Vysoká hole

Vysoká hole is a 1,465-metre summit rising in the Hrubý Jeseník range, within the municipality of Malá Morávka in the eastern Czech Republic. It's one of the broader massifs in the range, covering roughly 11.5 square kilometres, with gentle slopes averaging only about 9 degrees of incline. That combination makes Vysoká hole approachable for casual hikers while still delivering the open, high-mountain character that draws more experienced trekkers to the Jeseníky.

How do you get to Vysoká hole?

Most hikers set out from Malá Morávka or one of the villages at the foot of the Hrubý Jeseník range, following marked trails that climb through forest before opening onto the treeless meadows and dwarf-pine slopes typical of the range's highest sections. The upper approach is notably exposed, so hikers should expect stronger wind and quicker weather changes than in the valley below, even on a calm day at the trailhead. Because Vysoká hole connects naturally to neighbouring ridgelines in the Hrubý Jeseník, it's a popular building block for a longer ridge-walking day rather than a stand-alone out-and-back.

What will you see at the top?

Thanks to its gentle, open slopes and the absence of dense forest near the summit, Vysoká hole offers wide views across the surrounding Hrubý Jeseník range and the valleys of the Malá Morávka municipality. The landscape is classic high-Jeseníky terrain above the tree line: broad stretches of grass and dwarf pine, rocky patches, and the stark, wind-shaped scenery that defines this part of the range.

One historical detail worth knowing before you go: a sandstone boundary stone from 1681 stands about 430 metres southwest of the summit. It once marked the meeting point of three feudal estates — the Teutonic Order's holdings based in Bruntál, the Velké Losiny estate, and the Janovice estate. The same area also sits on the historical border between Silesia and Moravia, which gives Vysoká hole a layer of historical and administrative significance beyond its natural scenery.

When should you visit?

Summer and early autumn are the best windows, when trails are dry and the open summit area offers the clearest visibility. In spring and late autumn, expect stronger winds and fast-changing conditions typical of the higher Jeseníky terrain. In winter, the peak attracts ski tourers, though the open, exposed slopes call for proper equipment and experience.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Vysoká hole? The summit reaches 1,465 metres above sea level and belongs to the Hrubý Jeseník range.

Which municipality is Vysoká hole in? The mountain lies within the municipality of Malá Morávka, in the northeastern Czech Republic.

What is the boundary stone near the summit? It's a sandstone marker from 1681 that once defined the meeting point of three feudal estates and the historical border between Silesia and Moravia. It stands about 430 metres southwest of the summit.

Is the hike to the summit difficult? No — the gentle average slope of around 9 degrees makes the climb relatively easy, though hikers should be prepared for stronger wind on the exposed, open terrain near the top.