Dyleň

Dyleň (940 m / 3,080 ft) is a mountain in the Upper Palatinate Forest (Czech: Český les), right on the Czech-German border, near the village of Stará Voda in the Karlovy Vary Region. It is the second-highest peak of the entire range, which stretches for dozens of kilometers along the frontier between Bohemia and Bavaria. For travelers looking for a quiet, forested hike with views into two countries at once, Dyleň is one of the natural targets in the area.

How to get to Dyleň?

The most convenient starting point is the well-known spa town of Mariánské Lázně, from where marked hiking trails lead toward the village of Stará Voda at the foot of the massif. From there, forest paths climb to the summit — the ascent isn't technically demanding, but hikers should plan for a round trip of several hours depending on the chosen route. By car, you can reach Stará Voda or other nearby villages, then continue on foot. The surrounding forest roads are also popular for cycling, though the summit itself is best reached on foot.

What will you see at the summit?

Dyleň is defined above all by the dense, extensive forests of the Upper Palatinate Forest — a range of low, rounded hills running along the Czech-German border. Because the peak sits almost directly on the frontier, the view from the top takes in both the Czech and Bavarian sides of the range. It's a landscape quite different from the spa-town atmosphere of nearby Mariánské Lázně — wild, wooded, with little human interference. That's partly a legacy of the region's history: for decades during the Cold War, the Upper Palatinate Forest lay in a restricted border zone along the Iron Curtain, which, paradoxically, helped preserve its nature largely undisturbed. Today it's a destination valued by hikers who enjoy silence, wildlife-watching, and long forest walks rather than dramatic viewpoints or monuments.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring, summer, and early autumn are the best times for a hike up Dyleň, when the trails are dry and the days are long enough for an unhurried ascent and descent. In summer, it's worth starting early to avoid the heat on the more exposed stretches of the trail and to enjoy the cool of the forest. Autumn, with fewer visitors and colorful foliage, appeals to those after a quieter outing. In winter and after prolonged rain, the forest paths can turn muddy and slippery, so it's worth checking current conditions before setting out, especially for a longer route.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Dyleň located? The mountain lies in the Upper Palatinate Forest, in the Karlovy Vary Region, right on the border with Germany, near the village of Stará Voda, not far from Mariánské Lázně.

How high is Dyleň? The summit reaches 940 meters (3,080 feet) above sea level, making it the second-highest peak in the entire mountain range.

Is the trail to the summit difficult? The ascent follows forest paths and doesn't require mountaineering experience, but plan for a round trip of a few hours depending on your starting point.

What else is worth seeing nearby? Nearby is the spa town of Mariánské Lázně, known for its historic architecture and spa parks, while the surrounding Upper Palatinate Forest offers a network of hiking and cycling trails through border woodlands.