The Mountains to Which One Returns
The Orlické Mountains cannot be described. They must be experienced. In the spring, blooming meadows and empty trails; in the summer, ridge hikes and lookout towers; in the fall, golden forests and the scent of mushrooms; in the winter, snow-covered cross-country trails and downhill slopes. Záhorka is your starting point all year round. We’ve picked out the best places that are worth visiting.
of the Orlické Mountains
The Royal Ridge Trail
The Royal Ridge Trail is 23 km long, is best suited for trekking bikes, and has a total elevation gain of 515 meters.
Route: Šerlich (from the bike bus stop) – Velká Deštná – Pod Homolí – Pěticestí – Mezivrší – Anenský vrch – Hanička Fortress
Distance: approx. 500 m to the trail access in the village / approx. 1.5 km hike to the main ridge
of the Orlické Mountains
Anna Lookout Tower on Anenský Hill
Since 2010, a lookout tower has once again stood on Anenský Hill in the Orlické Mountains. The last time people could enjoy the view of the landscape from there was in 1937, when the tower also included a chapel. It underwent renovation in 2024 and is now open to the public again.
Distance: approx. 7.5 km (hike directly from the cottage) / 6 km by car to Mezivrší parking + 2.5 km walk
The Fairytale Orlické Mountains
The loop begins and ends at Šerlich (1,019 m above sea level) near the iconic Masaryk Chalet, which offers views of Velká Deštná and the Polish foothills.
The route takes you through Orlické Záhoří into Poland—through the villages of Mostowice and Lasówka, past a peat bog and the Zieleniec ski resort, all the way to the Čihalka mountain hut. You’ll return via the Šerlišský Mill.
Distance: 0 km (the route passes right by the cottage)
Peat Bog Near Zieleniec Nature Reserve (PL)
A unique nature reserve featuring a wooden boardwalk winding through a mysterious peat bog and a wooden lookout tower. A great tip for an easy trip both on foot and by bike (the route is suitable for mountain and trekking bikes).
Distance: approx. 14 km (18 minutes by car to the reserve parking lot, or approx. 11 km by bike along the ridge trail)
Kačenka’s Fairy-Tale Kingdom
If you’re heading out on a trip to the Orlické Mountains with your children, you can keep them entertained and delighted with a fairy-tale journey through the mountains. This is a fairy-tale adventure organized annually by the mountain villages that make up the Orlické Mountains’ “Fairy-Tale Kingdom.”
Distance: approx. 14 km (15 minutes by car)
technically interesting in places
Singletrack Glacensis Petla Jagodna (PL)
A one-way singletrack trail along its entire length with gentle climbs that even a 10-year-old child can easily manage.
The descents are flowy with bermed corners, a compacted gravel surface, several small bridges, and rocky sections. The climb ends at the lookout tower on top of Mount Jagodna. If the trail proves too challenging for the kids, a smooth gravel road serves as a convenient alternative for the ride back down.
Distance: approx. 9 km (12 minutes by car to Spalona)
Hanička Fortress
Hanička isn’t just a bunker—it’s a place where you can literally touch history. The fortress was built in the 1930s as part of the pre-war fortifications and consists of six combat structures connected by hundreds of meters of underground tunnels extending up to 36 meters below ground.
Descend 98 steps into a world of barracks, a power control room, an infirmary, and a unique water treatment plant—and you’ll discover that the garrison could have survived months of siege here.
Distance: approx. 9 km (hike along the ridge) / 12 km by car to the parking lot + 1.5 km walk
Skiareál Orlické Záhoří
A new, 1,650-meter-long red slope is the perfect choice for those seeking a faster ride and freshly groomed corduroy. Just 1 km from the cottage, you can enjoy great skiing with no time wasted on commuting.
Distance: approx. 1 km (3 minutes by car / within walking distance)
on an illuminated track
Illuminated Ski Arena Orlické Záhoří
A unique 4.5 km illuminated loop designed for both classic and skate technique lets you hit the track even after sunset. Perfectly groomed and only 1 km from the cottage for a magical night ride.
Distance: approx. 1 km (3 minutes by car / within walking distance)
for the whole family
Deštné v Orlických horách Ski Center
This full-service ski resort features 5 km of snowmade slopes of all difficulties, a snowpark, a children’s learning area, and popular night skiing. A place where every skier finds their stride.
Distance: approx. 14 km (15 minutes by car)
in the mountains
Cross-Country Trails around Deštné v O. h.
Over 50 km of groomed trails offer a great setup for beginners and seasoned Nordic skiers alike. Tailor your route to your fitness level and enjoy the peaceful silence of snow-covered forests.
Distance: approx. 12 km to Šerlich (15 minutes by car or via the cross-country ridge trail)
abundant snow
Sport Arena Zieleniec
On the northern slopes just across the border, snow stays for up to 150 days a year thanks to a unique microclimate. The modern Zieleniec resort offers wide slopes, numerous lifts, and an Alpine vibe for all.
Distance: approx. 11 km (15 minutes by car)
across the mountain range
Eagle Mountains Cross-Country Ski Main Route
A network of 200 kilometers of connected trails takes you across gentle rolling hills and windy mountain ridges with breathtaking views. An ideal pick for all-day tours and relaxed scenic rides.
Distance: approx. 500 m to the valley loop / 1.5 km to the ridge trail connection
Záhorka is your starting point
But the Orlické Mountains have so much more to offer than can fit on a single page. You can find more tips for trips, attractions, and experiences in the region on the Kudy z nudy portal.
