Kotel, Observation tower in Kamenný Újezd, Czech Republic

Kotel is an observation tower on the 575 m summit of the same name, about 2 km southwest of Kamenný Újezd in the Rokycany district. The current tower, opened in May 2014, was designed by Eva Králová with static engineer Václav Hatlman and cost roughly 6 million CZK, 85% covered by a regional operational programme grant. On clear days its circular view reaches the Brdy, Krušné hory, Šumava, České středohoří and Český les ranges.

In 1895 the Rokycany branch of the Czech Tourist Club built a six-storey wooden tower on the summit of Kotel, but it was demolished in 1909 because of its poor condition. In 2009 the Free Democrats club in Rokycany reopened the question of a new tower; Eva Králová prepared the design with engineer Václav Hatlman, a building permit followed in 2011, and the town of Rokycany opened the present tower in May 2014.

The name Kotel means "cauldron" in Czech, and the hill's shape gave the tower its name. The 2014 opening was the second tower on the summit: the Czech Tourist Club's wooden predecessor stood from 1895 until it was demolished in 1909. The blue hiking trail from Rokycany to Kamenný Újezd passes the signpost "Kotel odbočka k rozhledně".

The climb to the platform is manageable for visitors of different abilities, and the structure has simple railings for safety. The tower is best visited on clear days when views across the region extend the farthest.

The first wooden tower of 1895 was already demolished in 1909 for its poor condition; the present structure opened in May 2014 after a public collection raised 72,000 CZK and a regional grant covered 85% of the roughly 6 million CZK cost. The design was prepared by Eva Králová with static engineer Václav Hatlman.