Studený

Studený is a 1,042-metre peak in the Rychlebské hory (Rychleby Mountains) near Skorošice, close to the Czech-Polish border. It sits on the north-eastern spur of Smrk, the highest summit of the whole range, roughly 3 km northwest of Horní Lipová. This is a destination for hikers who want quiet trails rather than crowds: dense forest, mountain meadows and picturesque valleys, away from the more heavily visited peaks of the Jeseníky region proper.

What will you see at the top?

The summit is covered by spruce forest mixed with beech. The top itself doesn't offer a sweeping panorama — the tree cover blocks most of the view — but in a few places where the forest thins out, partial views open up toward the surrounding ridgeline. A notable geographical detail: Studený is one of only a handful of summits in the Rychlebské hory with topographic prominence (the height difference from the nearest connecting saddle) exceeding 50 metres. In this range, only Smrk itself and Polská hora share that distinction. In other words, despite its modest absolute height, Studený is a genuinely distinct landform rather than just a bump on the ridge.

Barely half a kilometre away, right by the yellow-marked trail, rises Lví hora (1,041 m), with a distinctive rock outcrop. That's where you'll find one of the better viewpoints in the area, looking out over the Smrk massif, the northern Rychlebské hory, and the Žulovská pahorkatina — the rolling hill country around Žulová and Skorošice. Combining both summits into a single hike is well worth it.

How to get there?

The shortest approach starts in Horní Lipová. One option follows the green trail and then a yellow ridge path past the slightly lower Lví hora, for a total of about 6.5 km. The alternative runs through the Staříč valley on a blue-marked trail to the Tři Studánky junction, then joins the same yellow ridge trail to the summit — shortening the route to roughly 4.5 km. Either approach works well as part of a longer loop along the Rychlebské hory ridge, linking Studený with Smrk and the neighbouring summits.

Skorošice, a village next to the town of Žulová, makes a convenient base for exploring this part of the mountains — close both to trails heading deep into the Rychlebské hory and to the lower hills of the Žulovská pahorkatina.

When to visit?

The best hiking window runs from May to October, when the forest and ridge trails are dry and easy to walk. In summer, the spruce-and-beech woods provide welcome shade, and the gaps in the canopy reveal glimpses of the surrounding peaks. In autumn, the beech sections turn attractive shades of colour, adding to the appeal of the route. In winter the trail can be snow-covered and much quieter — a good option for more experienced hikers prepared for tougher conditions.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Studený? The peak reaches 1,042 metres above sea level and sits on the north-eastern ridge of Smrk, the highest mountain in the Rychlebské hory.

Is there a view from the summit? The top itself is forested, so views are limited and partial. For a fuller panorama, head to nearby Lví hora, about half a kilometre away.

Where's the best starting point for the hike? The shortest routes start in Horní Lipová — either via the Staříč valley (about 4.5 km) or along the ridge trail past Lví hora (about 6.5 km).

Is Studený suitable for beginners? The route isn't technically demanding, but it does involve real elevation gain through mountain terrain, so sturdy hiking boots and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended.