The lookout tower on Balažka is a popular place in the surroundings of Lipany. It offers views of the Čergov Mountains, the Levoča Hills and, in good visibility, the Slanské Hills. Visitors can now observe these attractive views with the help of a new telescope.
Photo: town Lipany archiveIn October 2019, the observation tower on the Balažka mountain massif (643 m above sea level) was inaugurated. The lookout tower on Balažka, made of spruce wood, is located at an altitude of 598 m above sea level and its height is 13.69 metres. It provides the most beautiful views of the whole Lipany and the surrounding mountains, which visitors can observe from the new year 2022 with a new observation telescope.
Photo: town Lipany archive„The Regional Tourism Organisation Region Šariš develops many interesting activities for visitors to the region. One of them is the telescopic sightseeing at tourist attractive places. In 2019, we purchased the first observation telescope and placed it at the Prešov Calvary, a year later we purchased an observation telescope and placed it at the Šariš Castle. The last telescope purchased so far is the telescope at the Balažka lookout tower in Lipany.“ said Branislav Švorc, Executive Director of OOCR Región Šariš. Tourist enthusiasts have a reason to visit the popular tourist attraction again. „The observation telescope was given as a Christmas present to the inhabitants of Lipany and hiking enthusiasts. It was installed in December 2021 on the top floor of the observation tower. The installation was helped by gentlemen from the maintenance department of the Municipality of Lipany. This telescope is mine-free and visitors can use it free of charge.” said Michal Višňovský, project manager of the Municipal Office in Lipany.
Photo: town Lipany archiveUsing the telescope and its 25x magnification, visitors can observe the scenes at their fingertips. Binoculars thus allowing views of the whole surroundings, thanks to its attachment to the base, which is infinitely rotatable by 360 degrees. When observed from 146 cm eyepiece height and The 100mm lenses ensure a clear and bright image. Thanks to the telescope, the lookout tower has become even more attractive, which is also confirmed by the number of visitors. Additionally, the lookout tower has been equipped with two pedestals, which will allow telescope views even for children tourists.
Photo: town Lipany archive„We are very grateful that the regional tourism organisation Región Šariš has helped us to make our lookout tower on Balažka even more attractive and we are already looking forward to the positive reaction to the telescope we have received from visitors so far.” Michal Višňovský, project manager of the Municipal Office in Lipany, added at the end.
This activity was also created with the financial support of the Ministry of Transport and Construction of the Slovak Republic.
