Spruce - Jizera Mountains
The peak called Smrk can be found in the Czech Republic in several mountains, however, we are talking about Smrk in the Jizera Mountains, within which it is the highest point with its altitude of 1,124 m. Currently, the place is crossed by a pedestrian border crossing to Poland, where the local peak, called Wysoka Kopa, measures 3 meters more than Spruce. The border crossing has been open here since 1997 and serves exclusively pedestrians and cyclists.
Information for visitors
Interesting facts Spruce - Jizera Mountains
The name of this peak was imprinted by a giant spruce, which stood on this site, but in 1790 it was cut down after a devastating storm. It was then a kind of natural landmark of three estates - Bohemia, Upper Lusatia and Lower Silesia.
The very top of Spruce does not have the typical character of a rock, but rather a plain, where the triangulation point is also located. Since 1892, a wooden tower with a viewpoint with a total height of 25 m stood on this site, which was replaced in 2003 by a new lookout tower made of metal, 23 m high.
There are several ways to ascend to the top of the Jizera Mountains. An interesting route with a steeper ascent, called the "Heavenly Ladder", leading from the south along the border. The opposite, northern route also stretches along the Czech-Polish border and you can walk to Nové Město pod Smrkem. From the west, you can reach Smrk via the Tower Trail.
Today, it is possible to find peat bogs near Smrk, where rare species of plants grow, and where the source of the Jizera River also hides.
Author: Andrea Štyndlová