Bolt Tower, Observation tower in Dolní Vítkovice, Czech Republic
The Bolt Tower is an observation structure made of glass and metal, built on top of a former blast furnace in Dolní Vítkovice. It includes a café and a viewing platform where visitors can take in views of the industrial site, the city, and distant mountain ranges.
Built in 2015 on a former industrial site, the tower marks Ostrava's shift from a mining center to a modern destination. This transformation shows how the city is turning its industrial past into present-day appeal.
The structure takes its name from sprinter Usain Bolt, who visited Ostrava for a track and field event. This connection transformed the tower into a symbol of how the city is reinventing itself in the eyes of the world.
The climb uses a spiral staircase that leads to upper levels with viewing areas. Visitors should know that conditions change with weather, especially on windy days or when visibility is poor.
The structure uses a blast furnace as its foundation, joining two different eras of architecture. This creative reuse shows how industrial monuments can be brought to new purposes.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.