Milešovka - Lookout Tower

Milesovka (837 m) is the highest mountain in the Czech Central Highlands (Ceske stredohori). Although relatively modest in the altitude, its almost perfect conical shape dominates the the surrounding landscape. The actual rise of the mountain above the terrain is about 400 meters. The steep shape of Milesovka’s phonolite mound betrays volcanic origin, as does other picturesque hills and peaks of the Czech Central Highlands. Archaeological discoveries show that Milesovka was frequently visited from prehistoric time. The first permanent shelter was built on the summit in 1825. Naturalist Alexander von Humboldt visited the peak several times, calling the view from the top the third most beautiful in the world. Today, the peak is a bit crowded, there is a watchtower (built in 1904) and a meteorological observatory complex. The mixed forest on the slopes of the mountain hosts many protected species such as eagle owl, sparrow-hawk, buzzard or bee-eater. Characteristic are also bizarre “flag” and “bayonet” shapes of branches of wind-swept spruces close to the top.