Every hill at Lake Lipno has its own story and can be the goal of a hiking trip or a full-day cycling trip. From each one, you can gaze into the landscape, and each offers a different type of view – from modern observation towers to forgotten rock viewpoints where tourists don’t go as often. Some views are easily accessible, while others are hidden among the rocks, waiting for the more adventurous. We have selected the 13 most beautiful viewpoints and observation towers that are worth seeing with your own eyes.
A rock viewpoint on the route from Plešné jezero (Plöckensteiner See) to Mt. Plechý (Plöckenstein). From here, you can see the lake from a bird’s-eye view and the entire reservoir in the distance.
Accessibility: ✅ On foot | ❌ By bike | ❌ By car
👉 Route to Mt. Plechý and the viewpoint
The highest-situated castle in the Czech Republic, offering the most beautiful view of Lake Lipno and the Bohemian Forest (Šumava). On a clear day, you can even see the Alps.
Accessibility: ✅ On foot | ✅ By bike | ✅ By car (400m from the parking lot)
Mysterious rock formations with a magical atmosphere. From the summit of Medvědí hora, there is a magnificent view of Lake Lipno and the surrounding forests.
Accessibility: ✅ On foot | ✅ By bike | ❌ By car
A modern observation tower in a park in Horní Planá. It opens up a panorama of Lake Lipno and the surrounding Bohemian Forest hills.
Accessibility: ✅ On foot | ✅ By bike | ✅ By car
👉 More about the Dobrá Voda tower
One of the most beautiful rock viewpoints in the Austrian part of the Bohemian Forest, just below the summit of Smrčina (Hochficht). A wooden cross stands on a massive rock block, and the view is top-notch – deep forests, a rolling landscape, and silence that is slowly disappearing in our country.
Accessibility: ✅ On foot | ⚠️ Difficult by bike (MTB only) | ❌ By car
👉 Demanding trip via Smrčina and Hraničník
Unique rock formations on the German side. From the Hochstein viewpoint, you can see into three countries. The sunsets here are unforgettable.
Accessibility: ✅ On foot | ✅ By bike | ✅ By car (approx. 1.2 km from the parking lot)
A less known viewpoint on the route over Smrčina. It offers a view of the Vltava, Smrčina, and Lake Lipno.
Accessibility: ✅ On foot | ⚠️ Difficult by bike (MTB only) | ❌ By car
Lipno’s tourist magnet. A 40-meter high tower with wheelchair-accessible entry and views of the lake, Bohemian Forest, and Novohradské Mountains.
Accessibility: ✅ On foot | ✅ By bike | ✅ By car
👉 Everything about the Treetop Walkway
An observation tower on the Austrian side of the Bohemian Forest – with a wonderful view of Lake Lipno. An easy trip from Schöneben, suitable even for children.
Accessibility: ✅ On foot | ✅ By bike | ✅ By car
👉 Full article: Austrian observation towers
From the famous granite formation Čertova Kazatelna (Devil’s Pulpit), there is a beautiful view into the deep valley of the Vltava River (Devil’s Streams).
Accessibility: ✅ On foot | ✅ By bike | ✅ By car (300m from the parking lot)
From the summit of Marta Hill, near the Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows, a wonderful view opens up over the town of Frymburk, the wide surface of Lake Lipno, and on a clear day, the Plechý peak. Directly below you, you can follow the route of the newly restored Stations of the Cross.
Accessibility: ✅ On foot | ✅ By bike | ❌ By car
A hölzerner wooden “mini observation tower” just above Horní Planá. Easily accessible by a walk and offering a beautiful view of the “heart of Lipno”.
Accessibility: ✅ On foot | ✅ By bike | ✅ By car (1.3 km from the town square in H. Planá)
The wild face of the Bohemian Forest just above the Lipno dam. A hike into the rock city to granite formations offering unexpected peace and a raw view of the Vltava riverbed and the entire reservoir from an altitude of 933 meters.
Accessibility: ✅ On foot (demanding climb) | ❌ By bike | ❌ By car
👉 Trip to the Luč rock viewpoint
If you like Čertova stěna but are looking for a place where you will be completely alone, head to Vyklestilka above Loučovice. It is not just a viewpoint, it is a small rock fortress. Carved steps and metal ladders lead to the summit, making the climb an experience in itself. At the top, a rock platform with railings and a circular view of Lake Lipno, Vítkův kámen, and the Novohradské Mountains awaits you.
Accessibility: ✅ On foot | ✅ By bike | ❌ By car
Whether you set out for a romantic sunset, a family walk, or an adventurous hike, the observation towers and viewpoints around Lake Lipno will always offer you a unique experience. Every place has its own atmosphere – from modern towers to forgotten rock viewpoints waiting for you to discover them. The Lipno region is a land where it pays to stop, take a breath, and look into the distance. These views will remind you that those who want to see more must go higher. And sometimes it’s enough just to climb a few meters for the world around us to show itself in all its beauty.
Want to catch as many viewpoints and observation towers around Lake Lipno as possible? Stay in our family apartments in Hůrka.
We are right in the middle of all the action – close to Horní Planá, Černá v Pošumaví, and the ferries. For children, we have a large fenced garden, playground, pool, and for parents, a peaceful base and fresh fish in our restaurant.
If you feel like more adventure, Lipno offers many options: Swimming, trips, cycling paths, or experiences for kids.
Our Apartments Nad Rybníky are ready to welcome guests of all ages, but dates are filling up fast.
Book your stay and have the Lipno views in the palm of your hand.
We look forward to seeing you!
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