A mountain top tower as if taken straight out of a James Bond set attests fresh air, memorable panorama and a step back to 70's design minimalism. Perched on a mountain top at 1,012 metres above sea level and towering over Liberec on the Ještěd-Kozákov Ridge, Ještěd is not only an iconic symbol of the city but the whole of N. Bohemia. It can be seen from the top of Smrk lying in the Jizera range, and from as far as the border town of Bogatynia, Poland due north. Completed in 1973 after the hotel on the original patch burned down, it was transformed into a TV tower-cum-hotel and restaurant. Architect Karel Hubáček displayed sheer talent in the structural design winning various awards of excellence. Since then no restoration took place giving it that olde-worlde feel with its retro interior. On stepping out of the cable car the road curls round for about a hundred yards before leading up to a small car park for guests of the hotel. The levelled, stone clearing just below the tower lends itself to sweeping views into Poland and Germany. Prior to entering the tower visitors will be confronted with thick, metal doors which don't help give the place the welcome it may deserve. Inside is situated a café, small souvenir shop at the hotel reception and restaurant with finer dining options adjoined to it on the first floor. A smoky bar is tucked away behind the restaurant which in my view was nothing but characterless and claustrophobic. Whilst taking the steps to the first floor restaurant I was agog to notice an oddly shaped mirror which contorted the reflection of people and objects. Perhaps a foolish attempt at making customers feel better after hearty Czech mountain food! It is advised to wrap up during early spring and autumn as temperatures can be vastly different to the towns below, namely Liberec. Winter inevitably is cold and would be foolhardy to not arrive without the appropriate attire for any encounter on this monumental, mountain top retreat. #views