Svinský vrch

Svinský vrch is a modest, forested hill on the northern edge of the Jizera Mountains (Jizerské hory), rising to 757 metres above sea level just outside Nové Město pod Smrkem. It sits within the cadastral territory of Ludvíkov pod Smrkem, roughly 3 km northeast of Lázně Libverda, and although it's far from the tallest peak in the range, it's one of the more popular short outings from town thanks to easy access and views you won't find on the busier trails nearby.

How do you get to Svinský vrch?

The natural starting point is Nové Město pod Smrkem itself, from where a marked green trail of about 8.5 km leads out — widely considered one of the most rewarding routes in the area. It climbs through forest toward two summits, Svinský vrch and neighbouring Měděnec, so a single outing lets you tick off both. The ascent is moderate with no technical sections, making it a good fit for families and casual hikers alike. Mountain bikers will also find themselves close to part of the Jizerské hory singletrack network.

What will you see along the way?

From the wooded summits of Svinský vrch and the neighbouring Závorník, the trail opens up views down into the valley of the Ztracený potok stream — one of the most frequently mentioned highlights of the route. In the small valley between Svinský vrch and Měděnec lies the spring of Novoměstská kyselka, a local mineral water source that gives hikers an extra reason to pause along the way. The summit itself is covered in forest, so the best views come from clearings and open stretches on the approach rather than from the very top.

A forgotten ski jump

Svinský vrch also has a sporting past. In 1923, the winter sports section of the local DTV Neustadt an der Tafelfichte society (the German-era name for Nové Město pod Smrkem before 1945) decided to build a ski jump on the hill's northern slope. The facility had its official opening on Christmas Day 1924 and became part of the town's winter sporting life for a time. Little of it remains visible today, but it's a detail that adds an unexpected layer to an otherwise quiet forest hill.

When should you visit?

Spring, summer and early autumn are the most reliable seasons, when the forest paths are dry and easy to follow and the views into the Ztracený potok valley open up clearly through the trees. In winter the trail can be snow-covered and calls for proper footwear or snowshoes, but for hikers who enjoy a quiet snowy walk, that's arguably fitting — after all, it was winter sport that put this hill on the map in the first place.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Svinský vrch? The summit reaches 757 metres above sea level, on the northern edge of the Jizera Mountains.

Where's the best place to start the hike? Nové Město pod Smrkem is the most convenient starting point, with a marked green trail of about 8.5 km leading up to Svinský vrch and on to neighbouring Měděnec.

Is there a proper viewpoint at the top? The best views come not from the summit itself but from clearings along the approach, looking down into the valley of the Ztracený potok.

What's the interesting historical detail about this spot? A ski jump operated on the hill's northern slope from 1923–1924, built by the local sports society DTV Neustadt an der Tafelfichte.