Vysoký Kamýk

Vysoký Kamýk is a 628-metre summit in the municipality of Všeteč, in South Bohemia, ranked as the second-highest peak of the Mehelnická Upland and the tallest point of the Vltavotýnsko microregion. The ridge belongs to the Písecké hory range, a few kilometres south of Albrechtice nad Vltavou and roughly 9 km west of Týn nad Vltavou, and its summit carries a lookout tower with sweeping views across South Bohemia toward the Šumava foothills.

What makes this hill distinctive?

Vysoký Kamýk forms a long, well-defined ridge built of Moldanubian migmatite, a metamorphic rock characteristic of this part of the Bohemian Massif. Its slopes are covered in mixed forest, while the summit area preserves a surviving patch of natural acidophilous beech woodland growing on poor, acidic soil. That patch, together with the neighbouring hill Malý Kamýk, is protected as the Velký a Malý Kamýk nature reserve, and the wider wooded area falls within the Písecké hory Nature Park.

What can you see from the lookout tower?

A 34-metre observation tower crowns the summit, with a viewing platform offering a circular panorama over the surrounding ranges. On a clear day, visitors can pick out the Šumava peaks of Boubín, Libín and Kleť, the Novohradské hory with Vysoká, the cooling towers of the Temelín nuclear power plant, and the Písecké hory with the Jarník lookout tower in the distance. Few viewpoints in the region combine so many distinct mountain ranges in a single sweep, which is what makes the climb worthwhile even on a short visit.

How do you get to the top?

Several marked hiking trails converge on the summit, so it can be reached from multiple directions. The shortest approach, around 2.5 km, follows the green trail from the village of Všeteč. That same green route also connects the peak to Albrechtice nad Vltavou (about 6 km) and to Temelín. Visitors starting further away can use the blue trail from Týn nad Vltavou (roughly 16 km) or the yellow trail from Protivín (about 12 km). Given the modest elevation and gentle gradient, a hike up Vysoký Kamýk suits families with children as much as it does more experienced walkers looking for a short outing.

When is the best time to visit?

Clear, cloudless days give the best visibility, especially in spring and autumn, when the air is crisper and the beech forest on the slopes turns from fresh green to gold. In summer it's worth setting off earlier in the day, before heat haze over the České Budějovice basin starts to shorten the view from the tower.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Vysoký Kamýk? The summit reaches 628 metres above sea level, making it the second-highest peak of the Mehelnická Upland and the highest point in the Vltavotýnsko microregion.

Is the hike suitable for children? Yes. The approach from Všeteč is short, around 2.5 km, with a gentle gradient, making it a manageable route for families.

What can you see from the summit tower? The 34-metre tower offers views of the Šumava peaks (Boubín, Libín, Kleť), the Novohradské hory with Vysoká, the Temelín nuclear power plant, and the Písecké hory with the Jarník lookout tower.

Is the summit within a protected area? Yes. The summit area lies within the Velký a Malý Kamýk nature reserve, which protects a surviving patch of natural beech forest, and the wider area belongs to the Písecké hory Nature Park.

Where's the best starting point for the hike? The shortest route is the green trail from Všeteč; alternative approaches run from Albrechtice nad Vltavou, Temelín, Týn nad Vltavou, and Protivín.