Veselý vrch

Veselý vrch is a 489-metre hill rising above the village of Prostřední Lhota, in the Chotilsko municipality of the Sedlčany area, best known for the lookout tower crowning its summit. The hill itself isn't tall, but its perch above a bend in the Vltava river and the panorama from the tower make it a popular target for hikers and cyclists exploring the central Vltava basin.

How do you get to Veselý vrch?

The easiest route starts in Prostřední Lhota and follows a blue-marked trail that climbs gently across open fields for roughly 1.4–2 km before reaching the top. An alternative approach begins in the village of Mokrsko: a short but steep stretch of asphalt leads to a small parking area, from where an unmarked gravel-and-sand forest track continues for about another kilometre to the summit. The hill's western slope drops toward Mokrsko, while the eastern side falls steeply toward the Slapy reservoir on the Vltava and partly lies within the Vymyšlenská pěšina nature reserve.

What will you see at the top?

The main draw is a 42-metre steel telecommunications tower, built in 1999 by the mobile operator Eurotel as a base station for its public network — construction took three months and finished that June. The public viewing platform sits at a height of 25 metres, reached by climbing 137 steps. On a clear day the view stretches to the České Středohoří highlands, the Brdy range, the Vltava valley with the Slapy dam, and — on exceptionally transparent days — as far as the Alps, the Krkonoše mountains, Kleť, and the Šumava.

A geological curiosity lies underneath: the hill is said to hold one of Europe's largest known gold deposits, with estimates running as high as 120 tonnes of metal. The deposit has never been mined, but it's a frequent talking point among visitors standing on top of it.

When is the best time to visit?

The tower opens to the public on a seasonal schedule: weekends and public holidays from 10:00 to 17:00 in April through June, Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00 in July and August, and weekends only from 11:00 to 17:00 in September and October. Admission to the viewing platform costs a symbolic 15 CZK. Outside the season or on weekdays when the tower is closed, the hill itself remains freely accessible for a walk.

Clear spring or summer days give you the best odds of the long-distance views toward the Alps or the Krkonoše, and the field-and-forest trails stay dry and easy going, including by bike.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Veselý vrch? The hill rises to roughly 489 metres above sea level, and the lookout tower on its summit adds another 42 metres, with the viewing platform at 25 metres up.

How much does it cost to climb the tower? Entry to the viewing platform costs a token 15 CZK.

Where's the best place to start the hike? The simplest and shortest option is the blue trail from Prostřední Lhota (about 1.4–2 km through gently rising fields). You can also approach from Mokrsko, though that route includes a short, steep climb.

Is the tower open year-round? No — it runs on a seasonal schedule from April to October, with opening hours that vary by month (see "When is the best time to visit?" above). Outside those hours the hill is still open for walking, just without access to the viewing platform.