Špičák

Špičák is the highest peak of the western Krušné hory (Ore Mountains), rising above the village of Stříbrná in the Karlovy Vary Region of the Czech Republic. At 991 metres above sea level, it is also the tallest mountain in the entire Sokolov district, sitting between the villages of Přebuz and Kraslice. Dozens of hills across the Czech Republic share the name Špičák, but this one stands out — a granite summit with carved stone steps and a lookout point that draws hikers all year round.

How do you reach Špičák from Stříbrná?

The longer and more demanding approach starts right in Stříbrná, running through the Rájecké údolí valley. From the Stříbrná–Nancy trail junction, the path climbs through a wooded valley to a crossing where the red and green markers meet. The green trail then loops around the Šišák hill and climbs steeply to a turnoff just below the Špičák summit. Expect rough terrain and pack proper footwear — this is one of the longer access routes, better suited to experienced hikers than families with small children.

What will you see at the summit?

Carved stone steps lead up to the granite outcrop that forms the summit itself. Just below it, on the northern side, stands a wooden shelter offering cover from rain or wind. The summit also holds a guestbook where hikers traditionally leave their names. Granite boulders scattered across the top give the place the rugged character typical of the Ore Mountains.

What's the view like from Špičák?

The panorama opens mainly to the west and north, over the Rájecké údolí valley toward the Krušné hory ridge that forms the Czech-German border here. On a clear day you can spot the lookout tower on Olověný vrch, the peak of Bukovec (901 m), the village of Bublava, and, on the German side, Klingenthal. The view isn't a full circle, but thanks to its position on the main ridge it's one of the finer ones in this part of the range.

When is the best time to visit Špičák?

The summit is accessible year-round and is especially popular with hikers walking the ridgelines of the Ore Mountains. A local tradition has grown around it: the New Year's ascent, when hikers climb the highest peak of the western Krušné hory right at the start of the year. In winter, expect snow and icy patches on the stone steps near the top; in summer, the wooded sections of the trail offer welcome shade along the way up.

Where exactly is the village of Stříbrná?

Stříbrná lies north of Kraslice, close to the Rájecké údolí valley, which also serves as the starting point for hikes to Špičák and the surrounding peaks. It's a typical Ore Mountains village with good infrastructure for hiking and cycling, and marked trails also lead from here to other points of interest in the region, such as the Skalní město nature trail.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Špičák near Stříbrná? The summit reaches 991 metres above sea level, making it the highest mountain in the western Krušné hory and in the entire Sokolov district.

How long does the hike from Stříbrná take? The route through the Rájecké údolí valley is one of the longer and more demanding approaches — plan for several hours of walking through wooded terrain round trip.

What's worth seeing at the top? A granite outcrop with carved stone steps, a wooden shelter just below the summit, and a guestbook where hikers sign in.

Why do people climb Špičák on New Year's Day? The New Year's ascent of the highest peak in the western Krušné hory is a local tradition — a way to start the year with a hike and views stretching across the Czech-German border.