Měděnec

Měděnec is a 777-metre hill rising above Nové Město pod Smrkem, in the northern part of the Jizera Mountains (Jizerské hory) in the Liberec District of the Czech Republic. It's the highest point of the Libverda Highland (Libverdská vrchovina) and one of the more popular hiking targets in the area.

Where is Měděnec and what kind of peak is it?

The hill rises in the forests above Nové Město pod Smrkem, on the Czech side of the Jizera Mountains. On its eastern side it's skirted by the Lomnice River, whose springs lie just southeast of the summit — that's also where a saddle separates Měděnec from the neighbouring Rapická hora. On the western side, another saddle divides Měděnec from Svinský vrch, and it's here that the aptly named Ztracený potok (Lost Stream) flows.

The valley of Ztracený potok is where mineral water springs emerge, with a calcium-bicarbonate composition enriched with carbon dioxide. Locals simply call the spot "kyselka" — a name that also serves as a landmark on the local trail network.

How do you get to the summit?

The most rewarding route is the green-marked trail, 8.5 km long, which climbs two Jizera Mountains peaks in one go — first Svinský vrch, then Měděnec. It's a good choice for hikers who want to bag two summits in a single outing through varied forest terrain.

An alternative is the blue-marked trail, which passes through the "U Kyselky" junction — right by the mineral springs mentioned above. Both routes connect further to the trail network heading toward Smrk, one of the tallest and best-known peaks in the Jizera Mountains, so the hike can easily be extended depending on time and stamina.

At the trail junction in the forest above Nové Město pod Smrkem, a seasonal refreshment stand operates during the warmer months, offering a place to rest and get something hot to drink halfway through the route.

What will you see along the way and at the top?

Měděnec is a typical forested Jizera summit — there's no exposed rock outcrop or a dedicated lookout point in the strict sense. The appeal lies in the character of the route itself: dense forest, saddles connecting neighbouring hills, and a valley with mineral springs. For anyone interested in geology or hydrology, the kyselka springs in the Ztracený potok valley are a genuinely interesting stop — a bit of a rarity in this part of the range.

The area is also well known among mountain bikers. About 1.5 km from Měděnec, the Bike-Hotel Měděnec serves as a starting point for the Singltrek pod Smrkem trail network, which totals 80 km of marked MTB routes of varying difficulty.

When is the best time to visit?

The hiking season runs from spring through autumn, when the trailside refreshment stand is open and the paths are dry and easy to walk. Summer and early autumn are also peak season for mountain bikers using the Singltrek pod Smrkem network. In winter the area can be snow-covered and sees fewer hikers, though the surroundings of Nové Město pod Smrkem also serve as a starting point for cross-country skiing routes through the Jizera Mountains.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Měděnec? The summit stands at 777 metres above sea level and is the highest point of the Libverda Highland in the Jizera Mountains.

How long does it take to hike Měděnec from Nové Město pod Smrkem? The green trail linking Svinský vrch and Měděnec runs 8.5 km — a round trip of a few hours, depending on pace and stops.

What is the "kyselka" near Měděnec? It's the local name for the mineral water springs — calcium-bicarbonate in composition and enriched with CO2 — that emerge in the Ztracený potok valley between Měděnec and Svinský vrch.

Can you go mountain biking around Měděnec? Yes — the nearby Bike-Hotel Měděnec provides access to the Singltrek pod Smrkem trail network, which totals 80 km of marked MTB routes.