Tomášovy vrchy

Tomášovy vrchy is a modest but pleasant hill in the foothills of the Giant Mountains (Krkonoše), rising just above the small town of Vysoké nad Jizerou in the northeastern Czech Republic. It's more of a quiet walking destination than a headline attraction — which is exactly why it appeals to visitors looking for a break from the crowds on the main Krkonoše trails.

Where exactly is Tomášovy vrchy?

The hill, standing at just under 720 metres above sea level, lies roughly 0.6 kilometres north of the centre of Sklenařice, one of the five municipal parts that make up Vysoké nad Jizerou (alongside Vysoké itself, Helkovice, Horní Tříč, and Stará Ves). Administratively, the hill falls within the Sklenařice cadastral area. To its north sits the village of Paseky nad Jizerou, and the whole area is classic Krkonoše-foothill countryside: gentle slopes, meadows, and small stretches of forest without any dramatic elevation changes.

Where does the hill's name come from?

Local legend holds that the hill takes its name from an Englishman called Thomas, said to have overseen mining operations here long ago. A trace of the same story survives in the old German name of Sklenařice, Glaserdorf — literally "glassmakers' village" — from which older tourist maps sometimes label the hill Glaserdorfer Berg. The name, then, ties together a legend about a foreign miner and the region's older glassmaking past.

What will you find on the trail?

The summit is freely accessible, with no restrictions on reaching it. On its western slope stands Tomášův kříž — Thomas's Cross — a well-known landmark and the site of a trail junction where a yellow-marked route (running between Jablonec nad Jizerou and Hvězda) crosses a blue-marked route (connecting Dolní Kořenov and Bozkov). That crossroads is really what puts Tomášovy vrchy on the map: it functions less as a standalone destination and more as a natural waypoint on longer hikes through the region.

How do you get to Tomášovy vrchy?

The easiest approach is on foot from either Vysoké nad Jizerou or directly from Sklenařice — the walk up takes only fifteen to twenty minutes along a gentle incline. The hill also fits neatly into a longer loop hike toward Jablonec nad Jizerou or Paseky nad Jizerou, using the yellow and blue trails mentioned above.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Vysoké nad Jizerou itself is one of the highest-situated towns in the Czech Republic, well known for its sweeping views over the Krkonoše and Jizera Mountains — which is where its nickname, "the town of the finest views," comes from. It's also the setting the writer Karel Václav Rais chose for his novel "Zapadlí vlastenci" (Forgotten Patriots). Today the town's regional museum (Vlastivědné muzeum) runs permanent exhibitions on the history of skiing and on Krakonoš, the legendary spirit of the mountains. In winter, the family-friendly Šachty ski area and the Větrov cross-country trails draw visitors, while in summer the town's Městské sady park, with its monuments to poets connected to the area, is worth a stroll.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring, summer, and early autumn are the best seasons for walking up Tomášovy vrchy, when the trails are dry and the views from the surrounding high ground are at their clearest. In winter the region shifts gears toward skiing, making it easy to combine a short walk up the hill with time on the nearby slopes.

Frequently asked questions

Is climbing Tomášovy vrchy difficult? No — it's a gentle hill of under 720 metres, freely accessible and manageable even for families with children.

Where does the name Tomášovy vrchy come from? Legend attributes it to an Englishman named Thomas who is said to have run local mines; the name is also linked to the German name for Sklenařice, Glaserdorf.

What's at the trail junction near Tomášovy vrchy? On the western slope stands Tomášův kříž (Thomas's Cross), where a yellow trail (Jablonec nad Jizerou – Hvězda) crosses a blue trail (Dolní Kořenov – Bozkov).

What's worth seeing in nearby Vysoké nad Jizerou? The regional museum with its skiing and Krakonoš exhibits, the town park with its poets' monuments, and — in winter — the Šachty and Větrov ski areas.