Anenský vrch

Anenský vrch is a modest but distinctive hill above the village of Severní, part of the municipality of Lobendava, right along the Czech-German border in the Šluknov region. Rising to 420 m above sea level, the ridge separates Lobendava from neighboring Lipová and belongs geomorphologically to the Šluknov Hills (Šluknovská pahorkatina). It's a spot where an easy countryside walk meets a layer of religious history that sets it apart from the region's other low hills.

What is there to see?

The centerpiece of Anenský vrch is a Baroque chapel of Saint Anne, built between 1775 and 1777. Standing just below the summit, the chapel was for decades a pilgrimage destination for people living along this stretch of the border. Around it survives a rare, well-preserved religious ensemble: a Garden of Gethsemane and a Way of the Cross leading to a Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre. This combination of landscape and devotional stations was typical of the German-speaking Catholic settlements once found on both sides of today's border, and few such complexes have survived intact into the present.

The summit itself is unremarkable in height, but it offers a quiet, wooded setting — this is a contemplative stop rather than a lookout point, appealing to visitors after a calm, purposeful short walk rather than sweeping views.

How do you get there?

Regional road II/266, connecting Rumburk, Šluknov, Lipová and Lobendava, runs close to the hill, making it easy to drive to the nearest village and continue on foot for the final short stretch. Hikers can instead follow the green-marked trail that starts right at the state border in Severní — a hamlet belonging to Lobendava — and continues from there toward Jiříkov. This route lets you combine a visit to Anenský vrch with a longer walk through the Šluknov region, an area known for its dense network of cross-border trails.

When is the best time to visit?

Given the site's religious character, it's worth timing a visit for the Sunday following July 26, the feast of Saints Anne and Joachim. On that day, a traditional annual pilgrimage in honor of Saint Anne takes place at the chapel, drawing residents from surrounding villages. It's a good chance to see the place "alive," during an actual local celebration, rather than simply passing through. Outside that date, the hill remains a peaceful destination throughout the hiking season, from spring to autumn, when the forest paths are dry and easy to walk.

Who is this place for?

Anenský vrch suits hikers who like to pair walking with a bit of local religious history, as well as travelers crossing the Šluknov region toward the German border. It's also a natural stop for cyclists and walkers using the green Severní–Jiříkov trail who want to break up the route with a visit to the historic chapel.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Anenský vrch? The hill reaches 420 m above sea level and forms the ridge between Lobendava and Lipová.

What is on top of the hill? A Baroque chapel of Saint Anne from 1775–1777, together with a Garden of Gethsemane and a Way of the Cross leading to a Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre.

How do you reach the site? Regional road II/266 (Rumburk–Šluknov–Lipová–Lobendava) passes nearby, and on foot you can follow the green trail from Severní, a part of Lobendava, toward Jiříkov.

Are there any events held here? Yes — on the Sunday after July 26 (the feast of Saints Anne and Joachim), a traditional annual pilgrimage in honor of Saint Anne is held at the chapel.