The Bučina lookout tower above Kyselka is once again open to the public

Kyselka (Karlovy Vary) - The Bučina lookout tower above the village of Kyselka was reopened today after reconstruction. It was built in 1880 by Heinrich Mattoni on the mountain of the same name. The reconstruction was carried out by Military Forests and Estates (VLS), which manages the adjacent military district of Hradiště. About two hundred people attended today's ceremonial opening.

The Bučina lookout tower had been falling into disrepair for decades. It was not until 2002 and 2003 that VLS began partial revitalization. According to Milan Suk, the director of the Karlovy Vary division of VLS, the masonry was first repaired and a new wooden shelter was built above the viewing platform's balcony.

This year, the lookout tower also received a new roof and stability assurance for the foundation structures. As a result, the tower regained its nearly original appearance. "The repair costs are estimated at 800,000 crowns," added Suk.

In addition to the lookout tower itself, VLS also made adjustments to the surrounding forest so that the trees would not exceed the height of the tower, allowing for a view of the surroundings once again.

The Bučina lookout tower is another monument that has returned to use in the former spa founded by Heinrich Mattoni. This year, Karlovy Vary Mineral Waters also completed the reconstruction of the Löschner Pavilion, where a museum dedicated to the founder of the spa and the Mattoni brand was established. The non-profit organization Spa Kyselka is also continuing with the gradual restoration of the spa complex, a process that will take many years.