Decinsky Sneznik (in German, Hoher Schneeberg) is a sandstone plateau seven kilometers northwest of Decin. At 723 meters, it is the highest point of the Decin uplands and the Elbe Sandstones area.
Sneznik's stone observation tower, built in 1864, is one of the oldest in Bohemia. It was originally erected for a geographic survey commissioned by Austria, Saxony, and Prussia, who demanded that the owner of the estate either level the forest on the mountain top or build a wooden tower rising above the tree tops. Franz Thun, lord of the Decin estate, took matters into his own hands, commissioning a stone tower from the Dresden architect Hänel. The 33-meter structure was designed for function and elegance in the Elizabethan style. Work was begun in 1863 and completed in 1864 at the significant cost of 20,000 pieces of gold.
Its first users were teams of Austrian, Saxon, and Prussian surveyors, whose combined efforts soon contributed to the end of the Austro-Prussian War. Before long the tower attracted hikers and day trippers who were willing to pay a small fee to climb to the top for the fantastic view. In 1865 a small inn was established at the tower. Hikers, school groups, cyclists, and even members of the Saxon royal family soon made their way to the top.
In 1936 a man named Fäber climbed the tower and managed to catch a television broadcast from Berlin - the Olympic games. After 1945 Sneznik was firmly established as one of Bohemian Switzerland's top sights. Several films have been made here, including the thriller Vetrna Hora.
Where is it? Sneznik 125, Decin
Getting there