Devět skal

Devět skal (Nine Rocks) is the highest peak of the Žďárské vrchy (Žďár Hills), sitting in the cadastral area of Moravské Křižánky, about 3 km southwest of the village of Křižánky in the Vysočina region. At 836 m above sea level, it ranks as the second-highest elevation of the entire Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, surpassed only by Javořice.

What will you see there?

The name is no coincidence — this is a genuine "rock town." Boulders scattered across roughly a 1 km radius form three long ridges topped by nine distinct towers, plus three smaller turrets. Among the formations you can pick out are Záludná věž, Žďárská věž, Královský zámek, Dvojitá věž, Pyramida, Malá věž, Strmá věž, and Šikmá věž. These are granite rock formations, and at their base you'll find remnants of a natural spruce-beech forest growing on rocky scree.

At the top of the main rock block there is a viewpoint fitted with a safety railing. From here the view opens north toward Svratka, close to what was historically the border between Bohemia and Moravia. On a clear day the panorama extends much further — the Krkonoše (Giant Mountains), the Elbe lowland, Kunětická hora, the Broumov Highlands, the Jizera Mountains, Ještěd, and even some peaks of the Ralsko Uplands.

The entire area has been protected since 1976 as a natural monument, covering the complex of granite rock formations at the summit along with the surrounding remnants of natural forest.

How to get there?

Several marked hiking trails lead to Devět skal. The most popular options are the red trail starting from Cikháj, the blue trail from the village of Křižánky, and the yellow trail from the town of Svratka. All routes are well marked and regularly used by hikers, so reaching the summit doesn't require special preparation — it's a typical family-friendly outing in the Vysočina region.

When is the best time to visit?

The hill can be visited year-round, but the best viewing conditions come on clear days in spring and autumn, when the air is crisp and the distant mountain ranges seen from the viewpoint are easiest to spot. Summer draws hikers and cyclists to the area, while winter gives the rock labyrinth and surrounding forest a completely different, rugged character — just be sure to wear proper footwear, as the paths between the rocks can get slippery.

Who is this destination for?

Devět skal combines natural and scenic appeal, making it a great fit both for geology enthusiasts interested in rock formations and for anyone chasing a viewpoint with a panorama stretching dozens of kilometers. It's also a solid destination for families with children, since the approach trails aren't technically demanding.

Frequently asked questions

How high is the Devět skal peak? Devět skal stands at 836 m above sea level, making it the highest peak of the Žďárské vrchy and the second-highest elevation in the entire Bohemian-Moravian Highlands.

Where does the name "Nine Rocks" come from? The name comes from the distinctive arrangement of rocks forming three ridges topped by nine clearly defined rock towers, scattered across roughly a 1 km radius.

Is there a viewpoint at the summit? Yes — the top of the main rock block has a railed viewpoint offering a panorama that, on clear days, reaches as far as the Krkonoše and Jizera Mountains.

Which trails lead to Devět skal? Three marked trails reach the summit: red from Cikháj, blue from Křižánky, and yellow from Svratka.