The Story of When Was Diana Observation Tower Built

The construction of the tower began in 1912. It was a major project for the local council. They wanted to create a prime destination for spa guests. The tower officially opened its doors on May 27, 1914. This was just before the start of World War I. Architects used durable brick and stone for the structure.

The tower stands 35 meters tall. It has a sturdy square base and a wooden gallery. You can climb 150 steps to reach the top. Alternatively, a modern lift was added later for accessibility. The site has survived over a century of history. It remains one of the most popular historical places in Karlovy Vary today.

The funicular was essential for the tower's success. It started operating in 1912, two years before the tower finished. This allowed workers to transport heavy materials up the steep hill. Today, the funicular remains a charming way to travel. It provides a smooth ride through the dense greenery of the West Bohemian forests.

10 Top Experiences at Diana Observation Tower

Explore these top attractions near the tower for a full day of adventure. Use this list to plan your 2026 itinerary. These picks include history, nature, and family fun.

• Best overall: Diana Observation Tower
• Best for families: Butterfly House Papilonia
• Best free activity: Forest walking trails
• Best for history: Mill Colonnade

1. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: sight Why go: It offers 360-degree views of the Ore Mountains and the city. Best for: Photographers and sightseers. Where: Friendship Hill. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free entry to the tower gallery. Tip: Use the elevator if you want to skip the 150 stairs.
2. Name: Diana Funicular Type: experience Why go: A historic ride that saves you a steep climb. Best for: All ages. Where: Station near Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Moderate (check current rates). Tip: Buy a return ticket to save money on the trip back down.
3. Name: Butterfly House Papilonia Type: indoor Why go: See hundreds of exotic butterflies in a tropical climate. Best for: Families with children. Where: Right next to the tower. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Paid entry. Tip: Wear bright colors to attract butterflies to land on you.
4. Name: Deer Leap (Jelení skok) Type: viewpoint Why go: See the famous statue of a mountain goat overlooking the town. Best for: Iconic photos. Where: Halfway down the hill from Diana. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: This is a great stop while walking down from the tower.
5. Name: Diana Restaurant Type: experience Why go: Dine in a historic brick building from 1914. Best for: Local Czech cuisine. Where: Base of the tower. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Tip: Try the traditional wild game dishes often served here.
6. Name: Children's Mini Zoo Type: activity Why go: Meet ponies, goats, and pigs in a small forest setting. Best for: Toddlers and young kids. Where: Behind the Diana Restaurant. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: It is a quiet spot to relax while kids play.
7. Name: Peter the Great Lookout Type: viewpoint Why go: A historical spot where the Russian Tsar once looked over the city. Best for: History buffs. Where: Forest path near Deer Leap. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Look for the memorial plaque dedicated to the Tsar's visit.
8. Name: Forest Walking Trails Type: nature Why go: Over 100 kilometers of well-marked paths surround the tower. Best for: Hikers and nature lovers. Where: Surrounding woods. Time: 1-4 hours. Cost: Free. Tip: Follow the color-coded signs to avoid getting lost in the woods.
9. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: sight Why go: The largest colonnade in the city with beautiful stone columns. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: City center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Tip: Read a Mill Colonnade history guide to learn about the hot springs inside.
10. Name: Market Colonnade Type: sight Why go: A rare example of intricate white wooden architecture. Best for: Unique photo opportunities. Where: Near the city center funicular station. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Check out the Market Colonnade wooden architecture before taking the funicular up.