Chlum

Chlum is a wooded hill rising to 603 metres above sea level, the highest point of the Litický ridge, part of the Žamberk Highlands within the broader Podorlická Highlands. It stands in the Ústí nad Orlicí district of the Pardubice Region, right above the village of Litice nad Orlicí, from which it sometimes takes its informal name — Litický chlum.

Where exactly is Chlum and how do you get there?

The hill rises above the valley of the Divoká Orlice river, which drains its slopes. It is built of granodiorite, an igneous rock typical of this part of the Eastern Sudetes. There is no road for cars leading to the summit — motor vehicles are banned, so the only way up is on foot or by bike. That keeps Chlum a quiet destination, well away from the crowds typical of the higher peaks of the Orlické Mountains visible from its top.

What can you see from the top?

Despite its modest elevation, Chlum offers one of the wider panoramas in this part of the country. From the summit you can look out over the Orlické Mountains and a stretch of the Krkonoše range. On clear days the view extends further, to Kunětická Hora with its distinctive castle silhouette, the chimneys of the Chvaletice power plant, and even the peak of Žaltman. It is precisely this breadth of view — unusual for a hill of such moderate height — that makes the climb worthwhile even for visitors not chasing high-mountain thrills.

Why is there a tower on top, and where does the name "Litický chlum" come from?

The summit once carried a 100 kW analogue television transmitter serving the area around Rychnov nad Kněžnou. When the country switched to digital broadcasting (DVB-T), the analogue transmitter was shut down, but the structure on top still functions as a hub for digital microwave links and mobile phone base stations — the technology changed, but the hill remains a communications point for the region. The name "Litický chlum" ties the hill to the nearby village of Litice nad Orlicí, which sits at its foot on the Divoká Orlice — a village also known for its preserved medieval castle, a separate and popular attraction in its own right.

Who is this hill for?

Chlum suits visitors looking for a quiet, undemanding climb rewarded with a wide panorama over the Orlické Mountains and the Krkonoše range. It pairs well with a visit to Litice nad Orlicí and its castle, combining history with a bird's-eye view of the surrounding countryside, without needing to tackle the region's higher peaks.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Chlum? 603 metres above sea level — the highest point of the Litický ridge within the Žamberk Highlands.

Can you drive to the summit? No. Motor vehicles are prohibited; the summit is reachable only on foot or by bike.

What can you see from the top on a clear day? The Orlické Mountains, part of the Krkonoše range, and on especially clear days also Kunětická Hora, the Chvaletice power plant, and the Žaltman peak.

Where does the name "Litický chlum" come from? From the neighbouring village of Litice nad Orlicí, which lies at the foot of the hill.

What structure stands on the summit? The former analogue television transmitter tower, now used for microwave links and mobile phone infrastructure.