Dreisesselberg

Třístoličník, known in German as Dreisesselberg, is a summit in the Bohemian Forest that sits directly on the Czech-German border, near the town of Neureichenau. Famous for its granite rock formations and a viewpoint stretching toward the Alps on clear days, it's one of the most distinctive spots along this stretch of the border and a long-standing draw for hikers from both sides.

Why does this mountain have three different heights?

Part of what makes Třístoličník interesting is that nobody fully agrees on its elevation. Czech sources list 1,311 m above sea level — the height of the Dreisesselfels rock formation, sitting right on the German side of the border. Germans and Austrians, however, consider Hochstein the true summit: a rock formation located about 400 meters further on, standing at 1,332 m. Czech cartography treats Hochstein as a separate mountain altogether, not part of Třístoličník. To complicate things further, the highest point actually located on Czech territory reaches only 1,302 m — a fact noted on the trail-junction sign at the top. For visitors, this quirk is reason enough to walk to all three points and compare the views for yourself.

What will you find at the top?

The main draw is the bizarre granite rock formations typical of both the Bohemian Forest and the neighboring Bavarian Forest. On Hochstein, a summit cross stands on an imposing granite boulder, and on a clear day the view extends as far as the Alps. The surrounding landscape is dense forest cut through by scenic trails, and the Czech-German-Austrian tripoint is only a few kilometers away, near the peak of Plechý (Plöckenstein). On the German side of the massif, on the so-called Dreiländerberg (Three-Country Mountain), stands the Berggasthof Dreisessel — a mountain inn where hikers can rest and grab a meal after the climb.

How do you get to Třístoličník?

The summit rises on the ridge between the German towns of Haidmühle and Neureichenau, right on the border. The easiest approach is from the German side, where well-marked trails start from either town. One of the most recommended routes is the Adalbert-Stifter-Steig, named after the writer closely associated with the Bohemian Forest region, which winds through dense woods and past striking rock formations before reaching the top. The area around Neureichenau is one of the most trail-rich corners of the Bavarian Forest, with over 500 km of marked paths, so a hike up Třístoličník is easy to combine with a longer loop through the surrounding countryside. From the Czech side, access is possible via trails through Šumava National Park, though it involves a longer approach through the forest.

When is the best time to visit?

May through October is the ideal window, when trails are dry and passable and the views from the rocks are at their clearest. Summer draws families and casual hikers, while autumn brings out the color of the surrounding forests. In winter the summit can be snow-covered and harder to reach, requiring proper gear — but the same conditions make the wider area popular for cross-country skiing.

Frequently asked questions

Are Třístoličník and Dreisesselberg the same mountain? Yes — it's the same mountain seen from two sides of the border. Třístoličník is the Czech name, Dreisesselberg the German one. The dispute is really about which neighboring rock, Dreisesselfels or Hochstein, counts as the true summit.

Which height figure is "correct"? It depends on the source: 1,311 m (the Czech Dreisesselfels formation), 1,332 m (the German-Austrian Hochstein), or 1,302 m (the highest point actually within Czech territory). None of these is wrong — each simply refers to a different point.

Where's the best place to start the hike? Neureichenau or Haidmühle on the German side offer the most convenient starting points, with well-marked trails including the Adalbert-Stifter-Steig.

Is there anywhere to rest and eat at the top? Yes — nearby, on the Dreiländerberg, the Berggasthof Dreisessel mountain inn offers a place to rest and eat after the climb.