Jedlová peak and Tolštejn castle starting at Jedlová train station: 8 km
- Jedlová (774m) is the third highest peak in the Lužické mountains, but if you add in the historic 23 metre viewing tower on the summit (which dates from the 19th century), this becomes the highest point in the range! The tower is open throughout the year and there is a welcoming restaurant at the summit, which is also open year-round.
- It is possible to reach Jedlová summit from several directions, but the closest public transport option is the Jedlová train station. It is a relatively easy 2.7 km hike, with 230m of climbing, to reach the summit from the train station. If driving, the closest parking is below Tolštejn castle.
- After visiting the peak, it is definitely worth diverting for a couple of kilometers to visit 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, Thirty Years War. The ruins became a popular tourist attraction in the 19th century. They remain so today.
- The walk, including the diversion to Tolštejn is 7.8 km long with 300m of ascent-descent. The paths are a mix of forest road and paths. There are no difficult sections. There are refreshment options at the Jedlová lookout tower, at Tolštejn and there is a well regarded restaurant at the train station at the start-finish point.
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Directions
- Starting at the Jedlová train station, join the GREEN trail heading towards U Ranče
- The U Ranče junction is reached after 1.4 km. There, turn left onto the RED trail heading towards Jedlová
- The peak is reached after 1.3 km
- Return back to U Ranče and continue on the RED trail to reach Tolštjn castle after 1.5 km
- Return back to U Ranče and then Jedlová station along the outbound route (RED, then GREEN trails)
