The Path to the Lookout Tower on Kraví hora

The boulder field on the southern slopes of Kraví hora, which has developed through natural afforestation, is one of the largest in Bohemia. A particularly interesting rock formation, known as Napoleon’s Head, is one of the most famous natural sculptures of the Novohradské hory.

At the summit of Kraví hora, there is a telecommunication tower, which also serves as a public observation tower. The original structure, built in 1988, functioned as an observation post of the Czechoslovak People’s Army within the air defense system. After 1989, the tower lost its military purpose and was replaced in 2001 by a new 37-meter-high steel structure. You can climb 130 spiral steps to reach the viewing platform at 24 meters, offering a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

From the platform, you can clearly see the other peaks of the Novohradské hory, including Mandelstein, Vysoká, Tischberg, Aichelberg, and Kuní hora. On particularly clear days, it is possible to see as far as the Alps. Other visible landmarks include Kleť and several Šumava (Bohemian Forest) peaks, such as Hochficht, Plechý, and Knížecí stolec. Additionally, the Třeboň Basin, České Budějovice Basin, and the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands offer stunning views from the summit.

 

Hiking Routes to Kraví hora

There are several starting points for climbing Kraví hora:

📍 From Dobrá Voda via the red trail:
If you visit the Pilgrimage Church of Our Lady Comforter in Dobrá Voda, you can start your hike directly from the church, following the red-marked tourist trail. This trail leads from Nové Hrady through Terčino Valley and Horní Stropnice, continuing over the peaks of Kraví hora and Kuní hora to Benešov nad Černou.

If you arrive by car, you can park either at the old cemetery at the village entrance or in the parking lot in front of the church.

📍 From Hojná Voda via the green trail:
Another popular starting point is the village of Hojná Voda. You can park in the main parking lot in the center of the village and follow the green-marked tourist trail, which forms a circular route over the peak of Kraví hora and back to Hojná Voda.

Along the way, make a stop at the Bell of Encounters, which offers a beautiful view of Nové Hrady.

If you hike from Hojná Voda towards Dobrá Voda and turn left at the František Binder monument, the path will lead you past the Hojná Voda cemetery to a crossroads, where the green trail meets the red trail. Both trails continue towards the base of Kraví hora's peak. The green trail then leads to the summit and the lookout tower, before descending steeply back to Hojná Voda. On this section, you will also pass the famous rock formation, Napoleon’s Head.

📍 Alternative route with a gentler ascent:
For those who prefer a less steep climb, a combination of the green trail and an unmarked forest path is recommended. From Hojná Voda, follow the green trail towards Staré Hutě, then shortly after leaving the village, turn right and continue briefly on the green trail. Instead of the steep climb, you can take a wider, unmarked forest path leading to a crossroad where the red trail connects Kraví hora and Kuní hora. Here, turn right and ascend to the base of Kraví hora’s peak, where you can rejoin the green trail leading to the lookout tower.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable hike, using a current tourist map with marked routes is recommended.