Malý Ještěd

Malý Ještěd is a forested hill in the Křižany municipality, in the Liberec district of the Czech Republic, rising between the villages of Křižany and Novina. At roughly 754 metres above sea level, it takes its name from its far more famous neighbour — Ještěd, the landmark mountain crowned by a distinctive television tower that dominates the skyline above Liberec. Malý Ještěd is its quieter, lower-profile counterpart on the northwestern side of the main ridge.

Where exactly is Malý Ještěd?

The hill lies within the municipality of Křižany, a small village first documented in 1352 under the name "Crysani villa," located about 10 km west of Liberec on the road connecting Chrastava and Osečná. The summit sits at coordinates 50.7462 N, 14.9445 E. Křižany itself stretches along the Ještědský stream, and its position has long made it a natural starting point for hikes both up Ještěd and further afield into the Lusatian Mountains and the Ralsko area.

What is there to see on and around the hill?

Today Malý Ještěd is mostly a peaceful, wooded area — once a more actively visited destination, it now appeals more to those looking for a quiet walk than to crowds of tourists. A comfortable forest track leads across its slopes, passing near the Dánské kameny (Danish Rocks), a modest natural viewpoint formed by rock outcrops. From there, the view opens toward the Czech Central Highlands (České středohoří), making it a worthwhile stop for anyone walking the longer Ještěd ridge trail.

Is it worth combining with a hike up Ještěd itself?

Yes — Malý Ještěd fits naturally into routes leading toward the main Ještěd summit (1,012 m), famous for its striking television and hotel tower visible from a considerable distance. For hikers looking for a quieter alternative to the busier marked trails, crossing Malý Ještěd offers a calmer approach toward the ridge, with a natural resting point at the Danish Rocks along the way.

What is the character of this place?

This is a hill without built-up tourist infrastructure — there are no food stalls or marked attractions at the top. Its appeal lies in its character: dense forest, quiet, natural terrain, and proximity to its far more famous neighbour. It suits hikers seeking solitude rather than those expecting a developed tourist base.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Malý Ještěd? The hill reaches an elevation of approximately 754 metres above sea level.

Is Malý Ještěd the same as Ještěd? No. Ještěd is a much taller (1,012 m) and famous peak with a television tower, dominating the skyline above Liberec. Malý Ještěd is a separate, lower and lesser-known hill located nearby, on the Křižany side of the ridge.

What are the Dánské kameny? They are a small viewpoint formed by rock outcrops near Malý Ještěd, offering a view toward the Czech Central Highlands.

How do you get to Křižany? Křižany lies about 10 km west of Liberec, on the road from Chrastava to Osečná, in the Liberec Region.

Is there anything built at the summit? Malý Ještěd is essentially a forested area without developed infrastructure — the main draw is the walk itself and the nearby viewpoint at the Danish Rocks, rather than any summit structures.