The small stone observation tower on Kohout is about one kilometre west of Valkeřice, in the surrounding woods. When choosing where to stay, you can focus on three things: the climb to Kohout, the town’s architecture and the landscape of the Valkeřice Valley. If you’re looking for a holiday apartment, consider which of these themes you’d like to spend more time exploring during your stay.
Landscape Between Forest and Valley
About one third of Valkeřice’s cadastral area is forested; a considerable part consists of permanent grassland. The Valkeřice Valley is a secluded valley of the Dolský potok, surrounded by low, elongated ridges and cones of a volcanic mountain range. The Znělcové lomy (U lomu) comprise partially flooded quarries with ponds. Two different scales are useful for planning: forest and permanent grassland refer to the municipality as a whole, while the valley, stream, ridges, cones and ponds refer to individual landscape features.
To the Observation Tower on Kohout
Kohout is 589 m high. The observation tower was built in 1908 by the Deutsche Turisten association and reopened to the public on 16 April 2011 after restoration. From Valkeřice, an approach of about 1.5 km leads to the summit. It first follows the former blue-marked hiking trail, now marked as a red bridleway. The former blue-marked turnoff then branches left to the summit. The distance figures refer to different things: the tower is about one kilometre west of the town, while 1.5 km is the length of the approach to the summit. Check the current trail markings before setting out; if the tower is part of your plans, also check whether it is currently accessible.
Building Styles and Local History
Valkeřice was formed by the union of the two settlements of Elkeřice and Pertoltice, first mentioned in historical sources in 1363. The town has traditional log houses, half-timbered houses and several timber-framed houses with infill; most are protected monuments. The rectory at No. 37 is a two-storey masonry building with a later, also two-storey wing on its west side. In 1700, František Antonín Špork had a two-storey, three-winged château built in Valkeřice, reportedly on the site of an earlier fortress. It served primarily as a place for the estate’s lord to stay while hunting.
A comparison on two levels helps put things in context: the three house styles illustrate the town’s variety, while the rectory shows the layout of a single building. Chronologically, the story stretches from the settlements’ first mention in 1363 to the construction of the château in 1700.
The Valkeřice Trachyte Quarries
A municipal notice dated 19 May 2022 recorded an event described as an “opening” at the Valkeřice trachyte quarries, held on Saturday, 14 May. It also noted that cleaning work and the construction of facilities for all visitors had begun.
Discover more destinations: Nová Chribská, Chřibská, Doubice, Šluknov, Velký Šenov, Rynartice, Labská Stráň, Studanka U Varnsdorf
For the broader travel overview: Děčín District.
