Kraví hora Lookout Tower
From the platform at a height of 32 meters, the lookout tower offers a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks of the Novohradské Mountains on both the Czech and Austrian sides, the Budweiser and Třeboň Basin, the Slepičí hory, Kleť in the Blanský Forest, parts of the Bohemian Forest, and further into the inland.
Accessibility
Year-round
Entrance fee
Free
How to get there
Starting Points for Hiking to Kraví hora
There are several starting points for hiking to Kraví hora.
- From the Pilgrimage Church of Our Lady the Comforter in Dobrá Voda:
If you visit the church, you can start directly from the church square and follow the red-marked hiking trail of the Czech Tourist Club (KČT). This route leads from Nové Hrady through Terčino údolí, Horní Stropnice, and further over the peaks of Kraví hora and Kuní hora to Benešov nad Černou.
If you arrive in Dobrá Voda by car, you can park either at the old cemetery at the village entrance or in the parking lot in front of the church. - From Hojná Voda:
Another starting point is the village of Hojná Voda. You can leave your car in the central parking lot and follow the green-marked KČT hiking trail, which takes you on a circular route over the summit of Kraví hora and back to Hojná Voda. Along the way, you can stop at the Zvon Setkávání (Bell of Encounters) for a beautiful view towards Nové Hrady.
If you walk from the parking lot towards Dobrá Voda and turn left at the František Binder monument, the trail leads past the Hojná Voda cemetery to a crossroads where the green and red trails merge. From here, both trails continue towards the summit of Kraví hora. The green trail ascends to the lookout tower before descending steeply back to Hojná Voda. In this section, you can see the rock formation Napoleonova hlava (Napoleon’s Head). - Alternative Route from Hojná Voda:
Another convenient way to reach the summit of Kraví hora is by partially following the green hiking trail and then taking an unmarked forest road. Follow the green route towards Staré Hutě, then shortly after leaving Hojná Voda, turn right and continue along the green trail. Instead of taking the steep ascent, you can walk along a comfortable unmarked forest road to a junction where the red trail from Kraví hora to Kuní hora passes. From here, turn right, ascend towards the summit, and continue along the green trail to the lookout tower.
Is there a commemorative stamp available?
Yes
Additional information
At the summit, the striking rock formations are impossible to miss, including the well-visible Napoleonova hlava (Napoleon’s Head), which stands 10 meters high. On the southern slope, there is a slowly overgrowing rock field.
Do you know that...
...this is the oldest historical lookout tower in the Novohradské Mountains? Previously, an air defense observation post stood at this location. After 1989, it lost its original purpose and was converted into a telecommunications tower, which now also serves as a lookout tower.
