Orlické hory ridge crossing
A pleasant trek through less visited places
The Eagle Mountains offer beautiful nature and varied hiking opportunities. The ridge crossing allows you to explore the entire mountain range in a few days and enjoy panoramic views of the Czech and Polish hinterland. The Orlické Mountains are smaller and less visited than the Krkonoše or Šumava mountains, but because of this you often meet few tourists here.
The route of the crossing follows a single ridge red tourist marker. Depending on taste and physical condition, it is possible to schedule the route accordingly. There are several cottages and guesthouses on the route where you can stay.
Embarking on the trek
The crossing can be started in Neratov, which can be reached by bus.
If you have time, it is worth taking your time and enjoying the atmosphere of this unusual place. There are also several accommodation options or places to pitch a tent.
Neratov
An extraordinary mountain village, a place of spiritual renewal
About 8 km northeast of Rokytnice in the Orlické hory, right on the border with Poland, there is an unusual… continue reading
Nerat church
The local church, famous for its glass roof, is definitely worth a visit.
Neratov - a church with a glass roof
A church with extraordinary architecture and a story
In the small settlement of Neratov, about 8 km northeast of Rokytnice in the Orlické Mountains, there is an… continue reading
First stage
The first stage is 21 km long and leads from Neratov to Masaryk's cottage in Šerlich.
The first 8.5 km follows the yellow and red markers and represents a persistent climb through the forest, where unfortunately there are not too many interesting views. There is a shelter with a buffet on Pěticestí, but it is only open on weekends in season.
From there, the climb is already gentler, and after less than a kilometer stands the interesting Kunštátská chapel.
Kunštát Chapel
The chapel on the crest of the Eagle Mountains
About 15 km northeast of Rychnov nad Kněžnou, on the crest of the Eagle Mountains at an altitude of 1,037 m… continue reading
After combing Pod Homoli
Further on, the route leads through slightly undulating terrain to the Pod Homolí signpost near the cycle path. Here it is worth spending about 150 mk for a local self-service snack. It is unmanned and open 24/7.
Kačenčín tavern Pod Homolí
Amazing self service forest bar
On the crest of the Eagle Mountains, just 120 meters above Zdobnicí, below the „Pod Homolí“ tourist crossing,… continue reading
To the highest peak
We continue further and after 4.5 km we reach the highest point of the Eagle Mountains – Velké Deštná. Here it is definitely worth going up to the local lookout tower and enjoying the panoramic view of the mountains and their surroundings.
Velká Deštná lookout tower
A lookout tower, which has its name in its design.
The highest peak of the Orlické Mountains has been proud of a new lookout tower since last autumn. It adds a… continue reading
To Masaryk's cottage
The last section is a comfortable four-kilometer gradual descent to Masaryk's cottage in Šerlich.
Masaryk's cottage in Šerlich
A cottage at the most famous and most visited peak of Orlické hor
On the crest of the Eagle Mountains, about 3.5 km northeast of Deštná, at an altitude of 1019 m above sea… continue reading
The second stage
The rest of the crossing leads from Masaryk's cottage to Náchod, and depending on strength and weather, it can be completed in one day or divided into two days.
The first section first follows the red marker to Vrchmezí, 5 km away. There, it is worthwhile to jump a little over the border and climb the beautiful lookout tower.
Upper limit
A popular peak of the Eagle Mountains with a lookout tower
On the crest of the Orlické Mountains, in the section between Deštný and Olešnica, the mountain Vrchmezí … continue reading
Descent to Olešnice
The next section is a five-kilometer descent to Olešnice, where you can have refreshments or accommodation. On the square you can see a local attraction – Utz's mechanical nativity scene.
Utz's mechanical nativity scene
A carving work with a unique mechanism
In the building of the municipal office in Olešnice in Orlické hory, about 12 km southeast of Náchod, there… continue reading
To Hell
The road then continues for about 12.5 km on the red road through Nový Hrádek and then along the Olešnice river to the Peklo tourist hut.
It is possible to have refreshments or accommodation in Pekla.
Tourist hut Peklo (Bartoňova utulna)
Picturesque cottage and excursion restaurant on the edge of the Eagle Mountains
About 3.5 km northeast of Nové Město nad Metují, in a deep valley near the confluence of the Metuje and… continue reading
To the destination
From there, you can either walk comfortably along the Metuja River to the picturesque town of Nové Město nad Metují, about 6 km away, or continue with the 3 km steep ascent to the Jiráskov hut in Dobrošov. Here it is possible to stay or visit the interesting fortress Dobrošov or other fortifications being built against the German attack.
The route then leads down a steep 2 km descent to the destination in Náchod.
Jirásk's cottage in Dobrošov
Pearl of the Club of Czech Tourists with a stylish lookout tower
Above the south-eastern edge of Náchod near the village of Dobrošov rises Jiráskova's cottage in Dobrošov.… continue reading
