Čeřovka

Čeřovka is a modest hill on the northern edge of Jičín, one of the gateway towns to the Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) region. Rising to 331 metres, it's a forested former volcanic peak that doubles as the town's favourite short walk. At its summit stands Milohlídka, the oldest lookout tower anywhere in Bohemian Paradise.

How to get there?

You can drive right up to the base of the hill, where the road ends at the edge of the forest. From there it's a walk along the blue-marked trail to the top. The climb is short and easy, well suited to families and casual walkers rather than serious hikers. Jičín's location makes Čeřovka an easy add-on to a longer visit to the wider Bohemian Paradise area, which is best explored over several days anyway.

What will you see?

The main draw is the Milohlídka tower, built in 1843 on the initiative of the local district administrator and paid for by donations from wealthy townspeople. It's the oldest lookout tower in the entire Bohemian Paradise region, built in neo-Gothic style on a solid rock foundation. A staircase leads up to the viewing platform, and admission is free.

The view today is partly screened by mature trees covering the hilltop, but looking south you get a solid look at Jičín and its immediate surroundings. The forest itself is worth the walk on its own terms — it's a preserved woodland park that architect Čeněk Musil deliberately worked around when he laid out a villa quarter on the hill's lower slopes, curving five streets around the contours of the hill instead of cutting into it.

Čeřovka also fits into the region's bigger geological story: Bohemian Paradise is part of a UNESCO Global Geopark, and this hill's volcanic origin is one small piece of that picture.

When to visit?

The Milohlídka tower is open from April to September, daily from 10:00 to 18:00. Outside that season the hill and its forest paths remain open for a walk, but you won't be able to climb the tower itself. Spring and summer are the best times to come, when days are long enough to combine Čeřovka with a proper look around the rest of Bohemian Paradise.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for the Milohlídka tower? No, climbing the viewing platform is free.

Is the view from the top worth it? It's partly blocked by trees on the summit, but you get a good view south over Jičín and the surrounding area.

How long does the walk to the top take? From where the road ends, the blue trail to the tower is usually no more than half an hour of easy walking.

Is Čeřovka a good outing with kids? Yes, it's a short, undemanding walk and a popular local option for families from Jičín.