In Kořenov, the Štěpánka lookout tower has reopened after reconstruction

Kořenov (Jablonecko) - In Kořenov in the Jablonec region, the oldest Czech lookout tower, Štěpánka, reopened today after reconstruction. The more than 120-year-old stone tower stands at the border of the Jizera Mountains and the Krkonoš, but visitors today did not enjoy the view much, as it was foggy in the mountains all day. At times, even the reconstructed tower itself disappeared, and only a hazy outline was visible. Nevertheless, hundreds of people arrived at the lookout tower today.
    The opening of the lookout tower was originally planned for the holiday on October 28. "But the work was finished, so we didn't want to wait, especially since the weekend forecast was good," said Jan Staněk, who takes care of the monument, to ČTK today. However, the forecasts did not pan out. The mountains remained shrouded in clouds all day. "We hoped it would clear up around noon, but it didn't change; hopefully, it will be better on Sunday," noted Staněk. The lookout tower will now remain open to tourists even during the winter, accessible daily except Mondays.
    The stone lookout tower with the romantic name Štěpánka stands on the forested hill Hvězda above Příchovice. It measures 24 meters high and is the highest lookout tower in the Jizera Mountains. It is also considered the most beautiful. The reconstruction returned it to its original appearance, which the neo-Gothic building had 122 years ago at the time of its opening. However, the repairs did not end there. "Next year, work will continue; the staircase needs to be replaced and it will also get new lighting," stated Staněk. This will require another approximately two-month closure of the tower next autumn.
    The construction of the lookout tower was initiated in 1847 by Prince Kamil Rohan, but shortly thereafter all construction work was halted. According to legend, the prince did this because an old gypsy woman foretold that as soon as the lookout tower was completed, he would die. For 45 years, a six-meter stump of the future tower stood on Hvězda, from which tourists observed the sunrise. Since the unfinished tower also attracted the attention of vandals, a mountain club from nearby Kořenov purchased it and had it completed. The festive opening in August 1892 was attended by several thousand people. However, Prince Rohan was not among them; he died a month later, exactly as the gypsy woman had predicted, at the age of 91.