Mezivrata

Mezivrata is a 713-metre hill within the municipality of Neustupov, in the Benešov District of the Central Bohemian Region. It is the highest point of both the municipality and the entire district, making it a natural landmark for the surrounding area.

Where is Mezivrata located?

The hill sits in the scenic Podblanicko region, roughly 7 km from the small town of Votice. Neustupov itself is a modest market town of about 600 residents, located around 18 km south of Benešov and some 50 km south of Prague. The landscape here is typical of the Central Bohemian uplands — gentle rises, forest patches, and small villages scattered across farmland.

What can you see at the top?

Two structures crown the summit of Mezivrata, both visible from a considerable distance. The first is a brick-built triangulation and observation tower, a leftover from earlier land-surveying work, when such points were used to establish a region's measurement grid. The second, far more prominent, is a steel lattice tower roughly 100–102 metres tall, built in 1989. It operates as an FM and TV broadcasting mast, and today it's the dominant landmark of the whole area — visible for many kilometres, including from neighbouring hills of the Benešov Uplands.

Thanks to its elevation and open surroundings, Mezivrata is a popular target for local hikers and cyclists. Simply reaching the summit and seeing both towers up close is an attraction in itself, even without access to the transmission mast, which is not open to visitors.

How to get there?

The easiest approach is by car or bike to Neustupov, then via local roads and footpaths toward the hill — the distance from the town centre is only a few kilometres. The area connects well with Votice, from where a local route leads hikers further into the Podblanicko region. It's worth combining a walk up Mezivrata with a visit to nearby villages; the terrain is hilly but doesn't require special fitness preparation.

When to visit?

The best window runs from April through October, when trails are dry and visibility favours views over the Benešov Uplands. Summer brings longer days, making it easy to pair the climb up Mezivrata with time in Neustupov and the surrounding villages. In autumn, the forested slopes take on extra character thanks to the changing colours.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mezivrata? The hill reaches 713 metres above sea level and is the highest point of both the Neustupov municipality and the entire Benešov District.

What structures stand on the summit? A brick triangulation and observation tower, plus a steel lattice tower about 100–102 metres tall that has served as an FM/TV transmitter since 1989.

Can visitors climb the broadcasting tower? No, the tower is a working technical installation (FM/TV transmitter) and is not open to the public.

How far is Mezivrata from Neustupov and Votice? The hill lies within the Neustupov municipality itself and is about 7 km from the town of Votice.