Horní Skály is a cluster of eight sandstone rock towers hidden in the forest at the easternmost edge of the Lužické hory Protected Landscape Area, near Horní Sedlo. It's a place where climbers have tested themselves for more than a century, and each tower carries its own name and story - Great and Small Smrtka, Liberec Tower, Gahler Tower, Practice Tower, Twin, Falcon and Tooth.

The rock towers rise between 470 and 520 metres above sea level on the southwestern slope of the long Hřebeny ridge. The sandstone, smoothed by wind and rain, is criss-crossed with calcite and quartz veins that trace striking patterns across the weathered surfaces. The surrounding forest offers cool shade in summer, while winter brings a hushed stillness and frost - the site has its own charm in every season, though most visitors come for climbing in spring and autumn.

How to reach the summit

• From the tourist crossroads between Horní Sedlo and Černá Louže - green-marked trail, forest path, a few minutes' walk, easy difficulty
• The route partly follows the old Horní cesta (Oberweg), also known as the Climbers' Path

Practical information

• The international nature trail of the Lusatian and Zittau Mountains passes the crossroads; stop number 6 is dedicated to climbing history
• A memorial plaque on Gahler Tower commemorates climber Herbert Guhn, who fell to his death here in the 1920s
• The nearest bus stop is Hrádek n. Nisou, Horní Sedlo, u kapličky
• The nearest train stations are in Rynoltice (4 km) and Hrádek nad Nisou (5 km)

The first ascents date back to 1904, when Liberec climbers led by poet Rudolf Kauschka conquered Smrtka as the very first tower. An iron cross still stands atop Liberec Tower, erected in 1907 by members of the Wirbelsteiner climbing club.