Velká hůra (458 m a.s.l.) is a steep, forested volcanic hill tucked inside the Bohemian Paradise Protected Landscape Area, and it packs far more character than its modest elevation might suggest. An abandoned basalt quarry on its slopes exposes the underground core of an ancient volcano, while the summit offers one of the finest panoramic viewpoints in the western half of Bohemian Paradise.

The thickly wooded cone rises sharply from the surrounding countryside, giving the hill a surprisingly dramatic feel. From the top, the iconic twin-towered ruins of Trosky Castle dominate the foreground — a view that perfectly captures the spirit of this UNESCO-recognized region. The quarry walls drop up to 27 m in the lower section and 16 m in the upper part, revealing layers of dark basalt that tell the story of millions of years of geological activity. Whether you visit in the misty greens of spring, the golden haze of autumn, or the bare clarity of winter, the atmosphere here is always memorable.

• Village of Střeleč or parking near the quarry/shooting range — yellow and red hiking trails both converge at the 'Pod Střelečskou hůrou' junction southeast of the summit.
• By car you can drive directly to Střeleč, to the quarry entrance, or park along the road circling the hill from the north.

• The quarry is currently in active use as a shooting range — it is worth checking local access conditions before your visit.
• The hill lies within the Bohemian Paradise CHKO (Protected Landscape Area); standard nature reserve rules apply.

The basalt magma of Velká hůra once pushed to the surface along a WSW-trending fault, creating a whole chain of volcanic vents — a remarkable reminder that this gentle Czech countryside has a fiery past.