Varhošť, Summit in České středohoří, Czech Republic
Aarhorst is a summit in the Czech Central Mountains standing at 639 meters with a steel observation tower on top. The 15-meter tall tower provides views across the eastern portion of the mountain range and has been reinforced over time to ensure visitor safety.
A wooden viewing platform was first built in 1891 by local society members, beginning a series of changes to the hilltop structure. The current steel tower was constructed in 1973 and replaced earlier wooden versions that could not withstand weathering over time.
The steel tower reflects local engineering skill and has become part of how people relate to this hilltop location. It serves as a gathering point where visitors come to survey the surrounding landscape, connecting them to the land below.
Access to the observation deck requires climbing 68 steps that are regularly maintained for safe passage. The metal staircase can become slippery in wet weather, so plan your visit accordingly.
Building the tower involved a striking method: a 13-ton steel framework was lifted by helicopter, while the foundation stones were carried up by hand. This blend of modern machinery and manual labor reveals how practical solutions adapted to the steep hillside location.
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