Červený vrch

Červený vrch is a modest but locally beloved hill above the village of Dobroměřice, in the western part of the Bohemian Central Highlands (České středohoří), just a few kilometers north of Louny in the Ústí nad Labem Region of the Czech Republic. Rising to 271 meters above sea level, it punches well above its height as one of the best-known lookout points in the Louny area — thanks largely to the wooden observation tower that has crowned its summit for over a century.

Why the hill has two names

The hill is known both as Červený vrch and as Stříbrník, and it is one of thirteen hills in the Czech Republic sharing the name "Červený vrch" — widely considered the most famous of them. The name refers to the reddish color of the underlying rock: the hill is built from porcelanite, a rock formed when clay layers sitting on top of ancient coal seams were naturally baked by underground fires. That process left behind the distinctive red-tinted stone that gives the hill its name, and also makes it a notable geological and paleontological site — imprints of ancient Tertiary-period organisms have been found in the reddened rock.

The story of the lookout tower

Tourist development of the hill dates back to the early 20th century. In 1902, engineer Josef Ejem, chairman of the Louny branch of the Czech Tourist Club (KČT), proposed building a lodge with an observation tower on the summit of Stříbrník. The wooden lodge, together with what became known as the Frotzel Tower, was built in 1910 and formally opened on 4 June 1911. The tower stands 12 meters tall, with an open but roofed viewing platform reached by 39 steps at a height of 9 meters. Ever since, the hill has been a favorite destination for residents of Louny and the surrounding villages, and the annual ritual of "opening" and "closing" the hiking season on Červený vrch has become a long-standing local tradition.

What you can see from the top

The viewing platform offers a sweeping panorama over the peaks of the western Bohemian Central Highlands, including Raná, Oblík and Milá, as well as the castles of Oltářík and Hazmburk. The view also takes in the town of Louny, the lowlands of the Lower Ohře region (Dolní Poohří), the Džbán plateau, and — further in the distance — the Doupov Mountains and the Ore Mountains (Krušné hory). It is this unusually wide reach of the view, given how low the hill actually is, that makes Červený vrch worth the short climb.

Getting there and what else to see nearby

A green-marked hiking trail runs from Louny through Dobroměřice to the summit, roughly 4 kilometers long, and a cycling route also connects from the Dobroměřice side. At the foot of the tower stands the Ejem Lodge (Ejemova chata), open on weekends from April through October, offering a place to rest along the way. Nearby, it's also worth visiting the water reservoir in Dobroměřice, and the museum in Louny, about 3.5 kilometers away via the green trail.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Červený vrch? The hill rises to 271 meters above sea level.

Is Červený vrch the same place as Stříbrník? Yes — both names refer to the same hill above Dobroměřice; Stříbrník is used alongside Červený vrch.

How old is the lookout tower? The wooden lodge with the Frotzel Tower was built in 1910 and officially opened on 4 June 1911.

What can you see from the tower? Peaks of the Bohemian Central Highlands such as Raná, Oblík and Milá, the castles of Oltářík and Hazmburk, the town of Louny, the Džbán plateau, and further away the Doupov Mountains and the Ore Mountains.

How do you hike there from Louny? Follow the green-marked trail through Dobroměřice, about 4 kilometers in total; a cycling route is also available.

Is there somewhere to rest or eat at the top? Yes, the Ejem Lodge stands next to the tower and is open on weekends from April to October.