*Routes to the Orlické hory peak, Vrchmezí (1084m), starting from Deštné: 15 – 20 km*

• At 1084m, Vrchmezí is the highest peak in the Orlické hory range which is directly on the Polish-Czech border. It is most easily accessed from the Polish side and from the end of the 18th century onwards has a popular tourist destination. There was even a small Polish Polish hamlet with various hotels just below the peak, all of which disappeared during the Communist era.
• In 2012 a stone monument (pictured in the header) was erected on the summit of Vrchmezí to commemorate famous visitors to the Orlické hory. The three faces of the monument document the visits of Emperor Joseph II, John Quincy Adams (the US Sixth President) and the Polish composer, Fryderyk Chopin. In the location of the old mountain hamlet a wooden viewing tower was erected in 2020.
• Various hiking trails access the peak from the Polish and Czech sides of the mountain. Even in winter the peak is popular destination, with the closest access point being the resort of Zieleniec. It is a longer, but more varied walk from the Czech side, with access either from the village of Sedloňov or the resort town of Deštné. In the map below, there is a suggested route to and from Deštné.
• There are various good viewpoints along the way, assuming it is not a foggy day (as it was on the author’s visit to the peak in winter 2026). However, even in the fog it is a trip worth doing. Along, the main ridge trail (used for the return journey in the map below), there are many well-preserved fortifications established just before WWII to defend the Czechoslovak border against the Nazi menace. They were never used, as the whole border region was annexed to Germany in the infamous Munich agreement.
• One atmospheric spot, close to the fortifications trail, is Černý kříž (black cross), pictured below. The cross and nearby shelter were (originally) erected in the 19th century. The shelter was used by workers building the fortifications between 1934 and 1938. Vrchmezí peak is also the location of a couple of specially protected nature zones (there are information boards along the way), including a unique section of primeval forest, with old beech and spruce, mixed with maple trees.
• There are various route options to and from Vrchmezí from Deštné, with circuits between 15 km and 20 km. The route choice below involves just over 500m of height to ascend-descend. None of the paths are steep and the route can usually be managed in all seasons (except in deep snow) . Note that in the peak ski season (January-February) some of the trails are marked cross country ski tracks. Please avoid walking on the marked trails at this time.
• The are two potential refreshment spots directly on the route: the mountain hotel at Šerlišský Mlýn (map point 3) and Masarykova chata (map point 4). Apart from in peak summer season, these may only serve meals to the general public at weekends. Back in Deštné, try the popular Kozí chlívek pension and restaurant, just on the edge of town. This is a Hejlík recommendation.

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 Národní dům junction in Dešné, join the GREEN trail heading towards Šerlich
• After 1.7 km reach the Nad Národním domem junction and there join the BLUE trail heading towards Šerlišský Mlýn, which is reached after 2 km
• There are various route options from Šerlišský Mlýn to get to Vrchmezí, but probably the most varied route is to go via Masarykova chata and over Šerlich peak. This is the longest route though.
• From Šerlišský Mlýn, follow the BLUE trail for 2 km to reach Masarykova chata and there join the RED trail heading towards Bukačka
• Stay on the RED trail for 3.5 km until reaching the Vrchmezí junction. The stone monument and viewing tower are a short marked diversion 100m from the trail junction
• Return back along the RED trail for 1.5 km to the Polomské sedlo junction and there join the GREEN trail heading towards Deštné
• After 1.7 km, take a moment to divert to visit Černý kříž (map point 9)
• Continue on the GREEN trail all the way back to Deštné, or for a slightly different route, follow the marked cycle path rather than the GREEN trail – the former option is shown in the map above