Diana Observation Tower

Diana Observation Tower is one of Karlovy Vary's best-known viewpoints. It stands on Friendship Height above Grandhotel Pupp and has been a natural goal of spa walks since 1914. Today's Diana grounds combine the tower, the historic funicular, a restaurant, the Butterfly House, a mini zoo and forest paths, but the tower deserves its own entry: it gives the classic view over the town without any admission fee.

Visit

You can reach the viewing gallery by climbing 150 steps or by taking the lift. The official Diana website describes a panoramic view of up to 70 km; in good visibility you can see the spa centre, the Ohře and Teplá valleys, the Ore Mountains, the Doupov Mountains and the Slavkov Forest. According to DPKV, the tower has been listed as a cultural monument since December 1981.

Admission

Admission to Diana Observation Tower is free. The neighbouring mini zoo and playground are also free; the Papilonia Butterfly House and the funicular ride are separate paid experiences according to their current prices.

Practical Information

DPKV lists the tower as usually open 9:15-16:45 in the winter months, 9:15-17:45 in April and October, and 9:15-18:45 from May to September; planned maintenance is announced separately. The official Diana site also publishes seasonal hours and an exception with closure from 5 January to 6 February. Before going, check the current hours on the Diana or DPKV website.

Directions and Contacts

The easiest approach is by the Diana funicular from Stara Louka near Grandhotel Pupp. On foot, marked spa-forest paths climb from the centre, for example from Stara Louka or via the viewpoints above town. Official information is available at dianakv.cz, DPKV - Rozhledna Diana and Karlovy Vary - Diana Observation Tower.