Orlica (1084 m a.s.l.) is the highest peak on the Polish side of the Orlické Mountains and a proud member of the Crown of Polish Mountains. Sitting right on the Czech-Polish border, it offers a rare cross-border hiking experience in a peaceful, forested landscape that feels wonderfully off the beaten track.

The summit is a gentle clearing dotted with sparse dwarf pine, with a small rocky outcrop marking the highest point. Views are partial but atmospheric — the surrounding ridges of the Orlické Mountains stretch out beautifully, especially in autumn when the forests turn golden. Since 2020, a wooden observation tower on the Polish side of the summit has opened up the panorama considerably. In winter the whole area transforms into a quiet, snow-covered world perfect for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing from nearby Zieleniec.

• Zieleniec (PL) — green trail, approx. 3 km, easy
• Čihalka border crossing (CZ/PL) — green trail, approx. 3.5 km, easy
• Šerlich (CZ) — red trail (Jiráskova cesta), approx. 5 km, moderate
• Olešnice (CZ) — red trail (Jiráskova cesta), approx. 5 km, moderate

• The summit lies exactly on the Czech-Polish state border — free to cross within the Schengen Area.
• A wooden observation tower (built 2020) stands on the Polish side near the top.
• Orlica is listed in the Crown of Polish Mountains (Korona Gór Polski) — bring your logbook if you are collecting summits.

In the early 20th century, a popular mountain hut called Rübartsch-Baude stood here, complete with a lookout tower, run by Heinrich Rübartsch — a pioneer of hiking and skiing in the Orlické Mountains. It burned down under mysterious circumstances in 1946, and only faint traces of its foundations remain today.