Zuberský vrch

Zuberský vrch is a 650.5-metre hill in the Železné hory (Iron Mountains) range, in the cadastral territory of Trhová Kamenice in the Chrudim district of the Pardubice region, Czech Republic. The summit sits roughly 1.5 km southwest of the town centre, near the small settlement of Zubří. Since 2004 it has carried an observation tower that is the main reason visitors come up here at all.

How do you get to Zuberský vrch?

A green-marked hiking trail leads from the centre of Trhová Kamenice straight to the summit; the one-way walk usually takes 30–40 minutes depending on pace and fitness. Cyclists can follow signed route number 4187. The hill sits close to the border between the Chrudim and Havlíčkův Brod districts, so it's a natural stop on routes linking the Iron Mountains with the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands (Vysočina).

What will you see from the lookout tower?

The tower opened on 5 June 2004. It has a steel frame clad in wood and stands 55 metres tall. Its single viewing platform sits at a height of 38 metres, reached by climbing 182 steps. From the top, the view stretches across the peaks of the Žďár Hills and the Iron Mountains themselves, and on clear days it extends as far as the Krkonoše and Orlické mountains. The tower was built by the mobile operator Oscar a.s., while day-to-day operation is handled by the municipality of Trhová Kamenice.

When should you visit, and what does it cost?

The tower runs on a seasonal schedule. In May, June and September it opens Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 16:00; in July and August it's open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. In bad weather — rain, strong wind or fog — it can be closed for safety reasons, so it's worth checking conditions before making a special trip. Admission costs 20 CZK. Groups of more than 10 people can arrange a visit outside regular hours by phone.

What else can you combine with a visit here?

The area around Trhová Kamenice is hilly and largely forested, typical of the Iron Mountains as a whole, which makes it a decent base for longer hiking or cycling trips beyond the tower itself. The town lies on routes connecting Chrudim with Hlinsko and, further on, with Vysočina, so climbing Zuberský vrch fits easily into a day trip around the region rather than requiring a dedicated visit.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the tower on Zuberský vrch? The structure is 55 metres tall, and its single viewing platform sits at a height of 38 metres, reached via 182 steps.

How much does admission cost? A standard ticket costs 20 CZK.

When is the tower open? In May, June and September it's open weekends from 10:00 to 16:00; in July and August it's open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. It may close in bad weather.

How long is the walk from Trhová Kamenice? A green-marked trail leads to the summit, and the one-way walk takes about half an hour.