Šindelný vrch

Šindelný vrch is a forested hill in the Žďárské vrchy range near the village of Cikháj, in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands (Vysočina). It rises to 805.7 m above sea level and forms part of the Devítiskalská vrchovina, a cluster of hills at the heart of the Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area — one of the most distinctive nature reserves in the eastern Czech Republic.

Where is Šindelný vrch located?

The hill sits about 4 km southwest of the village of Herálec and 6 km west of Devět skal, the highest point of the entire Žďárské vrchy range at 836 m. Cikháj, a small village on the Fryšávka river, is the nearest starting point for hikers and cyclists exploring the area. The road connecting Herálec, Cikháj and Světnov (route II/350) runs close to the highest parts of the highland, making this stretch of Vysočina one of the more elevated corners of the region.

What will you find at the summit?

Šindelný vrch is covered by dense forest, so the summit itself offers no panoramic view — it's a destination for quiet woodland walking rather than lookout points. Nearby rise several other summits of the Devítiskalská vrchovina: Tisůvka (790 m), Kamenný vrch (801 m), Šindelná (802 m) and Kašovka (720 m). Together they form a compact block of wooded hills typical of the Žďárské vrchy landscape, known for its granite rock formations, peat bogs and extensive spruce forests.

How to get to Šindelný vrch?

The most convenient starting point is the village of Cikháj, from which local trails and forest tracks lead into the Devítiskalská vrchovina. The area is well suited to hiking and cycling in summer and to cross-country skiing in winter — the Žďárské vrchy are famous for their dense network of ski trails, and the surroundings of Cikháj and nearby Nové Město na Moravě rank among the country's leading cross-country skiing centers. By car, the hill is reached via road II/350 to Cikháj, followed by a walk or bike ride into the hills.

When to visit?

Summer and early autumn are ideal for forest hiking, wildlife watching and quiet time away from the crowds — the Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area preserves natural peat bogs, wet meadows and old-growth stands in this part of the range. In winter, thanks to reliable snowfall typical of the higher parts of Vysočina, the area turns into a popular cross-country skiing destination, benefiting from its proximity to the well-known trail network around Nové Město na Moravě and Herálec.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Šindelný vrch? The summit reaches 805.7 m above sea level and belongs to the Devítiskalská vrchovina within the Žďárské vrchy range.

Is there a view from the top? No — the summit is densely forested and offers no panorama. It's better suited to a peaceful forest walk than to sightseeing from a viewpoint.

Where is the best starting point for Šindelný vrch? The village of Cikháj is the most convenient base, with local trails and forest roads leading toward the surrounding hills.

Which other summits can be combined with a visit? Nearby peaks include Tisůvka (790 m), Kamenný vrch (801 m), Šindelná (802 m) and Kašovka (720 m) — all can be visited on a longer route through the Devítiskalská vrchovina.