Three forested hills hiding castle ruins, medieval mining tunnels, and a surprising diversity of wildlife — Děvín and Ostrý near Hamr na Jezeře is a small nature reserve packed with character.

The area consists of three summits: Děvín with the ruins of a medieval castle, the higher Ostrý (also called Hamerský Špičák), and Schachtstein with its old mining adit. Centuries ago these hills were stripped bare by iron ore mining, leaving behind trenches, shafts, and wells that are now reclaimed by beech forest and relict pine woodland. Sunlit clearings burst into bloom with heather in summer, while the woods keep a cool, quiet atmosphere year-round. The reserve is also a haven for seven species of bats, along with birds, amphibians, molluscs, and countless insects — reason enough to tread lightly and stay on marked paths.

How to get there

• Hamr na Jezeře — trail heads southeast of the village, moderate difficulty, suitable for a half-day loop covering all three hills
• Combine the three summits — Děvín, Ostrý and Schachtstein — into one circular hike

Practical information

• The area was long part of the Ralsko military training zone, which helped keep it remarkably wild
• The old adit on Schachtstein is being restored by a local mining heritage association and opened to visitors under certain conditions
• Protected habitats include rare plants and bat colonies — please stick to designated trails

A fun fact: the crumbling castle ruins and hidden mine tunnels have given rise to local legends of long-lost miners and hidden treasure buried deep beneath these hills.