Královka, Observation tower in Janov nad Nisou, Czech Republic.
Královka is a stone observation tower on Nekras Hill at 859 m above sea level in the Jizera Mountains, in the Janov nad Nisou area less than a kilometre from Bedřichov. The tower is 23.5 m tall, its viewing platform sits at 20.5 m, and 102 stairs lead up to it.
The original wooden structure was built in 1888, but was later destroyed and replaced by a new stone tower constructed in 1907. This reconstruction made it more durable against harsh mountain conditions.
The hill was formerly called Königova vyhlídka or Nekras, and the German name Königshöhe is still used. The chalet built next to the tower in 1934 replaced a wooden pub from 1890 that burnt down in 1933. After 2013 the site was revitalised and a self-service restaurant, Královská restaurace, opened in the main building.
Access to the tower is provided through hiking trails, cycling routes, and cross-country ski paths available year-round. Sturdy footwear is recommended, and visitors should be cautious in windy conditions since the platform is fully exposed.
The tower's German name, Königshöhe, and the Czech Královka both mean "King's Height"; the hill itself was earlier called Königova vyhlídka or Nekras. The 1934 chalet replaced a wooden pub from 1890 that burnt down in 1933.
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