Na skalce (Český les)

Na skalce is a summit in the Český les (Bohemian Forest) range, rising just above the village of Česká Kubice near the Czech-German border, in the Domažlice district. At 1,008 metres above sea level it is the second-highest peak in the entire range, beaten only by neighbouring Čerchov (1,042 m), which sits less than a kilometre to the west. For hikers exploring the Czech-German borderlands, it makes a natural add-on to a Čerchov hike — a connecting ridge links the two summits, so both can be done on a single outing.

What will you find at the top?

The summit of Na skalce is scattered with boulders and rock outcrops, which explains its name — as recently as the mid-1990s it was still marked on official state maps simply as "Skalka" (Little Rock). On the southern ridge, slightly lower at around 969 metres, stands a distinct rock wall known as Dlouhá skála (Long Rock). The whole massif is covered in dense mixed forest, so the views from the top are intimate and woodland-framed rather than sweeping panoramas — this is a spot for people who enjoy quiet forest terrain more than wide-open vistas.

How do you get there?

The shortest and most popular approach goes via Čerchov. A blue-marked trail starts from the village of Pec and climbs roughly 4 km to the Čerchov summit. From there, hikers descend about 300 metres along an unmarked forest track to the saddle between the two peaks, then follow a green-marked trail for another 300 metres straight up to Na skalce. The whole route needs no special mountaineering skills — it is a well-marked forest walk typical of the Český les, doable as a there-and-back trip in a few hours.

The most convenient base for the whole outing is Česká Kubice itself — a small village sitting right at the foot of the range, from which further trails branch out deeper into the Český les and toward nearby Klenčí pod Čerchovem, a village well known for its role in the history of the Chodsko region.

When is the best time to visit?

Given the wooded, mountainous character of this part of the Český les, the most comfortable hiking window runs from late spring through early autumn, when the paths are dry and the forest sections aren't muddy. In summer, the dense mixed forest provides welcome shade for most of the climb. In winter the trail can be snow-covered and calls for more caution, although the route itself has no technical, climbing-grade sections.

Who is this destination for?

Na skalce suits hikers looking for a short but rewarding outing that combines two summits in a single day. Thanks to its proximity to Čerchov — the highest point in the whole Český les — the trip offers a good feel for this border range without requiring a multi-day expedition. It's also a solid choice for anyone visiting the Chodsko region who wants a natural outdoor break between exploring the area's small towns and villages.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Na skalce? The summit reaches 1,008 metres above sea level, making it the second-highest point in the entire Český les range, right after Čerchov.

Where does the name come from? From the boulders and rock outcrops covering the summit — the mountain was still labelled simply "Skalka" on official maps as late as the 1990s.

Can you combine it with Čerchov in one hike? Yes — the two summits are barely a kilometre apart along a connecting ridge, with a short roughly 600-metre link (unmarked track plus a green-marked trail) between them.

Where's the best starting point for the trail? The village of Pec is the most convenient starting point, with a blue-marked trail leading up to Čerchov and on to Na skalce from there. Česká Kubice, right at the foot of the range, is a good alternative base.