23.04.2007

Up to the only stone view-tower in the Giant Mountains! - Benecko

The hiking starts on the bus stop Predni Labska at the Labska dam. Walk around the hotel Arnika along a asphalt road, up to the steep hill. Then you come on a crossroad after 700 metres. Turn left.

The path zigzags among dense forests. After one hour walk, we come to the favourite crossroad „Rovinka". There is a new self-service restaurant here.

After refreshment we can continue, but which way? We have several opportunities, but we will hike to the top of Zaly mountain.
We set out towards Benecko - steep climb and before the turn to this mountain village we turn left and start to go up gently. At the end of the road, there is the top of hill Zaly with the lookout-tower. We can see even Jested, Trosky or other dominants of the Bohemian Paradise.
The hill Zaly is very popular because of the tourist climb which is held annualy on the 8th of May.

Lookout tower Žaly
The only stone lookout-tower in the Giant Mountains from 1892, 1.190 metres above sea level. Open: 10-16 o´clock (in case of good weather). Admission fee: adult 10 CZK, children 5 CZK.
And now the way down - along forest serpentines or straight path. At the end of the down-hill walk we can see Mohwaldova chalet with a pub (traditional soup and regional dishes). Then continue through Krizovou and Knezice to the small chapelle of St. Anna. You can admire a nice view of the whole town Vrchlabi. After two kilometres you reach the town square.

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