Jordán

Jordán is a forested peak rising to 826 metres in the Brdy hills, a few kilometres south of the village of Zaječov, right in the heart of the Brdy Protected Landscape Area. It's one of the more distinctive hiking destinations in the region, pairing a straightforward forest climb with a striking piece of military history.

How do you get to Jordán?

The most convenient starting point is Zaječov, from which marked green and blue trails lead directly to the summit. Hikers planning a longer route through central Brdy can also approach via the yellow trail from the U Bílého křížku crossroads or the red trail coming from Tok. The nearest settlements are Nová Ves u Zaječova, about 5 km to the north, and Obecnice, roughly 6 km to the east — both useful as alternative starting points for longer loops, including a popular circuit of around 16 km that follows a newly created nature trail below the peak.

If you're driving, aim for Zaječov and continue on foot from there — the approach to the summit runs through forest and former military ground, so it isn't accessible by vehicle.

What will you see on the summit?

The top of Jordán is covered in forest, and its silhouette has long served as a recognisable landmark across the Brdy hills. What sets this peak apart from its neighbours is the visible legacy of its military past. The Jordán target area was first put into use for artillery training back in May 1930 and continued serving that role for decades.

About 300 metres below the summit stands an infantry combat bunker known as CE Jordán, locally nicknamed "Benešák." It was completed in 1936 as part of Czechoslovakia's pre-war border fortification system, built in anticipation of the growing threat from Nazi Germany. Today it's one of the more interesting military sites to explore in the Brdy hills, offering a tangible sense of the scale of fortification efforts from that era.

It's worth knowing that while the area around Jordán can be visited year-round, straying from the designated safe paths is strictly forbidden. Unexploded ordnance from the site's decades as a firing range can still be found across the former training ground, so sticking to marked trails isn't just a suggestion — it's a genuine safety requirement.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons for hiking in Brdy, when the forest is airy and temperatures suit longer walks comfortably. Summer brings more foot traffic along the trails from Zaječov and Tok, while winter can make the route trickier due to snow and ice on steeper stretches, so sturdy footwear is worth packing.

Jordán pairs well with a full day exploring central Brdy, especially if you continue along the red trail toward Tok, the highest peak in the entire range.

Frequently asked questions

Can you hike up Jordán on your own, without a guide? Yes, the peak is reachable via marked trails starting in places like Zaječov. However, you must stay strictly on the designated paths because of unexploded ordnance remaining from the former training ground.

What is the "Benešák" bunker near Jordán? It's an infantry combat structure known as CE Jordán, completed in 1936 and located about 300 metres below the summit. It was built as part of pre-war Czechoslovakia's border fortification system.

How long is the hike to the summit from Zaječov? It depends on the route you choose, but a popular loop around Jordán and its new nature trail runs about 16 km, making it a solid full-day hiking option.

Are there other attractions nearby worth visiting? Yes — Brdy is a large protected area with numerous peaks and military remnants. The range's highest point, Tok, is reachable via the red trail and combines well with a visit to Jordán.