Apartmány
Trip Along the Schwarzenberg Canal (10 km, All Downhill)
Stroller: ✅ | Dog: ✅ | · A relaxing flat walk along a technical marvel. Ideal for families and seniors, the shade of trees and the murmur of water will accompany you all the way.
Stroller: ✅ | Dog: ✅
The trip to the Austrian lookout towers Moldaublick and Alpenblick begins at the Schöneben parking lot. From there, an easy route awaits you, 4.7 km long with an elevation gain of only 85 meters – ideal for children too. The first part of the path goes slightly uphill, but soon the terrain levels out and you continue comfortably on the flat ground to the lookout towers. The return trip is the same, so together you will walk about 9 km in calm, undemanding terrain.
Please note: While Moldaublick is fine, the Alpenblick lookout tower is currently in poor condition and closed to the public.
Right by the parking lot, you will find a restaurant in the Inn’s Holz hotel, where you can have lunch or something sweet for energy before the journey. This makes the trip not only beautiful but also practical – it begins and ends with good food.
Alpenblick Lookout Tower – Alpine view in the Austrian Šumava Mountains
Just a few kilometers from the Czech‑Austrian border, on the slope of Sulzberg mountain (1041 m above sea level), stands the modern Alpenblick lookout tower. It was opened in 2009 and quickly became a favorite destination for tourists who want to see the panorama of the Austrian Alps.
Current state in 2026
- Warning: The lookout tower is currently in poor technical condition.
- Restrictions: The entire building is surrounded by a high fence and there is a strict entry ban.
- View: Due to the closure, it is not possible to climb to the viewing platform.
Technical data
- Height: 33 meters (viewing platform is at a height of 28 meters)
- Number of steps: 155
- Altitude at the base of the tower: approx. 1000 m above sea level
What could be seen from the top
- Panorama of the Austrian Alps – in clear weather, they are visible from Dachstein to Grossglockner.
- Mühlviertel region – picturesque rolling landscape of Upper Austria with churches and villages.
- Šumava peaks – view of the border ridge with Smrčina (Hochficht).
- Vltava valley – however, not the surface of Lake Lipno itself, which is hidden by the summit of Sulzberg (the neighboring Moldaublick is intended for a view of Lake Lipno).
Practical information for excursionists
The Alpenblick lookout tower lies directly on the route between the parking lot in Schöneben and the neighboring Moldaublick lookout tower. During a trip there, you will automatically walk or cycle to it. However, expect that you will be stopped by a wire fence and signs at the foot of the tower. Therefore, continue further along the path (approx. 2.5 km) to the Moldaublick lookout tower, which is in excellent condition and offers the best views of Lake Lipno.
Moldaublick Lookout Tower – Vltava view in the Austrian Šumava Mountains
The Moldaublick lookout tower stands on the northeastern slope of Sulzberg mountain in the municipality of Ulrichsberg. It was built in 1967 from the structure of a former oil drilling tower.
Technical data
- Height: 24 meters
- Number of steps: 137
- Altitude at the base of the tower: 1022 m
- Opening hours: April – November (depending on snow)
- Admission in season: Entry is through a coin turnstile, the price is 2 € (it is necessary to have small change).
Views from Moldaublick
- Lake Lipno reservoir – the largest body of water in Czechia.
- Horní Planá, Hůrka, Černá v Pošumaví, Vítkův kámen.
- In the distance Smrčina, Sternstein, Boubín, and Kleť.
History and interesting facts
The lookout tower was built because the surrounding trees were constantly growing and the view of Lake Lipno was being lost. The local municipality of Ulrichsberg decided to build a tower so that visitors and expelled Sudeten Germans could continue to see their former homeland.
Why head here
Moldaublick is a classic – a symbol of the Austrian part of the Šumava Mountains. It offers nice views of the Czech landscape and is an ideal destination for a family trip. Thanks to its history, it also has a strong cultural dimension.
There are also refreshments at the Moldaublick lookout tower
Below the lookout tower is the Jausenstation am Moldaublick (cabin right next to the tower), where visitors can have a drink or a small snack. There is also a tiny sandbox for children, so it is a pleasant place for a short break during the trip.
- Offers: This is a classic “Jausenstation” (snack station). They usually have soups, sausages, small snacks, homemade desserts, and drinks. It is not a restaurant for large lunches, rather for refreshment.
- Opening hours: Mirrors the lookout tower season (approx. April/May to October/November).
- Usually open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00.
- Closed in winter.
- Payment: Attention, they often take cash only (Euros).
- Seating: Has a small indoor space (approx. 15 seats) and a larger outdoor terrace (approx. 60 seats).
Winter operation
The lookout tower is closed in winter (usually from November to March/April). It usually opens in April, as soon as snow conditions allow. Even though the tower itself is closed, in winter you can often reach its base on cross-country skis, as it lies in close proximity to the groomed cross-country trails of the Schöneben area. However, you will not enjoy the views of the landscape from the tower.
How to get there
The parking lot in Schöneben can be reached without problems by car, the path is well-marked and comfortable. If you want to spice up the trip and shorten the journey at the same time, we recommend using the Horní Planá – Bližší Lhota ferry. It is great fun for children. Thanks to the ferry, you will reach the Austrian side faster and the trip to the lookout towers will gain even more charm.
Also check out other trips near Lake Lipno including maps and descriptions.
Map of the trip to the lookout towers
📍Relaxing base for trips around Lake Lipno
After a relaxing trip from Schöneben to the Moldaublick and Alpenblick lookout towers, you can rest in our family accommodation at Lake Lipno. It is an ideal base for discovering the surroundings – whether you are heading out on a hike, visiting monuments, or going for a trip with children. Peace, comfort, a large garden, pool, playground, and fish restaurant await you, where you can enjoy a meal after your return.
Children will definitely not be bored – there are plenty of cycle paths, beaches, and other experiences for kids.
Book your stay while dates are still available.
We look forward to seeing you!
