Meteorological Column

An important item of minor architecture, it is one of 111 meteorological columns in the Czech Republic. It is located on the main street (Krkonosska St.) and was built in 1909 by placing a weather box, probably a product of the Wilhelm Lambrecht company of Gottingen called Model III “Tourist”, on a sandstone base.

According to historical photographs, it was somewhat simplified already in 1940 especially as regards the roof. Several repairs and modifications were made over the years. The last successful reconstruction was made by the Municipal Services of Vrchlabi in 2013, and in 2016 its original appearance was restored, new equipment was provided, and its original function renewed.

There are two unique facts about this column. The previous week’s measurements of air temperature and pressure can be compared with the current readings due to the fact that the printouts from that week are on display. And it includes a historically unique instrument, Lambrecht’s barometric telegraph, consisting of a thermo-hygroscope and a metallic barometer. At the time the column was first inaugurated, reduced pressure was compared to the values obtained by the Deutsche Seewarte service in the north German port of Hamburg.

The column is town property. It is operated by the Municipal Services of Vrchlabi and the instruments are checked and read by Viktor Linhart jr.