Alternative ascents of the Brdy peak of Třemšín, from Hutě pod Třemšínem: 8 km to 16 km

• Třemšín is probably the most interesting of all the 800m peaks in the Brdy range – the so called ‘brdské osmistovky‘. Firstly, it actually offers some views over the wider Brdy range, from its rocky summit (this is rare for a Brdy 800m peak as most summits are tree-covered). Secondly, the fragments of an intriguing medieval fortress ringing the summit area make the climb even more worthwhile!
• The hilltop appears to have been first fortified in the 10th century. The subsequent 13th century Gothic castle was burnt down by the Hussites in 1424. It was left to crumble over the following 800 years. As a result, both the castle and Třemšín hill itself have an interesting history and legends attached to them.
• There are several potential access points for the ascent of Třemšín. One of the closest points with public transport access is the village of Hutě pod Třemšínem, located 6 km west of the larger town of Rožmitál pod Třemšínem. From there, it is around 4 km to the summit taking the most direct route – most of which is a mountain road and therefore navigable with a stroller. Třemšín can therefore be climbed in a simple 8 km round trip, making this one of the easiest accessed summits in the range.
• However, the direct route (especially if used for both ascent and descent) lacks a bit of variety as the road basically goes up the mountain in a straight line. A good alternative is to approach from the north, crossing a succession of minor peaks on the ridge line leading up to Třemšín. This path is more challenging and quite rocky in places but is one of the nicest ridge paths in Brdy.
• There are couple of variations for the approach from the north. The longest route (shown in the map below and totaling just over 16 km) takes a very indirect route but passes through attractive mixed forest areas. The shorter route skips much of the forest and takes the mountain road past the children’s summer camp (map point. This gives a walk of around 11 km. Both routes have about 340m of height to ascend/descend. There are a couple of steeper sections on the ridge just before Třemšín summit, but they are not particularly difficult (unless walking in winter, when the paths can be icy, but they are not exposed so this is a potential winter walk if snow cover is not too thick).
• The only refreshment option directly on any of the routes mentioned above is a private house (300m from the bus stop along the main trail) which serves coffee through a window. There is a small outdoor seating area. When the sign is out, just ring the bell and order some excellent coffee!

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

• Start at Třemšín which has bus connections with Rožmitál pod Třemšínem. There are usually parking spots on the main street
• Unless planning to take the simple ‘there and back’ 8 km route (in which case follow the RED trail which leads to the chapel just below the summit), join the GREEN trail heading in the direction of Chynská
• After 1 km the road branches, with the right branch continuing with GREEN trail markers. The left branch is unmarked and passes the children’s summer camp. Take the left branch if wanting the shorter of the circular routes (11km). This access road joins up with the YELLOW trail at the Roubenka junction (map point 4)
• If wanting the longer route (16 km) stay on the GREEN trail for a further 2.2 km to reach the Chynská junction
• At the junction, turn left to join the YELLOW trail heading in the direction of Hengst
• After 5.1 km reach the Roubenka junction and continue 1.4 km to reach Hengst, the site of an abandoned (possibly not completed) medieval fortress
• From Hengst continue on the YELLOW trail over Křemel peak to reach Třemšín summit after 2.5 km
• Cross the summit area (noting the remnants of the medieval fortress walls) and descend to the chapel below the summit
• At the chapel, join the RED trail, which leads back to Třemšín in 3.9 km