Melechov

Melechov is the highest hill above the village of Rejčkov in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands (Vysočina), and the highest point of the entire Havlíčkův Brod district. Its summit reaches 715 metres above sea level, and the surrounding countryside is protected as Melechov Nature Park, established in 1995 and covering more than 3,200 hectares of forest, meadows and pasture.

How do you get to Melechov from Rejčkov?

The shortest and most convenient approach starts right in Rejčkov. A red-marked trail climbs through open pastureland — often grazed by horses — covering roughly 2.3 km to the top. It's a good pick for anyone after a short but rewarding climb with real forest and hill views along the way.

Other approaches lead from Humpolec, Lipnice nad Sázavou, Ledeč nad Sázavou and Habry, with total hiking times ranging from about 3 to 9 hours depending on the route chosen. One of the best-known options is the yellow trail starting at the riverside car park in Stvořidla near Ledeč nad Sázavou: 4.6 km long with a 340-metre elevation gain, it's the most demanding but also the most scenic climb, running alongside the picturesque Sázava river gorge.

What will you find at the summit?

The northern peak of Melechov is topped by a distinctive 16-metre concrete tower built in the 1930s. Often called a lookout tower, it actually serves as a European-level geodetic survey point and is closed to visitors — though it remains a striking piece of interwar engineering to admire from the outside. Interestingly, during the Austro-Hungarian era Melechov was regarded as the geometric centre of Europe, a claim still repeated as local lore today.

The hill itself is largely covered by extensive forest, crisscrossed by hiking and cycling trails. Nearby, along the Sázava river, lies the Stvořidla nature reserve — a scenic stretch of river boulders and rapids popular with kayakers and landscape photographers alike.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring through early autumn is the most rewarding window, when the pastures around Rejčkov are green and the trails dry and easy to follow. Summer draws day-trippers, families and cyclists; autumn brings mushroom pickers and quieter, colourful walks through the surrounding woods. In winter, when snow conditions allow, parts of the area are used for cross-country skiing.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Melechov? The summit reaches 715 metres above sea level, making it the highest point of the Havlíčkův Brod district and the wider Ledeč-Světlá region.

Can you climb the tower on the summit? No. The 1930s concrete tower functions as a European-level geodetic survey point and is closed to the public.

How long is the hike from Rejčkov? The red trail from Rejčkov to the summit covers about 2.3 km, making it one of the shortest routes up Melechov.

What else is worth seeing nearby? The Stvořidla nature reserve on the Sázava river, with its rocky rapids, is a popular combination stop with a Melechov hike.