Křivý javor

Křivý javor is an unassuming 824-metre summit in the cadastral territory of Fryšava pod Žákovou horou, sitting on the Devítiskalská vrchovina ridge within the Žďárské vrchy highlands. It is the third-highest peak in the entire range — and one with an unusually good story behind its name.

What does the name mean?

"Křivý javor" translates literally as "crooked maple." For decades the name puzzled hikers, because there was no maple tree anywhere near the summit — crooked or otherwise. Visitors who came looking for the tree that supposedly gave the hill its name simply never found it. In 2004, residents of nearby Fryšava decided to fix the mismatch once and for all and planted a maple on the summit, finally making the name true. More than two decades later, the tree still stands there and has become a small piece of local folklore.

What will you find at the summit?

The peak itself is rounded and unremarkable in shape, covered in dense vegetation, so there are no sweeping views from the top. It's a destination more for the story and the walk than for panoramic photos. What you will find is a summit box with a logbook, where hikers and travelers leave their entries — a nice ritual for anyone collecting the peaks of the Žďárské vrchy highlands.

How do you get to Křivý javor?

No marked hiking trail leads over the summit, which makes it trickier to find than the neighboring, waymarked hills. In summer, the best approach is on foot or by bike along the forest roads around Fryšava pod Žákovou horou. In winter, once snow settles, cross-country skiing is a popular way to reach it — the area has a well-maintained network of ski trails. Bring a map or GPS app, since the lack of waymarking means you're navigating mostly by feel.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Close by lies the Žákova hora National Nature Reserve, protecting a remnant of old-growth spruce-fir forest with maple admixture — one of the most valuable natural areas in the Žďárské vrchy. The village of Fryšava pod Žákovou horou itself makes a good base for exploring deeper into the highlands, with numerous hiking and cycling routes connecting to other regional summits.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a marked trail to Křivý javor? No, there is no officially marked hiking trail to the summit. You need to make your own way there using local forest roads.

Does a maple tree actually grow there? Yes — since 2004, when residents of Fryšava planted one on the summit specifically to match the mountain's name.

Is there a view from the top? No, the summit is rounded and densely vegetated, so there are no panoramic views from it.

How high is Křivý javor and how does it rank in the region? The peak stands at 824 metres above sea level and is the third-highest summit in the entire Žďárské vrchy range.