Walking enthusiasts are increasingly looking for places to enjoy views of the wider countryside. The weather is of course a big help, but nowadays lookout towers are a very attractive feature to make these views of the surrounding area more enjoyable.
In the Šariš region you will find a number of beautiful lookout towers with views of the whole surroundings. In 2019, a wooden lookout tower was built above the town of Lipany on the forested mountain massif of Balažka (643 m above sea level), which is bordered by a railway line. The lookout tower below the top of Balažka, made of spruce wood, is almost 14 metres high. Its location at an altitude of 598 m offers views of the town of Lipany itself, Kamenický hrad, the nearby surroundings, the Čergov Mountains, the Levočské vrchy Mountains and, in good visibility, the Slanské vrchy Mountains.
Increased attractiveness of the lookout tower
The Regional Tourism Organization (hereinafter referred to as "OOCR") Region Šariš develops many interesting activities for visitors to the region. One of them is the telescopic sightseeing at tourist attractive places. In 2021, OOCR Región Šariš, in cooperation with the town of Lipany, installed an observation telescope on a lookout tower at the end of the Balažka nature trail, named after the forest massif. The telescope has met with an excellent response from visitors to this place by providing a unique panoramic view of the town of Lipany and the mountains that surround it.
We have continued to enhance the attractiveness of the tourist site. In this recreational zone, which is one of the landmarks of the town, we added 3 photo panels on the lookout tower. „From the resources of the state subsidy of OOCR Región Šariš we have made this lookout tower even more attractive and added panoramic photographs processed on photo panels with a description of the places that are visible from this vantage point," said Branislav Švorc, Executive Director of OOCR Región Šariš.
The majesty of the tower offers you an almost panoramic view from the Bradl range, Kamenický hrad with Minčol and the ridge of Čergov in the background, through Stráže, Slanské vrchy, Šariš Castle, Šarišské mezihorie, Marduňa, Bandovce, Homôlka to Čierna hora. With the help of panoramic photographs with descriptions you can easily orient yourself in the surroundings and point out all the villages and towns that are visible from the tower.
Ascent to the lookout tower
What you must not forget, however, is the fact that you have to work a little hard to get a nice view. Two basic tourist circuits have been created. The "Small Rock" circuit offers a view from the cross. There is an Italian well, partisan trenches, a sitting area and information boards. The "Big Rock" circuit offers a route along the ridge of Balažka, with both routes being interconnected and having multiple connection points. It can be reached from the town centre from the old cemetery, from where a green hiking trail leads. The distance is approximately 3 km and the route is suitable for all ages. With children it takes about an hour to complete.
This activity was implemented with the financial support of the Ministry of Transport and Construction of the Slovak Republic.
