*Jedlová, Tolštejn castle and various Lužické hory viewpoints in a fine 15 km circuit*

• This is an extended version of the classic walk to Jedlová peak (774m) in the Lusatian mountains, which straddle the Germany/north Bohemia border. If you include the 23 metre historic viewing tower, Jedlová is the highest point in the range. It is a popular trip, mainly for the view but there is the bonus of a summit restaurant, which is open year-round.
• Most people combine a trip to Jedlová with a visit to the medieval ruins of Tolštejn castle. This was founded in the 14th century by the powerful north Bohemian Vartenberk family, presumably to guard the trading route between Bohemia and Lusatia. The Gothic castle was finally abandoned after being partially destroyed by the Swedish army during the 17th century. The ruins became a popular tourist attraction in the 19th century and remain so today.
• It is possible to reach Jedlová summit from several directions, shortest route being to start at Jedlová railway station. This is the start point for the classic route. However, if wanting a longer and slightly more challenging route which visits Jedlová, Tolštejn and a number of other excellent viewpoints, consider the circular walk described below.
• The 15 km walk can be started at any point in the circuit (including the Jedlová train station) but if driving in the area, there is a convenient free parking area just off the main road number 9 at Stožecká saddle. If taking the walk clockwise from that point, a nice basalt rock outcrop (Konopáč) is located not far from the parking spot. It is possible to scramble to the top for a good view. A similar viewpoint is located on the opposite side of the road (Pětikostelní kámen – map point 8).
• The route is quite hilly, with 640m of height to ascend/descend, on a mix of forest roads and footpaths. There are occasional quite steep sections. There are refreshment options at the Jedlová lookout tower, at Tolštejn and there is also well regarded restaurant at the train station.

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 Stožecká saddle parking area, cross the footbridge over the main road and join the GREEN trail
• After 1.2 km reach the Konopáč junction where there is a short diversion to the rocks (green triangle markers)
• Continue on the GREEN trail for 1 km to reach Jedlová station
• Continue on the GREEN trail for a further 1.4 km to reach the U Ranče trail junction. Here, turn left onto the RED trail heading towards Jedlová. The summit is reached after 1.3 km
• Return back to U Ranče and continue on the RED trail to reach Tolštejn castle after 1.5 km
• From Tolštejn, continue on the RED trail to reach the Pod Ptačincem junction after 4 km
• At Pod Ptačincem turn sharply right onto the BLUE trail heading back towards Stožecké sedlo
• The diversion to the Pětikostelní kámen viewpoint is reached after 2.4 km. From there it is 800m back to the car park along the BLUE trail