The Most Beautiful Lookout Towers in the Beskydy Mountains: Overview and Tips

The most beautiful lookout towers in the Beskydy Mountains are at Pustevny (the Jurkovič Tower), on Velký Javorník and on Soláň. From Penzion Anděl in Rožnov, you can reach the nearest ones by car in 20 to 30 minutes, and most make for a relaxed half-day trip. Below you will find an overview with views, distances and a tip on when to set out.

Which lookout towers in the Beskydy Mountains are the most beautiful?

The Beskydy Mountains are a paradise for lovers of fine views, and lookout towers belong here like cake belongs with coffee. Some are wooden and historic, others newer, but every one rewards you with a far-reaching view across the ridges. Here is a quick overview of the ones you can reach most easily from Rožnov:

Lookout tower	Where to find it	By car from Rožnov	Climb up	View of
Jurkovič Tower	Pustevny	about 30 min	cable car from Trojanovice or on foot	Radhošť and the ridges
Velký Javorník (918 m)	above Frenštát	25–30 min to Frenštát	1.5–2 h on foot	Radhošť, Lysá hora, the Moravian Gate
Soláň	between Karolinka and Velké Karlovice	20–25 min	an easy walk along the ridge	the Beskydy and the Javorníky

Treat the distances as approximate, they refer to driving time from the guesthouse to the starting point. Check opening hours and any admission fees for each tower in advance, as they tend to be limited outside the season and in winter.

The Jurkovič Tower at Pustevny

A classic, and perhaps the best-known viewpoint in the area. It stands at Pustevny, next to the Art Nouveau buildings designed by architect Dušan Jurkovič, the Libušín and Maměnka lodges, which are a national cultural monument.

• Distance from Rožnov: roughly 30 minutes by car to the car park below Pustevny.
• You can also ride up comfortably by chairlift from Trojanovice.
• Views of Radhošť, the surrounding ridges and valleys, with the Libušín and Maměnka lodges right next door.
• From here, a comfortable ridge trail leads to Radhošť, about 4 km long. We describe it in our article about Pustevny and Radhošť.

The lookout tower on Velký Javorník

A wooden lookout tower on the summit of Velký Javorník (918 m above sea level) above Frenštát pod Radhoštěm, with a mountain lodge right beside it. It is a bit higher up, but the reward is a full panoramic view of the horizon.

• Distance from Rožnov: roughly 25 to 30 minutes by car to Frenštát, then the climb.
• The walk up takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours one way.
• A panoramic view of Radhošť, Lysá hora and the Moravian Gate.
• You can find the detailed route and tips in our article about the lookout tower on Velký Javorník.

What do the viewpoints on Soláň offer?

Soláň is the “painters’ hill” between Karolinka and Velké Karlovice, where the views come with an artistic atmosphere and the Zvonice gallery. It is the closest of our three and you can manage it comfortably even with children.

• Distance from Rožnov: roughly 20 to 25 minutes by car towards Velké Karlovice.
• Easy walks along the ridge, gentle enough for families.
• Far-reaching views into the Beskydy and the Javorníky on a clear day.
• Read more about the ridge, the gallery and the surroundings in our article about Soláň and its views.

Which lookout towers can you manage with children?

Most of them work even with small hikers, just choose according to little legs. You can reach the viewpoints on Soláň and at Pustevny by an easy path, and part of the climb to Pustevny can be shortened by cable car. A few dozen steps usually lead up to the viewing platform itself, so keep that in mind if you are bringing a stroller.

• Easiest with children: Soláň (a relaxed walk along the ridge) and Pustevny (cable car from Trojanovice).
• More demanding: Velký Javorník, where the climb takes 1.5 to 2 hours on foot.
• It tends to be windy on the ridge even in summer, pack a jacket for the children.

When is the best time for the lookout towers?

You will enjoy them most on clear days, when the views truly come into their own, that is the whole charm of it. It is beautiful in summer, but also in autumn, when the forests turn orange. Set out in the morning to beat the weekend crowds at the car parks and have the ridge to yourself for a while.

“The lookout towers only work with good visibility, so set out in the morning. Over breakfast, we will gladly tell you where the views will be best that day.”

How to combine the lookout towers with a stay in Rožnov?

You have most of the Beskydy lookout towers within reach of the guesthouse, so you can comfortably work through them during a single stay. After your trip, settle into our quiet rooms, enjoy specialty coffee and a homemade cake in the café, and warm up your tired legs in the private sauna.

Would you like to tour the Beskydy lookout towers over a single weekend? Take a look at the available dates in our reservation or call +420 602 541 112, we will gladly help you plan a route to suit the weather and your legs. For more tips on trips in the area, see our things to do nearby page. We look forward to welcoming you.