Gloriett Viewpoint Pavilion

The Gloriett viewpoint pavilion stands on a rocky spur of Rozhled hill above the small mountain town of Hroznětín, on the edge of the Ore Mountains. Its name points to the tradition of light garden pavilions and scenic shelters that became popular in European spa landscapes in the 18th and 19th centuries. Hroznětín lies only about ten kilometres north of Karlovy Vary, so this quiet lookout belongs naturally to the wider spa-country walking culture.

History of the pavilion

The original pavilion was built around the turn of the 20th century, when walking circuits around Hroznětín drew both local residents and spa guests from nearby Karlovy Vary. Gloriett became a favourite Sunday-walk destination and a place to rest in summer.

In the 1950s the pavilion was destroyed by fire, and the remaining structure later disappeared in strong winds. For decades the viewpoint was simply an open rock with a view. In May 2018, Hroznětín unveiled a new wooden pavilion on the historic spur. The light timber structure restores the old excursion point and gives visitors a sheltered place to pause.

The view from Gloriett

In clear weather, the pavilion opens a broad panorama. To the south you can see the Karlovy Vary basin with the towers and hotels of the spa town; in very good visibility, the landscape continues into more distant central Bohemian hills. To the north and northwest rise the wooded slopes of the Ore Mountains.

The viewpoint is especially rewarding from late summer into autumn, when the mixed forests below Gloriett turn copper and gold.

Hroznětín Stops walking route

Gloriett is the main highlight of the second Hroznětínská zastavení walking circuit, the more demanding of two local routes around Hroznětín. The loop is about 7 km long and climbs more than 250 vertical metres. It starts on the village square by the church in Hroznětín and heads uphill through the forest.

The first stop, Pod křížem, is a rocky rise with an old wooden cross and the first open view into the landscape. The path then continues to a forest spring, where you can refill water, before climbing to Gloriett itself.

From Hroznětín railway station, the viewpoint is roughly 2.7 km away, about 1 hour on foot. Less experienced walkers and families with small children can choose the shorter first circuit, about 4 km with gentler climbing.

Practical information

Gloriett is freely accessible all year and has no admission fee. Wear hiking or sturdy walking shoes, as the ascent follows stony forest terrain with roots. The spot is also popular with dog walkers. Parking is available by the church on the main square in Hroznětín, where the walking circuit begins.

Directions and contacts

• Location: Hroznětín, 362 33 Hroznětín
• GPS: 50.3168, 12.8630
• Route start: main square by the church in Hroznětín
• Regional information: Destinační agentura Krušnohoří, phone +420 773 231 001, e-mail info@krusnehory.cz