Hlinná – Hiking, Basalt Hills and History

Hlinná lies at the end of the valley of the Tlučeňský potok stream at the foot of the 545 m-high Hradiště hill. The village was first mentioned in 1337. Here, a clearly recognizable landscape setting, nature observation and history come together for you.

Basalt Hills and Protected Landscape

Hradiště is a natural monument on the mountain of the same name in the Litoměřice District; the area is managed by the České středohoří Protected Landscape Area. The Holý vrch u Hlinné Site of Community Importance encompasses the basalt hills of Hradiště, at 545 m above sea level, and Holý vrch, at 574 m. Both are remnants of a lava layer. On the western slope of Holý vrch lie rock formations shaped by frost weathering, known by the popular name “Učitel a žáci” (“The Teacher and Pupils”).

At Hradiště, partly wooded areas alternate with steppe meadows, rocky outcrops and scree slopes. The Holý vrch u Hlinné area is also home to communities of rocks, rocky steppes, scree slopes and dry grasslands; these include stands of the critically endangered species koniklec otevřený. The alternation of wooded sections with open meadows, rocky outcrops and scree slopes characterizes the route across Hradiště. As a result, you encounter different landscapes on a single hike.

Hiking Trails and Viewpoints

The summit of Hradiště can be reached from Hlinná via a yellow-marked hiking trail. The Hlinná–Kamýk educational trail also begins in Hlinná, leads towards Holý vrch, Velké hradiště and Plešivec mountain, and then returns. It is approximately 10 km long. You can decide the order of the stops yourself or walk only part of the route – this allows you to adapt your route choice to your daily schedule.

From the summit of Hradiště, views extend far across the surrounding landscape. Another destination is Varhošť, which is listed under Kundratice, a district of Hlinná. A lookout tower stands on the summit of Varhošť, offering views of the České středohoří and the course of the Elbe; the Elbe can be seen from there at eight points. The easy ascent follows the yellow trail marking from the saddle below Varhošť and is approximately 1.5 km there and back. The short ascent to Varhošť therefore offers a different experience from the approximately 10 km educational trail route: the different route lengths make it easier for you to choose between a short viewpoint destination and a longer exploration.

History and Regional Experiences

Archaeological finds on the Hradiště and Kamýk mountains, approximately 1 km southeast of Hlinná, testify to the settlement of the municipality’s territory by Celtic tribes around the 3rd to 1st centuries BC. The Celtic traces thus date back significantly further than the first mention of Hlinná in 1337 and give the landscape an older historical dimension. At Slavnosti pastvin, visitors can try traditional crafts in practice and experience domestic and wild animals. The festival also includes a market with regional products. The combination of practical crafts, domestic and wild animals, and regional products gives the festival several different points of access. It thus complements Hlinná’s nature and history themes with an event where hands-on activities, observation and regional products stand side by side.

Discover More Destinations

If you would like to research destinations beyond Hlinná, you can find Židovice Nad Labem, Úštěk-Vnitřní Město, Žabovřesky Nad Ohří, Polepy, Mlékojedy, Třebívlice, Třebenice and Bohušovice Nad Ohří here.

To the higher-level travel overview: Litoměřice District.