*A circuit of the best rocky viewpoints in the northern Jizerské hory, from Hejnice: 17 km*

A circuit of the best rocky viewpoints in the northern Jizerské hory, from Hejnice: 17 km

The town of Hejnice, on the northern side of the Jizerské mountains, has been known as a pilgrimage location for over 900 hundred years. Pilgrims presumably also used the opportunity to climb into the hills and scale the granite rock outcrops that are a feature of the northern slopes. However, the nearest outcrop to Hejnice, the 800m peak of Ořeštník, was inaccessible to all but the best mountaineers. Then, in 1898, the German Mountain Association carved 28 steps up the rock face and installed protective railings and a very large cross.
Today, this is an iconic peak to capture in the Jizerské range. Those brave enough to scramble up the 28 steps are rewarded with superb view over Hejnice and over the whole northern mountains. The approach route from Hejnice is itself one of the nicest trails in the area, passing through oak groves on the lower slopes and later the beautiful UNESCO listed beech forests, which are filled with massive granite boulders. The climb to Ořeštník can be done as a ‘there and back’ 7 km standalone walk.
For those seeking more adventure, the trail continues on after Ořeštník to further spectacular northern Jizerské sites, starting with a delightful set of cascading waterfalls along the Velký Štolpich stream. The suggested route then tops out on the broad spruce-filled plateau that makes up the central part of the Jizerské range. The return back to Hejnice follows probably the most dramatic of all the trails in the region ´- traversing the magical granite outcrops of Polední kameny and Frýdlantské cimbuří.
From Frýdlantské cimbuří, the trail winds back into the valley, partly following the boulder filled stream, Černý potok, and then along a quiet country road back to Hejnice. The total route of 16.9 km involves around 750m of height to ascend-descend, if the main rocky viewpoints are tackled (they can be avoided, but that rather defeats the point of this particular hike!). The trails are generally not difficult, but the ascents of the rocky viewpoints are quite challenging. Although protected with steps and some railings, they do involve some exposure.
There are no refreshment stops directly on the circuit – so take sufficient provisions for this challenging walk. Back in Hejnice there are several refreshment options including a restaurant in the monastery. Overlooking the Basilika is a nice café, with a terrace – the Kavárna Hugo.

Note: click ‘Show on Mapy.com’ to go to a full screen version of the route directly on the mapy.com site. This can be used for on line navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file.

Directions

Starting at the Hejnice train station (where there is free parking and also good bus connections with the rest of the region), join the RED trail heading towards Hejnice Basilika, which is reached in 500m
From the Basilika, continue on the RED trail for 2.9 km to reach the trail junction just below the summit of Ořeštník
At the junction, turn right to follow the diversion signs (red triangle markers) to reach the summit and the stone steps after 250m
After tackling Ořeštník, continue on the RED trail, passing the Velký Štolpich waterfalls (there is a short descent, followed by a longer ascent, reaching the end of the cascades near the U Tetřeví boudy junction (2.5 km from Ořeštník)
At the U Tetřeví boudy junction, join the YELLOW trail heading for the Nad Černým potokem junction, which is reached after 1.3 km
At the junction, turn left onto the GREEN trail, heading in the direction of Bílý Potok
After 90m the GREEN trail bears left, while the concrete lined mountain trail continues straight on. Stay on the mountain road (leaving the GREEN trail)
After 1.5 km the mountain road reaches the junction of Smědavská hora – silnice. Here, turn left onto the YELLOW trail heading in the direction of Bílý Potok
After 600m reach the first diversion to the Polední kameny rocks is on the right
After tackling these rocks, continue on the YELLOW trail a further 600m to reach the Frýdlantské cimbuří rocks
From the Frýdlantské cimbuří rocks head downhill on the YELLOW trail for 400m to reach the Pod Frýdlanstkým cimbuřím junction. Here, turn right onto the GREEN trail heading towards Bílý Potok
One final rocky viewpoint is reached after 1 km, the Hajní kostel – which is a sharp 100m climb to the right
Continue 1.5 km downhill on the GREEN trail to reach the U Liščí chaty junction and here turn left onto the YELLOW trail which leads directly back to Hejnice after 3 km