Mařenka

Mařenka is the highest hill in the Třebíč district (711.2 m above sea level), rising in the Křižanov Highlands near the village of Štěměchy in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. A 31-metre lookout tower crowns its summit, and the hill carries a grim 17th-century legend that gave it its name.

Where does the name Mařenka come from?

Local tradition says the hill was named after a girl called Mařenka, who was killed by robbers nearby in 1689. A reconciliation stone marked with a cross still stands in the forest in her memory, its inscription "MARIANA 1689" still legible today. It's one of the region's best-preserved reminders of an old custom under which offenders were required to erect such memorial stones at the scene of their crime.

How do you get to the hill?

A blue-marked trail leads up to Mařenka, most commonly starting at Dašovský mlýn (the Dašov mill) near Štěměchy. The walk is easy and family-friendly, typically taking between 20 and 40 minutes one way depending on the starting point. Along the way, look out for the educational nature trail set up by the Czech state forest administration (Lesy ČR) — 1.8 km long with 11 stops covering the local forest and wildlife.

What will you see at the top?

The main draw is the Mařenka lookout tower, a modern structure combining a stone base, a steel staircase, and wooden finishing elements. It was built in 2012 (construction ran from April to October), initiated by a local municipal association called Podhůří Mařenky, which first proposed the project back in 2003. The tower replaced an earlier wooden triangulation structure from 1941 that had also served as a viewpoint until a storm tore it down in 1957.

Climbing to the top means 156 steps, ending at a covered observation platform. From there, the view stretches across the entire Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, taking in peaks such as Javořice (837 m), Křemešník (765 m), and Devět skal (836 m) — and on a clear day, even the distant Pálava hills with the distinctive Děvín summit come into view.

When is the best time to visit?

The hill and tower are open year-round, and visibility is usually best on clear days, especially in autumn and winter when the air is crisper. In spring and summer the surrounding forest comes alive, making the walk especially pleasant for nature lovers. Plan for a couple of hours to combine the climb up the tower with a stroll along the educational trail and a stop at the reconciliation stone.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the Mařenka lookout tower? The tower stands 31 metres tall, with 156 steps leading to a covered viewing platform at the top.

Where's the best place to start the hike? Most visitors start from Dašovský mlýn near Štěměchy and follow the blue-marked trail from there.

Is the trail suitable for children? Yes, it's short and technically easy, and kids will enjoy the educational nature trail with its 11 stops along the way.

What can you see from the tower on a clear day? On good days you can spot Javořice, Křemešník, and Devět skal, and occasionally even the distant Pálava hills with Děvín.