Břidličná hora (1,358 m a.s.l.) is one of the highest peaks in the Hrubý Jeseník range — 12th overall — and a rewarding destination for hikers who prefer solitude over crowds. Its rounded, open summit rises above vast alpine meadows and offers sweeping views across the main ridge, stretching from Červenohorské sedlo pass all the way to Skřítek.

The summit area is bare and covered with alpine grass, juniper and remarkable blockfields — slowly creeping boulder fields that move up to 15 cm per year and rank among the most valuable periglacial formations in the Czech Republic. From the top you can pick out the chain of neighbouring peaks: Velký Máj, Jelení hřbet, the distinctive rocky 'tooth' of Petrovy kameny and mighty Praděd. The mountain also straddles the Great European Watershed — its slopes drain into both the Baltic and the Black Sea. In winter, the area transforms into a cross-country skiing paradise along the famous Jesenická magistrála trail.

• From the Jelení studánka trail junction (1,311 m a.s.l.) — green marked trail towards Pecný for approx. 700 m, then turn right onto an unmarked path for approx. 200 m to the summit — easy to moderate.
• From Skřítek pass — green trail via Pecný towards Jelení studánka — longer route, moderate difficulty.
• From Vernířovice village — yellow trail via Špičák and Čertova stěna — demanding, full-day hike.

• No marked trail leads directly to the summit — the final 200 m is an unmarked path; a detailed map is strongly recommended.
• The summit and its surroundings are protected within the Břidličná Nature Reserve — visiting the very top is discouraged to protect the fragile ecosystem.
• Nearest shelter: Františkova myslivna (approx. 2.6 km north), 16 beds, privately owned.
• The eastern and western slopes are among the main avalanche zones in Hrubý Jeseník — caution in winter and spring.

A fascinating piece of wartime history: a German Luftwaffe Heinkel He 111 bomber crashed into the western slope at around 1,300 m a.s.l. during World War II — despite extensive archival research, the identity of the crew has never been established.