Dračí vrch

Dračí vrch (Dragon's Peak) is a rocky summit rising above the village of Fojtka in the Jizera Mountains, in the western part of the range, in the forested hills above Liberec's Kateřinky district. At 676 metres above sea level, it's one of the best-known viewpoints in this corner of northern Bohemia, and its name comes straight from a local legend about a dragon that once demanded human sacrifice.

How do you get there?

The usual starting point is Fojtka itself, from where a marked trail heads south through the forest for roughly 2.5 km to the summit. The path is popular with both hikers and cyclists exploring the western Jizera Mountains, and it's easy to combine with a stop at the nearby Fojtka dam. The approach itself isn't technically demanding, but the final stretch up to the rock viewpoint calls for care, particularly after rain.

What will you find at the top?

The main draw is an exposed rock outcrop that was made accessible back in 1902, when the Liberec mountain association carved around 70 steps into the stone and fitted iron railings — work that still lets visitors reach the top safely despite the steep rock faces. From the summit, an almost 360-degree panorama opens up: on a clear day you can pick out the distinctive tower on Ještěd and the Kateřinský ridge with its own striking rock formation. It's the kind of view worth timing for a bright, cloud-free day.

What's the story behind the name?

Local legend tells of a dragon that took up residence in the rocks and, every year on Walpurgis Night, demanded the sacrifice of one unmarried girl from the surrounding villages. Names were drawn by lottery, slips of paper dropped into a natural hollow at the summit that served as the sacrificial bowl. The tale ends happily: the sweetheart of one chosen girl killed the dragon and freed the region from the curse. Guidebooks still love retelling the story, and it gives the peak a fairy-tale flavour — even though the viewpoint's present-day form is really the product of practical mountaineering work carried out more than a century ago.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

A short walk from the summit, back toward the village, lies the Fojtka dam, a reservoir built between 1904 and 1905 to protect the valley below from flooding. The dam and its surrounding forest make a pleasant spot to rest after the descent. Close by also runs the Fojtecké tisy nature trail, which passes through a reserve where yew trees regenerate naturally — a rarity nationally, and a worthwhile addition to the trip for anyone interested in the local flora.

When's the best time to visit?

Late spring and summer are the most reliable seasons, when the trail is dry and the views from the rock platform are at their clearest. Autumn brings attractive forest colours, though damp leaves on the stone steps mean extra caution is needed. Winter ascents are possible, but icy rock and steps make it a trip best left to well-prepared hikers.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Dračí vrch? The summit reaches 676 metres above sea level and sits in the western Jizera Mountains, about 2.5 km south of Fojtka.

Is the climb to the top difficult? The approach trail is moderate, but the final section follows steps carved into the rock over a century ago, fitted with railings — it demands attention, especially in wet conditions.

Where does the name Dračí vrch come from? From a local legend about a dragon that demanded an annual sacrifice of an unmarried girl, until the sweetheart of the chosen victim killed it.

What else can you see besides the summit itself? Nearby you'll find the Fojtka dam, built in 1904–1905, and the Fojtecké tisy nature trail, which winds through a natural yew reserve.