Hnědý vrch, Observation tower in Pec pod Sněžkou, Czech Republic.
Hnědý vrch is a 30.8-metre wooden observation tower on the summit of the same name at 1,207 m, southwest of Pec pod Sněžkou. It has a triangular cross-section, an internal steel spiral staircase around a central shaft and three viewing platforms, the highest at 27 m reached by 138 steps. It stands beside the upper station of the four-seat chairlift.
The tower was designed by architect Michal Rosa and built by Skanska between September 2008 and June 2009 for 15 million Czech korunas, funded by the EU through the project improving access and tourist infrastructure in Pec pod Sněžkou. It opened on 1 July 2009.
The tower stands beside the upper station of the four-seat chairlift from Pec pod Sněžkou, whose lower station is at the Zelený potok car park. The lift runs in winter for skiers and in summer for hikers, and the tower's opening hours follow the lift timetable. The summit lies on the eastern edge of the Liščí hřeben ridge.
No marked hiking trail leads to the tower, which stands in the protected zone of Krkonoše National Park. Access is via the four-seat chairlift from the Zelený potok parking lot; its upper station is right by the tower, and the tower's opening hours follow the lift's timetable. Entry is free.
The tower's triangular cross-section was chosen to resist wind sway, and the view west is blocked by the Liščí hřbet ridge. On clear days the Orlické hory, Jeseníky and Praděd come into sight beyond the Krkonoše peaks.
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