The Štěpánka lookout tower will celebrate 120 years since its opening

Prague - Above the village of Příchovice near Tanvald stands the stone lookout tower Hvězda on a wooded hill, which celebrates its 120th anniversary since its opening on August 14. Its name, however, was not derived from a beautiful girl of the same name, but after the Austrian Archduke Stephen. Its construction was also extended due to a mysterious legend for a long 45 years. And the builder of this lookout similarly could not escape the magical curse...
     The construction of the neo-Gothic lookout tower was started by Prince Kamil Rohan in July 1847 in honor of Archduke Stephen. However, shortly thereafter, all construction work was interrupted. According to legend, the prince did this because an old gypsy woman predicted to him that as soon as the construction was completed, he would die. For 45 years, a six-meter-tall torso of the future lookout tower stood at Hvězda, from which tourists observed the sunrise. Because the unfinished tower also attracted the interest of vandals, it was purchased by the mountain club from the nearby Kořenov. The final project was prepared by Liberec professor Brausenwetter, and under the leadership of construction master Hájek from Rokytnice, the construction was completed in 1892. The ceremonial opening was attended by several thousand people, but Prince Rohan was not there. According to the prophecy, he died a month later at the age of 91.
     Tourists were not deterred by any mysterious prophecy, and shortly after its opening, Štěpánka became one of the most popular excursion destinations in the Jizera Mountains. During World War II, the 24-meter-high lookout tower served as a control post for the German air force and was therefore closed to the public. After the war, the tower needed repairs, its glazing was completed, and in 1963 it was registered in the monument fund of the State Institute for Heritage Care.
     The tower features two observation decks: the first is located in a wider gallery at a height of nine meters, and the second is just below the roof of the tower. There are a total of 81 steps leading to it, offering tourists a truly beautiful view. To the northwest and north, the peaks of the Jizera Mountains can be seen, and to the east, the Krkonoš. Visitors can also see the castles Bezděz and Trosky, the lookout tower at Kozákov, and Ještěd with the distinctive TV transmitter.
     Štěpánka, with its characteristic slender silhouette, ranks among very photogenic objects and is often depicted on many postcards, souvenirs, and informational materials about the Jizera Mountains. It is open to visitors year-round, only closed in inclement weather. The surroundings are also suitable for cycling, and in winter there are favorable conditions for cross-country skiing.