill burned down in 1868 and the pub burned down on 6. 2. 1932. The foundations of the building are still visible today. At the top of Pastevní vrch is a cross, which was originally wooden. In 1809, Johann Christoph Schubert from Růžová built a stone cross here. Two prayer processions ascended the cross every year. In the spring, the village went out to pray for good weather and a good harvest, and in the autumn, the residents of Růžová came to thank for the harvest and protection of the village. The hill was also used for observation by various armies, not only in times of war. A military guard unit with radar was also stationed here after 1945. The soldiers left the hill in 1948.
Today, the Růžová Nature Trail leads through Pastevní vrch. We recommend walking the 10 km route to all tourists who like beautiful views, fresh air, colorful nature and are eager for knowledge. Around the nature trail you will find First Republic strongholds and you will learn a lot of interesting information about the local flora, fauna and history. The trail continues through the forest to Kamenická Stráně, to Dolský mlýn and under Růžovský vrch back to Růžová.
The viewpoint is open year-round and there is no entrance fee.