A dominant basalt hill (619 m) with a view of the surrounding landscape. In summer many rare plants grow here.
A basalt loner among the sandstone
Růžovský vrch is a geological oddity — in the middle of the broad sandstone landscape of Bohemian Switzerland stands a solitary basalt hill with a perfect cone shape. At 619 metres it is one of the most distinctive landmarks in the region and is visible from tens of kilometres away. The hill's basalt origin means you will find completely different nature here than in the sandstone valleys around — different trees, different flowers, a different character of landscape altogether.
A botanical garden under the open sky
Thanks to the basalt bedrock, which is richer in nutrients than the surrounding sandstone, unique flora grows on Růžovský vrch. In spring carpets of snowflakes and snowdrops bloom here, later come rare orchids, lilies and dozens of other protected species. The hill is a nature reserve and botanists travel here for plants they will not find anywhere else in Bohemian Switzerland. For nature lovers it is a treasure worth visiting in any season.
The climb through picturesque Růžová
The route to the summit starts in the picturesque village of Růžová, from where a forest path climbs with views gradually opening up. The ascent is moderately demanding — allow for roughly 300 metres of elevation gain and about 1.5 hours. The path leads through beech woods that are absolutely glorious in autumn. On the summit stands a survey marker and a panoramic view opens over all of Bohemian Switzerland, the Elbe valley and the surrounding table mountains.
A paradise for birdwatchers
Růžovský vrch is home to many bird species, including the rare peregrine falcon, the eagle owl and the black stork. If you have binoculars, bring them — the chance of watching birds of prey circling above the valley is high here, particularly in the early morning and evening hours. The forest on the slopes is old and undisturbed, full of fallen trunks and hollow trees that shelter bats, woodpeckers and other wildlife. It is a place where you feel that nature still has the upper hand and people are only guests. We recommend the climb up Růžovský vrch above all to nature lovers who will appreciate the quiet, the rare plants and the sense of being far from civilisation.
