Brdo

Brdo is the highest summit of the Chřiby hills, rising above the village of Roštín in Moravia, Czechia.

At 587.4 metres above sea level, the peak sits just under 3 km southeast of the centre of Roštín and holds the title of the highest point in the entire Středomoravské Karpaty (Central Moravian Carpathians) range. For anyone exploring the Chřiby hills, it's a natural highlight — both for the elevation and for the stone lookout tower crowning its summit.

What's at the top?

The main draw on Brdo is a stone observation tower, completed on 28 October 2004 to a design by architect Svatopluk Sládeček. It was the first classic stone tower built in the Czech Republic in more than 70 years, which alone makes it a notable structure nationwide. Standing 23.9 metres tall, it's the tallest stone lookout tower in Moravia.

Reaching the covered viewing platform takes 99 steps. The climb pays off with a panorama that extends well beyond the Chřiby hills themselves — on a clear day you can pick out the Beskydy Mountains, the Jeseníky range, the White Carpathians, and the Vsetín Hills. In exceptionally good visibility, the view stretches even further, revealing Slovakia's Malá Fatra and Roháče ranges, and occasionally the outline of the Austrian Alps.

How to get there?

The easiest starting point is a parking area, from which a marked hiking trail (green markers) leads to the summit over roughly 3 km. The path winds through the typical Chřiby landscape of gentle, wooded hills broken up by clearings and old shepherd trails. The ascent doesn't require special fitness and suits families with children as well as less experienced hikers.

Most visitors set out from the village of Roštín itself, which also makes a good base for a longer loop through the surrounding Chřiby hills.

When to visit?

The tower and summit are open year-round, but spring and autumn offer the best visibility and the most comfortable hiking conditions, thanks to clearer air and mild temperatures. In summer, an early start is worthwhile to avoid the heat on the open stretch near the top. In winter the trail can get slippery, so sturdy footwear is a good idea.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Brdo? The summit reaches 587.4 metres above sea level, making it the highest point in the Chřiby hills and in the whole Central Moravian Carpathians.

How long is the hike to the top? From the parking area, a marked trail of about 3 km leads to the tower, typically taking an hour to ninety minutes.

How many steps does the lookout tower have? The viewing platform is reached via 99 steps.

What can you see from the tower? On a clear day you'll spot the Beskydy Mountains, the Jeseníky range, the White Carpathians and the Vsetín Hills, and in exceptional visibility even Slovakia's Malá Fatra, Roháče, or the Austrian Alps.