Škarmanka

Škarmanka is a modest summit of the Bohemian Forest (Český les) rising to 888 metres, right next to the village of Postřekov in the Domažlice district of the Plzeň Region, in the Chodsko area of Czechia. It's a destination for a quiet woodland walk rather than sweeping views, but it's a good stop for anyone curious about how this Cold War border region actually looked on the ground.

How do you get there?

Postřekov sits about 10 km west of Domažlice, at the foot of the Haltrava ridge — a range that for decades formed part of the heavily restricted border zone facing Bavaria. A paved road runs all the way to Škarmanka's summit, originally built during the socialist era to service a military watchtower that once stood there. That legacy makes the approach unusually easy today: the route is smooth enough for a pushchair, which makes it a solid pick for a low-effort family outing. Access to the top is free and unrestricted.

What will you see at the top?

Unlike neighbouring Bohemian Forest peaks such as Haltrava or Tyrolka, which have narrow, rocky summit plateaus, or the ridge connecting Velká and Malá skála, Škarmanka's summit is broad and flat. That flatness is exactly why the border guard authorities chose it as the site for an observation tower during the Iron Curtain years. Little of that military infrastructure remains today, but the character of the place — a quiet, forested plateau — hasn't changed.

One thing to know before you go: there is no view from the top. Dense forest covers the summit and blocks any panorama, so Škarmanka isn't a lookout point in the usual sense. It's better thought of as a peaceful walk through Bohemian Forest woodland than a photo-stop over the landscape.

When should you visit?

Because the approach is easy and not weather-dependent in any critical way, Škarmanka works as a destination almost year-round. Spring and autumn are pleasant for a forest walk without summer heat or insects, and the paved surface stays passable even after rain or light snow. In summer, families with young children will appreciate it as an undemanding afternoon target — the hard surface handles a stroller or a bike with a child trailer without trouble.

Worth knowing about the area

Postřekov lies in the heart of Chodsko, the historical region of upper Chodsko known for its folk crafts — pottery, lace-making, and canvas weaving. The village, tucked at the foot of the Haltrava ridge, makes a good base not just for Škarmanka but for further walks through the Bohemian Forest, which for centuries formed the natural border between Bohemia and Bavaria.

Frequently asked questions

Can you drive up to the summit of Škarmanka? A paved road built originally to serve a military observation tower leads to the top, but this is a local forest road — it's worth checking current access rules on site rather than assuming full car access.

Is there a view from the summit of Škarmanka? No. The top is covered by dense forest that blocks the panorama — unlike some neighbouring Bohemian Forest peaks, Škarmanka doesn't function as a lookout point.

Is the route suitable for families with children? Yes, that's one of the site's main draws. The paved surface is smooth enough for a pushchair, and the climb itself is gentle.

What's left of the old watchtower on the summit? The tower was built during the socialist era as part of the border infrastructure. Today the flat summit mainly serves as a walking destination — a quiet forest spot rather than a historic sight with structures to explore.