Velké Vrbno: Observation Tower, Paprsek and Trails

Velké Vrbno combines a distinctive viewpoint, historical memories surrounding the Paprsek mountain chalet, and several clearly distinguishable hiking and winter sports options. Those looking for accommodation in Velké Vrbno can therefore plan their stay according to whether the Dalimilova Observation Tower, hiking, the mountain world around Paprsek, or skiing and cross-country skiing should be the main focus.

The Dalimilova Observation Tower as a Special Destination

The stone Dalimilova Observation Tower stands on the summit of Větrov. It is a faithful replica of the historic Kaiser Wilhelm Tower, which stood on Sněžník from 1899 to 1973. The observation tower therefore combines a specific viewpoint with a piece of regional history that continues in its present form.

For your visit, plan to access it on foot: the Dalimilova Observation Tower can only be reached on foot. From the car park in Velké Vrbno at the valley station of the lift to Paprsek, it is another 1.5 km on foot. This information makes the observation tower a destination with a clearly defined visiting format.

Paprsek Between Mountain History and the Chapel

The chairlift takes visitors up to the Paprsek mountain chalet. The chalet was built in 1932 in the cadastral area of Velké Vrbno and originally bore the name “Slezský Dům” (Silesian House). Those interested in the history of a place will therefore find here not only a starting point for further activities, but also a traditional name and a precisely dated construction date.

The Chapel of Saint Christopher is located in the immediate vicinity of the Paprsek mountain hotel. The mountain hotel lies at the transition between Hrubý Jeseník, Rychlebské hory and Králický Sněžník. The chapel was built next to the mountain hotel in 2009 as a replacement for a chapel demolished in Velké Vrbno. On 26 September 2009, it was consecrated together with a bell from 1925 from the vanished settlement of Grund Messinghammer. The small complex thus contains several historical references that can be traced during a stay around Paprsek.

Hiking and Trails Around Velké Vrbno

The yellow-marked trail leads through Velké Vrbno to the Medvědí rokle valley. Three marked hiking trails meet near the Paprsek mountain chalet.

Another special feature is the Milíře cross-country skiing circuit, which includes the Velké Vrbno lift station. In addition, the operator of the Paprsek chalet regularly grooms around 30 km of cross-country ski trails. The approximate figure describes the scope of the offering, not a fixed or always identical trail length.

Skiing Options with Their Own Focus

The Paprsek-Olšanka “Kaskáda” snow park in Velké Vrbno offers a total of 4.5 km of ski runs. These are groomed with a snow groomer; evening skiing is also available.

If you would like to explore additional destinations for your research, you can also find Velké Losiny, Moravičany, Sudkov, Jestřebí U Zábřeha, Olšany, Rejchartice, Heroltice and Jedlí.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Šumperk.