Mountains Západní Čechy

The mountain of Klínovec can be found in northwestern Bohemia and is also known by its German name Keilberg or Sonnenwirbel. With its 1,244 metres, it is not only the highest peak of the Krušné hory, but also the highest point of the Karlovy Vary District, the Chomutov District, and the Karlovy Vary and Ústí nad Labem Regions. This peak is popular during the summer period especially thanks to hiking. Over the winter, tourists head here particularly to the Skiareál Klínovec, which, thanks to its connection with the nearby Skiareál Boží dar - Neklid, is a dynamic and modern ski centre.

The location of the mountain of Klínovec can be outlined from the north by the town of Loučná pod Klínovcem, which lies almost on the German border. Near it, northwest of Klínovec, is also Boží Dar, which is simultaneously a border crossing. And to the southwest, you will then encounter Jáchymov, which is known especially thanks to its spa. Visitors can set off here with their health ailments as well as for a purely relaxing stay.

It was precisely the town of Jáchymov that had an observation tower built on the summit of Mount Klínovec in 1817. It was a popular tourist destination for spa guests from Karlovy Vary, who arrived here in horse-drawn carriages. However, the viewpoint burned down in 1868. Therefore, in 1883, a decision was made to construct a stone lookout tower that would be more resilient not only to fire, but also to the whims of the weather. And thus the Klínovec lookout tower was created, which was later supplemented by an annex with accommodation, refreshments, and a stable for eight horses. Over time, a post office and a telecommunication tower were also established.

Visitors can reach the summit of Klínovec comfortably by cable car. From Jáchymov, the Jáchymov - Klínovec cable car is in operation. This also allows for the transport of cyclists. Visitors from Loučná pod Klínovcem are transported by the Dámská chairlift. From the summit, breathtaking views are offered not only of the Krušnohoří region, but also of the České středohoří, the Doupov Mountains, the Slavkov Forest, or the Šumava.

But the true tourist will, of course, set off on foot. Visitors can start their journey, for example, in Boží Dar, from where an undemanding red route approximately 8 kilometres long leads, which is, however, not suitable for prams. Before the very destination, it has a steeper character. If visitors walk straight along the road, they will shorten the route by roughly half. Adrenaline enthusiasts, on the other hand, will appreciate trail routes of 4 different difficulty levels, which lead from the summit all the way to the cable car, by means of which visitors are comfortably transported back to the summit.

If visitors have been sufficiently tempted and have decided to spend their holiday here, assistance is gladly offered with the selection of suitable accommodation near Klínovec. Would visitors fancy a cosy cottage, an apartment, or private accommodation? Or can visitors not imagine their holiday without the supplementary services provided by guesthouses and hotels? Visitors are invited to browse the website and search for the best option to make their stay truly unique. A pleasant stay is wished to all visitors!

Guardian of the Český les with the Kurzova věž

Čerchov, at an altitude of 1,042 metres above sea level, is the highest peak of the Český les mountain range and a significant symbol of the landscape around Domažlice. Its summit is well known for the stone Kurzova věž, which serves as a lookout tower and was built between 1904 and 1905 by the Klub českých turistů. Between 1950 and 1990, the summit was inaccessible to the public as it was occupied by the military, which established a military base here and built an unsightly concrete radar tower. Following the revolution, the Kurzova věž was returned to the KČT in 1999 and reopened to the public in 2000 after reconstruction. From the viewing platform of the tower, which is 19.2 metres high, a panoramic view is offered of the Šumava, Brdy, Plzeň, and, under exceptionally good visibility, even as far as the Alps and the Krušné hory.

How to get there

Several marked hiking trails lead to the summit of Čerchov. The most frequently used ascent starts from the village of Capartice (near Klenčí pod Čerchovem), from where an approximately 4.5 km long red hiking trail leads with an elevation gain of over 330 metres. This path is partially paved and also suitable for cyclists. Other starting points include Pec pod Čerchovem (following the blue trail, approx. 4.5 km with a greater elevation gain) or Česká Kubice, from where the historical Hanova stezka leads (red and subsequently blue trail), approximately 7.5 km long. A car park is available for motorists in Capartice. During the tourist season, bus transport to the summit is also usually available.

What you can discover in the surrounding area

The surroundings of Čerchov are crisscrossed by hiking trails that lead to the points of interest of the Chodsko region and the Český les. Directly below the summit is the Emerichova studna, once a modified spring. Near Čerchov, visitors can visit the picturesque market town of Klenčí pod Čerchovem, the centre of the Chodsko region. In a southerly direction lies Česká Kubice and the border crossing into Germany, from where one can continue into the Bavarian borderland. In the wider surroundings is the historical town of Domažlice, which is known for its Chodsko culture, a typical square with a dominant tower, and the Chodský hrad. For hikers, the route to Sádkova skála or towards the Haltrava summit is of interest.