Ovčí vrch is a modest, forest-covered hill near Zákupy that won't impress with dramatic views, but rewards those seeking quiet, off-the-beaten-path nature. It's a place for hikers who enjoy the journey through untouched woodland rather than a crowded summit.

The hill rises along the road connecting Zákupy and Nový Bor, forming a natural gateway to the valley together with the neighboring Mariánská výšina. Its slopes are steep and entirely overgrown, with no marked path leading to the very top and no structures at the summit. This wild, understated character makes it appealing in autumn when the forest turns golden, and in winter when frost coats the bare branches - a peaceful escape rather than a tourist hotspot.

How to reach the summit

• From the small chapel along road II/268 (Borská street in Zákupy) - no marked trail, approx. 50 meters of ascent, steep and demanding, off-path hiking

Practical information

• No official hiking trail leads to the summit - reaching it means bushwhacking through dense forest
• An overhead power line on poles crosses the hill
• The summit elevation is listed differently depending on the source - 348 m according to Mapy.cz, 347 m according to KČT maps

Interesting fact: the hill was formerly known by its German name Schaffberk, recalling the sheep farming once run by the Zákupy nobility on their estate - the origin of today's name, Ovčí vrch, meaning 'Sheep Hill'.