*A circuit around the volcanic peak of Sedlo (726m) starting in Třebušín: 17 km to 21 km*

• At 726m, Sedlo is the 4th highest peak in the České středohoří nature area, but it is a popular mountain to climb more for the interesting volcanic rocks, including some super basalt columns, that protrude along its surprisingly long summit ridge. The normal ascent route follows this ridge and offers various good viewpoints before arriving at the summit, where there is a final viewpoint with a superb view to the south over the Labe river plain.
• Sedlo can be approached from a number of nearby villages which have bus connections which the largest town in the area, Litoměřice. Although not the closest village to Sedlo, a good option for a walk around this super mountain is to start in the village of Třebušín. An excellent circular route of around 17 km can be created if starting here, passing through some old villages and offering a variety of views over the fascinating České středohoří landscape.
• This route also gives the option of climbing two additional volcanic peaks, both topped with medieval castle remains. The first of these is Kalich peak (536m), which is Třebušín’s nearest hill. It was here that the legendary Hussite warlord, Jan Žižka founded his ‘home’ castle, in 1421.
• Kalich was the only fortress that Žižka personally owned, despite his numerous victories during the Hussite Wars. The castle design was also unusual and reflected Žižka’s advanced thinking in warfare strategy. The walls were apparently constructed without mortar – essentially dry stone walls – which were less susceptible to destruction by the emerging gunpowder weapons of the 15th century.
• Today, only the outline of the foundations is visible on the hilltop, but these are gradually being thoughtfully reconstructed with new dry stone low walls. The castle was probably never captured in battle but was abandoned after the 15th century. It is quite a steep climb up to the summit, especially after tackling the Sedlo climb, so if preferring to save Kalich for a separate trip, here is the description of the standalone Kalich walk.
• The second castle ruin located not far from Sedlo is on Litýš peak (486m). Interestingly, this castle was also built in the early 15th century by the Catholic lord, Sigismund of Vartemberk, probably as a direct counter to Žižka’s Kalich seat. The fate of Litýš during the Hussite Wars is not clear, but both Litýš and Kalich were finally abandoned and left to fall into ruins during the first half of the 16th century.
• Including ascents of both Litýš and Kalich to the Sedlo circuit adds around 4 km to the walk and an extra 250 of height to ascend/descend. The standalone circuit around Sedlo has 560m of height to ascend/descend. Some sections of the ascent and descent route on Sedlo are quite steep and could be dangerous if conditions are icy. The whole trail is best undertaken in dry conditions, as some of the footpaths can become very muddy after wet weather.
• For refreshments, there is a small pub in Třebušín and also grocery store on the main square to buy supplies for the hike. If driving in the area, consider as stop in the attractive town of Litoměřice, where there are several interesting cafés and restaurants.

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

• Třebušín is on a regular bus route from Litoměřice. For drivers, there is a small parking area on the edge of the village (map point 2)
• From the village center, join th RED trail heading in the direction of Litýš
• After 4.2 km reach the Litýš trail junction. Here the optional diversion to the Litýš castle ruin branches off the main trail. If taking the diversion, return back to the Litýš junction after visiting the ruin
• Continue on the RED trail a further 2.8 km until reaching the ‘saddle’ between the higher peak of Sedlo on the right and the lower peak of Malé sedlo on the left. At this point, a GREEN hiking trail braches to the right to lead directly up the ridgeline of Sedlo. Take this trail
• The trail up the ridge is 1.3 km long (the last section in the volcanic rocks undulates before reaching the summit)
• At the summit there is a trail signpost to the Vyhlídka (viewpoint) which is 100m from the summit. Take the opportunity to visit this excellent viewpoint
• From the summit of Sedlo, take continue on the GREEN trail heading in the direction of Mauzoleum. The trail desecnds steeply at first and then becomes more gentle
• Stay on the GREEN trail for 1.3 km until reaching the junction of Sedlo – vých. Here turn left onto the RED trail, heading in the direction of Třebušín
• After 600m reach the Sedlo – sev. junction and here join the GREEN trail, again heading in the direction of Třebušín
• Stay on the GREEN trail for 5.8 km, through the village of Horní Týnec to reach outskirts of Třebušín village
• 200m after passing the first houses, reach the Třebušín – pod Kalichem trail junction. Here, the route up Kalich begins if wanting to take this diversion – follow the YELLOW trail up the mountain for 1.5 km to reach the summit, and then descend on the opposite side, still on the YELLOW trail to reach the village center in 2 km
• If not taking the Kalich diversion, stay on the GREEN trail at the Třebušín – pod Kalichem junction and reach the village center in 600m