HIKING
Discover the breathtaking landscape of the region – forests, rivers, rocks. The routes here follow centuries-old pilgrimage and trade trails and will introduce you and your children to the nature and the culture of the area. Themed trails take you into the world of glassmaking, cuisine, culture and geology.
In the footsteps of glassmakers, pilgrims and the Golden Trail
Český les and its surroundings hold a magic all of their own for everyone who wants to discover the landscape on foot. The dense forests, wild streams, rocky summits and far-reaching views here are ringed by old pilgrimage and trade routes that bring the rich history and the untouched nature of the border country closer. Since much of the area is still undiscovered by tourists and keeps its calm, authentic character, all you need do is pack comfortable shoes and a snack with plenty to drink and set off in search of adventure.
Right on our doorstep you can join the celebrated Zlatá stezka (Goldsteig) (zlatoustezkou.cz), which is one of the finest hiking routes in Europe. Its network runs to hundreds of kilometres across the Bavarian and Czech nature parks and the Šumava National Park. Thanks to connecting paths and border crossings you can switch easily between the Czech and the German side, according to your mood and your fitness.
The immediate area also offers the enchanting glassmaking nature trail Naučná stezka Sklářství (ceskymlesem.eu) around Lesná, a six-kilometre circuit through a formerly inaccessible border zone leading to Knížecí Huť and the Huťský potok stream, which reveals the remains of Arnošt's glass-polishing works as well as the secrets of the old master glassmakers. Families with children, in turn, will find an excellent destination in the playful themed routes close by, such as the Waidhauser Lustweg adventure trail.
What is more, the historic Železná route of the Way of St James (ultreia.cz) passes through the village of Železná; it runs from Prague and on the Czech side reveals seven churches dedicated to St James the Greater. You might, for instance, walk the popular twenty-kilometre stretch from Hostouň straight to us. Pilgrims and all lovers of walking journeys are always warmly welcome here, and through the community portal Postel pro poutníka (A Bed for a Pilgrim) we are always glad to add something extra to an honest rest and a good night's sleep.
Our tips for the most beautiful walks
THROUGH THE SRDÍČKO GAME PRESERVE
This walk is a must-have for all of our guests. A restful stroll through the game park, around the Železný pond, past herds of fallow deer and red deer that hide away in the beech thickets or, on the contrary, watch the sunset together with you from one of the pastures.
In the upper part of the game park the path is reinforced with stones, while the lower section by the pond is also suitable for a walk with a pram. Climb right up to the top of the park to the little chapel of St. Hubert, where a bench waits for you in the shade and you can gather strength for the way back.
TO ŽELEZENSKÁ HUŤ AND BACK THROUGH THE SRDÍČKO GAME PRESERVE
This is our favourite and most frequent walk, ideal for a morning or an afternoon, for a run at daybreak or an early-evening stroll to watch the sunset. The route leads straight from the village green in Železná, mostly in the shade of the forest, past the Obora Srdíčko game park and beaver dams as far as the vanished village of Eisendorfhütte - Eisendorfská huť, which used to be a glassmaking settlement. In its place we now find a beautiful pilgrimage chapel. After a short climb the forest track takes you right to the boundary of Obora Srdíčko, and once you have crossed the wooden stile you reach the chapel of St Hubert, where a bench with a view awaits you among the beeches. From there you carry on downhill, along a firm stony track downhill, and all that is left to do is to feast your eyes on the large herds of deer.
The last stretch of the route runs along the Železný pond and takes you almost all the way to your room.
THROUGH THE LOST VILLAGES OF RUŠTEJN, WALDDORF AND EISENDORFSKÁ HUŤ
This fairly easy route, running mostly through the forest, leads you past the lost settlements in the immediate surroundings of the Resort. Vanished villages and hamlets are always marked with a green information board, and at Walddorf, your second stop, there is even a covered rest area with a spring and information panels. The last stop is the Železenská glassworks with its little chapel, and from there a level path through the forest along the Srdíčko game park brings you back to Železná.
TO THE LOST VILLAGE OF PLEŠ AND BACK
This moderately demanding route follows a surfaced forest road and runs for the most part in the shade of the local woods. Along the way you pass several vanished villages, each marked by a green sign bearing its name, Eisendorfská Huť and Frančina Huť. The final steeper climb to the summit of Pleš is rewarded with a magnificent view over the valley of the lost village. On the top of Pleš the remains of the Church of St John the Baptist and of the original cemetery have been preserved. This captivating spot radiates a deep calm and is the highlight of the whole trip.
The village of Pleš itself was already a popular recreation area at the beginning of the century and numbered more than 105 houses and 700 inhabitants. Once the Iron Curtain had descended, the village was wiped out down to a single house, and a border guard unit was stationed in the building of the former mountain hotel Flor. On the way back to the Resort we recommend walk the final part of the route through Obora Srdíčko and enjoy the views of Přimda and the grazing herds of red and fallow deer.
TO DIANA CHATEAU
An easy route leading through the Kolowrat forests to the game park, from where it continues to the enchanting little Diana hunting lodge and on past a former border guard post. Your way is gently accompanied by the Farský, Nivní and Jelení brooks. You will come out onto broad water meadows where the sun can be fairly relentless, especially on summer days. The tracks are well maintained, running through the forest on a firm surface. You can also make use of two covered rest areas. One stands right by the former Diana guard post and appears on maps as Přístřešek Rybničná. The second, a picturesque spot, lies a short way from the lodge. It is said that the countess of Kolowrat loved to rest right here, and it is no wonder that maps mark the place as Vyhlídka Dominiky Kolowrat-Krakowské.
TO THE EBENE LOOKOUT TOWER (BÖHMERWALDTHURM) VIA THE LOST VILLAGES OF PLEŠ AND VÁCLAV AND BACK
This route, which runs through the heart of Český ráj with its turbulent history and enchanting views, is intended rather for more experienced walkers. The beginning of the route is the same as the trip to Pleš, but there you need to continue towards another vanished village and then on across the border into Germany. You will pass the source of the Weissbach brook and the ruins of the former settlement of Bügellohe. A short way from the houses still standing there is a museum where you can read, in Czech as well, about the history of how this settlement came into being and disappeared. Just a little further on stands a wooden lookout tower (894 m above sea level), freely accessible all year round. It was built in 1983 by the descendants of the displaced families.
It is said that they built it so that there would be a place from which to look out towards the spot where their home once stood. Beside the lookout tower there is a lovely viewpoint, ideal for a rest before you head back. Wooden seats, arranged much as in a cinema, give you a unique view of the peaks of Český les.
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