Knížecí strom

Knížecí strom is a modest peak reaching 839 m above sea level, part of the Český les (Bohemian Forest border range) in the Tachov District, Plzeň Region, close to the village of Lesná and right along the border with Germany (Bavaria). The name translates literally as "Prince's Tree" (or "Duke's Tree") — one of many quiet, little-known summits in a border range that only opened up to hikers after decades as a restricted frontier zone.

Where exactly is Knížecí strom?

The peak lies within the Český les Protected Landscape Area (CHKO Český les), a heavily forested range running along the Czech Republic's western border. Its coordinates sit at roughly 49.77°N, 12.48°E. By elevation, Knížecí strom ranks 21st among the 143 classified peaks of the Český les protected area, and by topographic prominence (78 m) it ranks 12th in the same list. The nearest higher summit is Havran (894 m), about 5.5 km to the west-southwest, with another rise, Entenbühl, roughly 5.7 km further west.

Is there a trail to the top?

Yes — a marked hiking trail leads to the summit, making Knížecí strom a realistic, if niche, destination for anyone exploring the Český les on foot. Like most of the surrounding terrain, the mountain itself is covered in dense forest typical of this stretch of borderland, rather than offering the kind of open, panoramic viewpoints found on some higher ranges nearby.

What else is worth knowing about the area?

The Český les region as a whole is one of the least populated and most heavily forested border areas in the Czech Republic — for decades it sat within a restricted frontier zone, which, somewhat paradoxically, left its forests largely untouched. Today it draws hikers looking for quiet trails away from the country's more crowded mountain ranges. The nearest reference point for travelers is the village of Lesná in the Tachov District, the most convenient starting point for reaching the trail up to the peak.

It's worth keeping in mind that this is genuinely border-country terrain: trail markings and rest facilities are sparser here than in Czechia's more heavily visited ranges, something to factor in when planning a longer route.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Knížecí strom? The peak reaches 839 m above sea level, with a topographic prominence of 78 m.

Where is Knížecí strom located? Within the Český les Protected Landscape Area, in the Tachov District (Plzeň Region), near the village of Lesná, right along the border with Germany.

Can you hike to the summit? Yes, a marked trail leads to the top.

What are the neighboring peaks? The nearest higher summit is Havran (894 m), with Entenbühl further to the west.

What does the name mean? Knížecí strom translates literally as "Prince's Tree," though no well-documented history behind the name has been confirmed.