U Jakuba observation tower, Wooden observation tower on Havlova hora in Valtínov, Czech Republic

U Jakuba observation tower stands on Havlova hora in the Javořická vrchovina highlands, within the Česká Kanada region near Valtínov. Its wooden structure, built from glued laminated timber profiles, forms a hexagonal prism topped by a pyramidal roof, rising 40.7 metres above a four-metre reinforced-concrete base. An internal steel staircase with wooden steps winds around the perimeter up to a viewing platform at 33.7 metres.

A wooden triangulation tower used by the army for mapping stood on Havlova hora until the early 1970s. The landowner Karel Plucar then built a tourist tower with support from the Ministry for Regional Development, constructed by the Austrian firm Graf-Holztechnik and opened on 1 July 2013. In 2016 the grounds gained a wooden fortification in the style of a Slavic hillfort with play elements, a forest park and a stage.

The name U Jakuba refers to the site on Havlova hora, where a wooden triangulation tower once stood until the early 1970s. Since 2016 the grounds have held a wooden palisade in the style of a Slavic hillfort with play elements for children, a forest park and a stage for summer concerts.

Good weather offers the best visibility, with clear days letting your view travel the farthest. Wear sturdy shoes since the stairs are steep, and wind conditions at the top can be strong.

Some of the 180 steps carry plaques with the names of the people and firms that paid for the construction. From the platform at 33.7 m, the transmitter on Javořice is the dominant feature of the horizon, and on exceptionally clear days Schneeberg in the Austrian Alps can be seen.