Zámecký vrch is a modest 356-metre hill that hides a real surprise on its ridge - a castle on one summit and a chapel on another. Rising right at the edge of the town of Stráž pod Ralskem, it makes for an easy and rewarding short hike with a touch of history.

The ridge stretches from northwest to southeast and forms three distinct summits. The middle and highest point, Zámecký vrch itself, sits beside the wooded summit called U kaple (344 m), crowned by a small chapel of St. John of Nepomuk. A third, unnamed summit to the northwest holds Vartenberk Castle. The whole hill group is almost encircled by the Ploučnice River on three sides, giving the area a peninsula-like feel. The terrain belongs to the Ralská pahorkatina uplands and offers a pleasant walk in any season - fresh green woods in spring, colourful foliage in autumn, and gentle river bends visible below.

How to reach the summit

• From Stráž pod Ralskem - a marked red trail branch, easy hike leading to both Zámecký vrch and U kaple summits

Practical information

• Vartenberk Castle is not open to the public and can only be admired from the outside
• The U kaple summit features a small chapel dedicated to St. John of Nepomuk, worth a short stop

The hill was originally known as Horka, and it later took its current name from the castle that has watched over the Ploučnice valley for centuries.