*Špičák peak, granite boulders and the UNESCO listed Jizerské hory beech forests: 10 km*

• On the north side of the Jizerské hory (Jizera mountains) a large area of original prehistoric beech woods has been preserved. In 2021 the Jizerské hory forests were inscribed in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage list, joining primeval beech forests in 12 other Central European countries. This is the first Czech natural monument to be included in the UNESCO list.
• The beech trees grow on the steep sided northern slopes, which are also notable for their granite rock outcrops and ‘seas’ of frost shattered granite boulders. It is very atmospheric and colorful scenery, particularly in autumn time and quite different from the gentler spruce dominated terrain of the southern and central sections of the Jizerské hory. It is brilliant walking country (and often frequented by mushroom hunters).
• Some of the most popular trails starts at the low pass of Oldřichovské sedlo, situated a few kilometers north of Liberec. There are bus connections to the sedlo, and a (paid) parking area, which can get very busy at weekends. At the pass is the well known Hausmanka U Kozy pub, famously serving oven roasted pork knee and chicken dishes (usually only at weekends).
• One easy route from Oldřichovské sedlo follows a forest road heading towards Hejnice. The route is called the Viničná cesta and the walk along this trail is described here.
• However, the classic walk from the saddle starts on the opposite side of the pass and climbs up through the photogenic granite boulder fields to reach the peak of Špičák (724m). On the way, there are many extraordinary mushroom shaped rocks to view as well as some natural rock bridges reminiscent of stone age dolmens. In addition to Špičák peak (which only has partial views), there is an excellent viewpoint called Skalní hrad (map point 3), which is accessed up some carved rock steps.
• The suggested circular route shown in map below is just under 10 km long, with 415m of height to ascend-descend, some of which is on quite steep terrain, occasionally assisted with metal or wooden steps.

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

• From Oldřichovské sedlo, follow the GREEN hiking trail in the direction of Skalní hrad – the path starts just behind the tourist shelter
• The diversion to the viewpoint is reached after 1.9 km. The viewpoint is reached after scaling some steep rock steps, which are slightly exposed
• Continue on the GREEN trail for a further 500m to reach the Hřebenový buk junction. Here, join the YELLOW trail heading in the direction of Liberec
• After 1 km reach the junction just below the summit of Špičák – there are diversion markers to the summit
• Continue on the YELLOW trail down from the summit for 550m to reach the Pod Oldřichov. Špičákem junction
• At the junction, turn right onto the GREEN trail heading back to the Hřebenový buk junction, which is reached after 1.6 km
• At the junction, take the BLUE trail heading in the direction of Oldřichov v Hájích
• After 1.6 km, just before the forest section ends, turn left off the BLUE trail onto to cycle track. This leads directly back to Oldřichovské sedlo after 2 km