Janovský vrch

Janovský vrch is a modest hill (347 m above sea level) on the edge of the village of Janov, inside Bohemian Switzerland National Park, just a few hundred metres from the German border. Despite its unassuming height, it's one of the more visited viewpoints in northern Bohemia, thanks to the lookout tower that has crowned its summit since 2013.

Where is Janovský vrch?

The hill sits in the Děčín Highlands (Děčínská vrchovina), within the municipality of Janov, roughly 15 km north of Děčín. The whole area lies inside Bohemian Switzerland National Park (České Švýcarsko), a region famous for its sandstone rock formations and deep gorges. The German border runs so close by that you can already make out buildings on the other side from the tower's platform.

What can you see from the top?

The main draw is the observation tower built in 2013, which does double duty as a telecommunications mast and a public viewpoint. About 160 steps lead up to the viewing platform, set at a height of 30 metres; the whole structure rises several dozen metres and is visible from surrounding trails long before you reach it.

The view from the top is wide and varied: you can pick out Děčínský Sněžník, the Lusatian Mountains (Lužické hory) together with Ještěd, the Elbe Sandstone table mountains on the Saxon side of the border, as well as the Stříbrné stěny (Silver Walls) and the famous Pravčická brána — the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe. Růžovský vrch is also visible, along with the village of Janov itself and the golf course spread out at the foot of the hill.

How do you get there?

The tower is easy to reach directly from Janov — a yellow-marked hiking trail leads northeast from the village centre, climbing only a modest elevation gain. The walk typically takes no more than fifteen to twenty minutes. There's a parking area right below the tower, so anyone arriving by car has an even shorter approach. It's also a convenient stop for cyclists exploring the wider Hřensko and Bohemian Switzerland area.

When should you visit?

The tower is freely accessible year-round, with no entrance fee and no opening hours — there's no ticket booth or gate to pass through. The clearest views come on cloudless days, particularly in autumn and winter, when the air is sharper and bare trees don't block the panorama. In summer, it's worth pairing the climb with a longer day out in Bohemian Switzerland National Park, including a walk to the nearby Pravčická brána or the Kamenice river gorges.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the tower on Janovský vrch? The structure rises several dozen metres, with the viewing platform itself positioned at 30 metres above ground.

Is there an entrance fee for the tower? No. The tower is open to everyone year-round, free of charge.

How many steps lead up to the viewing platform? Around 160 steps take you from the base to the platform.

Can you drive right up to the tower? Yes — there's a parking area just below the tower at the edge of Janov, so the walk from your car takes only a few minutes.