Jezevčí vrch is a national nature reserve in the Lužické hory (Lusatian Mountains) that feels like stepping into an untouched forest world. It protects one of the region's finest examples of ancient, primeval-looking woodland.

The summit area is covered with a mixed beech and mountain elm forest of near-primeval character, with large old maples and ash trees scattered throughout. In spring, the upper slopes are blanketed with the pale-violet blooms of perennial honesty (měsíčnice vytrvalá), creating a striking carpet across the forest floor. The western slope is dominated by pine woods, while scree forests cling to the steeper ground. The reserve feels lively in every season - wildlife here includes red and roe deer, badgers, weasels, stoats, polecats, pine martens, and birds of prey such as goshawks and sparrowhawks, with the elusive eagle owl an occasional, lucky sighting.

How to get there

• Jablonné v Podještědí / Kunratické domky — yellow trail, through pine and then beech forest, moderate difficulty
• Mařeničky (via the Mařeničky peat bog) — yellow trail, alternative approach from the north

Practical information

• Rock climbing, cycling, and leaving marked paths are prohibited
• Camping and open fires are not allowed
• Picking plants or catching animals is forbidden
• No trail leads directly to the summit itself, the path skirts around it
• The reserve covers 80 hectares at an elevation of 420-666 m

Along the way you'll pass the striking rock tower Panenský kámen, a memorable landmark on this walk through one of the wildest corners of the Lusatian Mountains.