Zabolky

Zabolky is a hill rising to 531 metres above sea level in the Jablonec nad Nisou district of the Liberec Region, straddling the cadastral territories of the villages of Odolenovice, Bezděčín and Jenišovice, roughly 2 km west of Frýdštejn. It is the highest point of the Českodubská pahorkatina (Česká Dub Uplands) and forms part of the broader Jičínská pahorkatina geographical unit, within the Turnovská pahorkatina sub-unit and the Českodubská district. The hill's historical German name was Uchenberg.

How do you get to Zabolky?

Several marked hiking trails approach Zabolky from different directions, making it an accessible destination for both locals and visitors exploring the wider Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) and Jizera Foothills area. The nearest starting points on foot are the villages of Odolenovice, Bezděčín and Jenišovice, all of which share cadastral borders with the hill itself. By car, the most practical option is to drive to one of these villages first, since no road leads directly to the summit — the final stretch has to be covered on foot along one of the trails.

What's around the hill?

Zabolky sits within the gently rolling landscape typical of northern Bohemia's transition zone between the Bohemian Paradise and the Jizera Foothills — a mix of fields, forest patches and small villages scattered across low hills. A short distance away, toward Frýdštejn, stand the ruins of the medieval Frýdštejn Castle, one of the more notable historic sites in the area and an easy addition to a walk that includes Zabolky. The immediate surroundings of the hill remain largely undeveloped, appealing to visitors who prefer quiet countryside walking over crowded tourist spots.

When should you visit?

Spring through autumn is the most rewarding time to visit Zabolky, when trails are dry and the surrounding fields and woodland look their best. In summer, an early morning or late afternoon start helps avoid the heat during the climb. Autumn brings out the colours of the surrounding deciduous forest, adding extra appeal to the walk. In winter, snow can make the unpaved paths harder going, so it's worth checking conditions before setting out.

Who is this hill for?

Zabolky suits travellers looking for a quiet, uncrowded walk away from the region's busier trails. It isn't set up for mass tourism — there's no built lookout platform or panoramic viewpoint here, unlike the nearby Kopanina lookout tower. Instead, it works well as a destination for local hikers, casual countryside walkers, or anyone stringing together a longer route through the villages around Frýdštejn and Jenišovice.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Zabolky? The hill reaches 531 metres above sea level and is the highest point of the Českodubská pahorkatina.

Where exactly is Zabolky located? It lies on the border of the cadastral territories of Odolenovice, Bezděčín and Jenišovice, in the Jablonec nad Nisou district, about 2 km west of Frýdštejn.

Are there marked trails leading to Zabolky? Yes, several signposted hiking trails reach the hill from surrounding villages.

Is it worth combining with other sights? Yes — the ruins of Frýdštejn Castle and the Kopanina lookout tower are both nearby, making it easy to plan a longer day out in the area.