Buchtův Kopec

Buchtův Kopec is one of the most distinctive summits of the Žďárské vrchy highlands, rising near the village of Krásné on the border between Bohemia and Moravia. At 813 meters above sea level, it is the easternmost of the eight-hundred-meter peaks in this range, and the small settlement on its slope is considered the highest permanently inhabited spot on the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. The hill combines the raw charm of an open mountain meadow, a rich tourist history, and modern aviation infrastructure, making it an unusual but rewarding destination for a day trip.

How do you get to Buchtův Kopec?

The hill sits along a red-marked trail connecting Sněžné and Daňkovice, so reaching the summit is straightforward even for less experienced hikers. The approach crosses the open, rolling terrain typical of the Žďárské vrchy, and the radar dome crowning the peak is visible from a considerable distance. Krásné, Sněžné, and Daňkovice all make convenient starting points, since they lie close together and are connected by local roads. Drivers are best off parking in one of these villages and continuing on foot, as the summit area itself falls under restrictions tied to the air traffic control facility located there.

What will you see at the top?

The summit is dominated by an air traffic control station with a radar dome that is visible from afar, reaching roughly 840 meters above sea level — the highest point on the entire Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. The facility itself is closed to visitors, but the surrounding meadows and forest edge open up wide panoramas. Climbing 104 steps from the summit toward the southeastern slope facing Jimramov, on clear days you can spot Praděd and Sněžka in the Sudetes, as well as the television transmitter at Krásná u Seče. Views also extend toward the Jeseníky mountains, making this one of the better vantage points in the region.

What is the history behind this place?

Buchtův Kopec enjoyed its greatest popularity in the 1930s, when it drew painters, tourists, and skiers looking for fresh air and sweeping views. Surviving photographs from that era document the lively tourist traffic of the time, and in 1939 a mountain lodge with a lookout tower was built on the summit, becoming a lasting symbol of the place. The landscape has since changed — modern radar infrastructure now occupies the spot once held by the lookout tower — but the open, windswept character of the hill remains, echoing its former popularity among mountain lovers.

When is the best time to visit?

The months from May to October are ideal for hiking here, when the trails are dry and visibility favors views of the distant Sudetes peaks. In spring and autumn, the surrounding meadows and forests of the Žďárské vrchy look especially picturesque, and lighter foot traffic means more peace and quiet. In winter, the region is popular among cross-country skiers, echoing Buchtův Kopec's historical role as a winter retreat, though conditions on the exposed summit can be demanding due to strong winds.

Frequently asked questions

Can you drive up to the summit? No — the area is subject to restrictions related to the aviation facility, so the final stretch must be covered on foot via the red trail from Sněžné or Daňkovice.

Is the radar station open to visitors? No, the air traffic control facility is closed to tourists, but the surrounding land and viewpoints remain freely accessible.

What views can you see from the summit? On clear days you can make out Praděd and Sněžka in the Sudetes, the television transmitter at Krásná u Seče, and a panorama stretching toward the Jeseníky mountains.

Why is Buchtův Kopec historically significant? In the 1930s it was a popular retreat for painters, tourists, and skiers, and in 1939 a lodge with a lookout tower was built on the summit, documented in numerous archival photographs.