Plešivec

Plešivec is a 1,028-metre basalt peak in the Ore Mountains (Krušné hory), rising less than three kilometres south of the town of Abertamy. It is one of the more popular hiking and skiing destinations in this stretch of the Czech-German border region.

How do you get to the top?

Plešivec can be reached by car or motorcycle via a paved road branching off the route connecting Abertamy and Boží Dar. Walkers have a choice of several marked trails — yellow, blue and green — starting from Abertamy, Pstruží, Merklín, Boží Dar and Jáchymov, so the climb can be matched to your own pace and starting point. The shortest approaches take a little over an hour.

What will you see from the summit?

The flat top of Plešivec functions as a small tourist hub. The Hotel Plešivec stands right on the summit, with Hotel Orion and a rope adventure park for families a little lower down. The landmark feature is a wooden observation tower built in 1895, 16 metres tall with 66 steps leading to the viewing platform. It's worth checking ahead, though — since March 2024 the tower has been closed to visitors.

Even without climbing the tower, the views around the summit are wide open. On a clear day you can see Klínovec (1,244 m), the highest peak of the Ore Mountains, as well as Fichtelberg (1,214 m), the tallest point on the German side of the range. The panorama also stretches toward the Doupov Mountains, the Slavkov Forest, and Dyleň in the Bohemian Forest.

When is the best time to visit?

In summer, Plešivec draws families and casual hikers — the gentle approach and dense trail network make it accessible even for less experienced walkers, and the rope park by Hotel Orion adds an extra attraction for kids.

In winter the mountain transforms into a full-scale ski resort, with more than 10 kilometres of downhill runs served by three four-seat chairlifts. The southwest slope hosts Trailpark Plešivec, while the north slope belongs to Skiareál Plešivec, making the mountain a draw for both downhill skiers and cross-country enthusiasts, with groomed trails also running toward Boží Dar.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Plešivec? The summit reaches 1,028 metres above sea level, one of many "thousand-metre" peaks in the Ore Mountains.

Can you drive to the top? Yes — a paved road branches off the Abertamy–Boží Dar route and leads directly to the summit.

Is the observation tower open? The 1895 tower has been out of service since March 2024, so check current status before planning a visit around it.

Is Plešivec good for a winter trip? Yes — it's one of the region's larger ski areas, with over 10 km of downhill runs, three four-seat chairlifts, and cross-country trails.