Dvorský les

Dvorský les is the highest peak of the Rýchory ridge, part of the Giant Mountains (Krkonoše) on the Czech side of the border, close to the small town of Žacléř. The Rýchory ridge forms the southward continuation of the Lasocki Ridge and stands apart as a heavily forested section of the Giant Mountains, quite different in character from the rocky, high-alpine stretches of the range around Sněžka.

Where is Dvorský les?

The peak lies in the Czech Republic, in the Trutnov district, right next to Žacléř — a small town with a mining past, once a center of coal extraction in this part of the Sudetes. The summit sits at roughly 50.6489°N, 15.8636°E, placing it in the eastern, less-visited section of the Krkonoše National Park and its buffer zone.

What will you see?

Dvorský les is above all a vast, unbroken stretch of forest — the name itself translates roughly as "manor forest." Unlike the rocky summits of the western and central Giant Mountains, Rýchory is a ridge of gentle, rounded shapes, largely covered in old-growth beech and mixed forest. It's a spot favored by hikers looking for quiet trails and close contact with nature, well away from the crowds that gather around Sněžka or Karpacz in summer and winter alike. The summit itself doesn't offer a dramatic rocky panorama, but the clearings and forest breaks along the ridge give glimpses of the rolling borderland landscape and views toward the neighboring Lasocki Ridge.

How to get to Dvorský les?

The most convenient starting point is Žacléř, reached by a local road from Trutnov. Trails crossing the Rýchory ridge are used by both hikers and cyclists — the terrain doesn't demand advanced mountain experience, and the climbs are gentler than in the central part of the Giant Mountains. It's worth planning the trip as a loop connecting Dvorský les with other points along the Rýchory ridge, using the marked trail network of the Czech national park. Visitors coming from the Polish side can cross the border near the Lasocki Ridge and continue the route on Czech territory.

When to visit?

Because the summit is essentially forested, late spring and summer are the best times to visit, when the beech woods are in full leaf and the trails are dry and easy to walk. Autumn brings good conditions for watching the old-growth forest change color, while winter sees the area used by cross-country skiers and snowshoers, though the infrastructure here is far more modest than at the more popular Giant Mountains resorts.

Frequently asked questions

Is Dvorský les a peak or a forest? Both — it's the highest point of the Rýchory ridge, and its name refers to the extensive forest that covers it.

Can you see Sněžka from Dvorský les? Because of the tree cover and the gentle terrain, views are limited to occasional clearings and breaks in the forest; this is a spot for a quiet woodland walk rather than sweeping panoramas.

Is the route suitable for families with children? Yes — the gentle slopes and well-marked forest paths make the Rýchory ridge accessible to less experienced hikers.

What's the closest access point from Žacléř? The town of Žacléř sits at the foot of the ridge and serves as the natural starting point for most trails leading up to Dvorský les.