The new Kluknava tower near Prešov. (source: TASR)
Above the village of Kluknava near Prešov, a 35-metre Green Point observation tower has been completed and opened.
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As reported by the Košice Region (KSK), €199,000 from the KSK Terra Incognita subsidy program were used in the construction of the tower.
Unique design and technology
The lookout tower has a unique architectural design, whose creator is Igor Cziel.
The building is capable of producing its own electricity from renewable sources, such as solar and wind. It is made of galvanized iron, lined with red spruce, and on top of it there are wind turbines and photovoltaic cells.
"This innovative technology, which has not yet been used in Slovakia, ensures the energy self-sufficiency of the tower, which includes its lighting and charging of mobile devices and electric bicycles for visitors," said the Košice Region.
The tower should also act as a practical demonstration of renewable energy source usage. Due to self-operation, it should not need any staff.
Thanks to the lighting, it will be accessible even in the evening.
90-minute hike
The Mayor of Kluknava, Radovan Zimmermann, said that the autonomous tower is located approximately 1.5-hour walk from the village.
"From the tower you can see hills such as Kloptaň, Dvoriská, Sľubica, Krompašský Vrch, Slovinská and Biela Skala and Kráľova Hoľa, the highest peak in the eastern Low Tatras," he said, adding that this modern building is both a technical miracle and an architectural gem.
The tower has a twilight switch. It turns on every day at 16:30. For night visitors, it is also equipped with a motion sensor. It lights up the staircase for five minutes.
The observation tower is open year-round and 24 hours a day.
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