Chotovický vrch

Chotovický vrch is a forested basalt hill rising to 498 metres above sea level near the village of Chotovice, in the Česká Lípa district of northern Bohemia, Czech Republic. The hill sits in a triangle formed by the town of Nový Bor to the north and the villages of Chotovice to the east and Skalice u České Lípy to the west, and it forms part of the Cvikov Uplands, a chain of low but distinctly shaped volcanic hills typical of the Česká Lípa basin.

What makes Chotovický vrch worth visiting?

The hill belongs to a landscape dotted with basalt outcrops left behind by ancient volcanic activity. Its slopes are covered in dense forest, and no marked hiking trail leads to the summit itself — this is a spot for travellers looking for quiet nature rather than a busy tourist route.

The real draw here is rock, not the view. The basalt rock formations near the summit rise up to 17 metres and form one of the region's most popular climbing areas. Ninety-seven climbing routes of varying difficulty have been bolted and documented here, ranging from the easiest grade 1 on the UIAA scale up to a demanding 9+. That range makes the hill appealing to complete beginners and experienced climbers alike, all drawn by the same volcanic basalt pillars.

How do you get to Chotovický vrch?

There is no drivable or officially marked path all the way to the top. The easiest approach is to branch off the "Po památkách Skalice" educational trail, which loops around the neighbouring hills and passes close to the base of Chotovický vrch. Alternatively, you can leave road I/9 near a small waterworks facility at the foot of the hill, from which it's roughly a 200-metre climb through the forest to the summit. Since there's no dedicated trail, a bit of orientation sense and sturdy footwear are recommended.

What will you find on site?

Beyond the hill and its climbing walls, the surrounding area is served by the educational trail through the historical sites of Skalice u České Lípy, which connects Chotovický vrch with a neighbouring hill and introduces visitors to the local history and nature of this corner of the Česká Lípa basin. Chotovický vrch itself remains largely undeveloped — there's no lookout tower or built viewing infrastructure. Its appeal lies in the untouched forest setting and the geological curiosity of its basalt rock formations.

When is the best time to visit?

The months from April to October offer the best conditions, both for climbing on the basalt walls and for walking the forest approach, which stays dry and easier to navigate. Spring and autumn tend to be quieter, appealing to anyone hoping to avoid crowds. In winter, reaching the summit can be more difficult, since there's no marked path and the forest floor can turn slippery.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a marked hiking trail to the top of Chotovický vrch? No. There is no officially marked trail all the way to the summit. You can reach it by branching off the "Po památkách Skalice" educational trail or by leaving road I/9 near the waterworks facility and climbing about 200 metres through the forest.

Is there a lookout tower on the hill? No, Chotovický vrch has no observation tower or built viewpoint. The main attraction is the rock and forest landscape rather than a panoramic view.

Who is Chotovický vrch best suited for? Primarily climbers — the 97 routes of varying difficulty on the basalt rocks attract everyone from beginners to advanced climbers. Hikers will find a quiet, forested area away from crowds.

How tall are the climbing rocks on the hill? The rock formations near the summit reach heights of up to 17 metres.