Krausova vyhlídka

Krausova vyhlídka is a rocky viewpoint above Petříkovice, perched on the ridge of Jánský vrch in the Jestřebí hory (Jestřebí Mountains), almost directly on the Czech-Polish border, about 10 km northeast of Trutnov. It's one of those Broumov Highlands spots where a short walk delivers a genuinely wide panorama, without the need to reach the summit itself.

Where exactly is it?

The lookout sits at roughly 600 meters above sea level, on a rock wall that forms part of the Jánský vrch ridge (697 m) — one of the more distinctive elevations in the Jestřebí hory range. The whole ridge is rocky, and its inland-facing walls occasionally exceed 20 meters in height. The viewpoint lies within the Janský vrch – Chvalečský hřeben nature reserve, established in 1996 to protect the range's rare flora and fauna, and the approach runs through beech forest.

What will you see from the viewpoint?

The gallery offers a view sweeping from southeast to west, taking in part of the Jestřebí hory and the surrounding Trutnov region. It's a typical Sudetes borderland panorama: rolling ridgelines, forest cover and scattered village rooftops in the valleys, with no major towns in the frame.

Where does the name come from?

The name honors Karel Krause, owner of the local estate, who had the viewpoint built in 1898. It has carried his name ever since, even though the rock formation itself is naturally much older. A renovation in 2012 added safer railings on the rock outcrop and a wooden shelter where visitors can rest or wait out bad weather.

How do you get there?

The simplest approach starts in Petříkovice — about 2 km along the yellow-marked trail, first on a paved road and then on a forest path. The route climbs roughly 180 meters in elevation, which makes it a moderately demanding walk for less experienced hikers, though it requires no climbing skills at all — it's a fully marked hiking trail throughout.

When is the best time to visit?

Given the southeast-to-west orientation of the view, the best light usually falls in the afternoon and evening. The beech-forest approach is especially scenic in autumn when the leaves turn, while in winter, on a clear day, the panorama reaches considerably farther than in summer, when foliage blocks part of the view.

Frequently asked questions

Is the hike to Krausova vyhlídka difficult? The route from Petříkovice is about 2 km with roughly 180 m of elevation gain, on paved road and forest path. It's a moderately demanding walk, manageable for most hikers without special preparation.

Is there shelter or seating at the viewpoint? Yes — a wooden shelter has stood there since 2012, meant for resting or waiting out bad weather, and the viewing platform itself has safety railings.

What can you see from Krausova vyhlídka? A panorama spanning southeast to west, covering part of the Jestřebí hory range and the area around Trutnov.

Are there any nature protection rules to follow nearby? The viewpoint lies inside the Janský vrch – Chvalečský hřeben nature reserve, established in 1996 to protect rare local plant and animal species, so it's best to stick to the marked trail.