Central Bohemian Uplands: Top 10 Views

Central Bohemian Uplands is an excellent destination for your one-day trips from Prague since it is less than a one-hour drive. This area is full of volcanic hills comfortable to climb and providing amazing views to the hilly countryside.

 

I am going to take you for a tour around ten best views with one bonus at the end. We will explore the magic area of extinct volcanos, ruins of medieval castles, and fascinating views over the Elbe river.

1. Milešovka

Milešovka is the highest mountain of the Central Bohemian Uplands, with its 837 meters above sea-level. Milešovka is sometimes called “A Thunder Mountain“ since it is the windiest place in the Czech Republic with frequent storms. However, it should not discourage you from a visit. If you plan your trip during the sunny weather, you can be on top of the summit in less than one hour and enjoy a refreshing breeze. On top of the mountain is the oldest observation tower in the Czech Republic, built-in 1904, that offers a stunning 360° panoramic view over the Central Bohemian Uplands.

2. Hazmburk Castle

Hazmburk is a dominant of the whole area that you can spot almost from every peak of the Central Bohemian Uplands. Its two massive towers, the White and Black Tower, are among the most visited monuments since they offer an unforgettable view on surrounding hills. These ruins had their origins in the 13th Century. Since then, it served as seat to important noble families. Today, you can visit the remnants of the castle and climb up to one of the towers for an exceptional view.

 

3. Lovoš

Lovoš is a distinctive hill of the Central Bohemian Uplands with its two summits. From the top is an excellent view on surrounding hills, but also the Elbe river passing nearby.

4. Porta Bohemica

Not far from Lovoš, you can find an “entry gate” to Bohemia. It is a canyon-like valley with picturesque meanders of the Elbe river. There are several viewpoints on the canyon. I found this view near Litochovice village at the designed viewpoint “Brána Čech.”

5. Kalvárie – Three Crosses

From the other bank of the river, you can find a great view over the Porta Bohemica from a viewpoint called Three Crosses. Besides the meanders of the Elbe river, you also have a great view of the surrounding vineyards and hilly countryside. This place also has a great history dating back to prehistoric times. People guarded this strategic location already about 1000 BC, and ancient Celts and Slavs continued to guard it as an essential point on the trading route to Bohemia.

6. Plešivec

This summit is covered with stone boulders, so-called “stone sea,” the most extensive in the Central Bohemian Uplands. From the top, you have an excellent overview of the most significant peaks, such as Milešovka, Lovoš, and Radobýl. Kalvárie is just in front of you, together with ruins of castles Kamýk and Hazmburk.

7. Radobýl

Radobýl is a popular hiking destination thanks to its 360° view over the surrounding area. At the top, there is an iron cross since 1622. You can admire the flowing Elbe river, surrounding vineyards, but also the former concentration camp Terezín in the distance. During WW2, the Nazis created a secret labor camp under the Radobyl, where the prisoners manufactured weapons for the Reich. Today, this underground area is not open to the public, but you can check some pictures of former Důl Richard (only in Czech).

8. Krkavčí skála

This hardly pronounceable name means “Raven Rock,” and you can mainly admire the northern part of the Central Bohemian Upland with the main city Ústí nad Labem in the distance. You can reach this viewpoint form village called Sebuzín. If you have more time, you can continue to the nearby lookout tower Varhošť.

9. Raná

Raná is my favorite peak of the Central Bohemian Uplands. I already wrote about my trip to this magic place with Offroadsafari last year. I was so amazed by this place, so I decided to come back for sunset and just enjoyed the magic moment on top of the hill. You can easily reach the summit within 20 minutes from the parking lot under the hill.

10. Oblík – Srdov – Brník

Once you are on the top of Raná, you can see three summits close to each other. These are Oblík (the closest and highest), followed by Srdov and Brnik at the end. Since the Central Bohemian Uplands is typical for its individual standing hills, this is the only possibility for a ridge hike in this area. The easiest option is to start your trip from a small village called Mnichov. All three summits are easily accessible.

Bonus Tip – Říp

I promised you a bonus at the end. I should not miss out the Říp mountains. I am not promising you the best view over the Central Bohemian Uplands, but an ancient pilgrimage path that every Czech should walk at least once in a life. According to the legend, our ancestor, Forefather Czech arrived on top of the mountain and decided to settle his tribe here. On top of the hill is one of the most famous Romanesque monuments, the Rotunda of St. George, dating back to the 12th Century. It is an easy walk on the top with a lovely route under the linden trees.

 

How to Get to Central Bohemian Uplands

Of course, the easiest way is to travel by car to individual peaks. I would recommend mapy.cz for planning your trips since there are marked all the touristic trails. If you prefer to travel by train or bus, check the closest village near to these places and check the actual timetable at IDOS. If you would like to stay in the Central Bohemian Uplands for a few days, I can recommend accommodation Dvůr Perlová voda. Besides the comfortable rooms, they have an excellent restaurant where they grow their bio ingredients.