You probably heard or read, that at wonderful weather conditions you can see from the top not only Prague, but also Bohemian Forest, Giant Mountains and even the Alps-peaks, but there is no guarantee for these far views.

Milešovka is the highest peak of Bohemian Highlands, its top is situated in the height of 836,5 m of sea level. Its tectonical origin has - as a consequence - its form is phonolited cone. Phonolite is effused magnetic mineral, so building material of a volcano. The volcano is not active any more. At its foot, there is placed mostly basaltic layout as well as eruptive foundation. This became - within hundreds and thousands of years of successive decayed - upper part of hill stratum. However, this creates (during rains) quite slippery surface, making the climbing along sreep paths rather difficult. Since 1951, this area was declared as a protected nature reservation, of total surface of 51,28 ha.

Milešovka Hill is, similarly as other hills of Bohemian Highlands, closely afforested. Its slopes are covered with mixed forest, formed mostly by beech-trees. Sothern slopes are covered mostly with oaks, ash-trees, linden-trees and maples. In lower parts, you find pine trees, and on stony slopes there are placed also birches. In underwood, you can find, except standard plants, also Turk´s cap, iris, fern and other medicinal herbs.

 If you ask the crew of meteorological research station, what is typical for Milešovka, you receive a reply that there are winds and storms. From this reason, ther was constructed on top meteorological station in 1905. It is the oldest building of this type on area of Czech Republic. Nearby is situated 19 m high look-out-tower -  the view from here is the best and marvedllous. At present, there is placed here stable meteorological working place of  Physics Atmosphere Institute, member of Science Academy of Czech Republic. This station is of great importance for telecommunication, this fact proves many senders as well as satellites placed around. The wind is a main phenomen forming Milešovka Its years´average speed on top makes 28 kms/h. Calm state - i.e. state without wind - predominates within seven days only.  

Well, the average is not so terrible, but we recommend you to ask for the actual wind and weather forecast in advance, before your climbing upstairs. You can often meet the wind-speed of 100 kms/h, and this is not too pleasant. Anyway, you cannot be dissuaded from the climb. Milešovka is also known through the fact that the hill draws storms. Local inhabitants have to overcome more than 30 thunderstom days. So, the average period of storm showers is each 77,2 hours. So, when we realize that there is minimum of storms in winter, so local climate seems to be more as tempestous. German name of the hill is „Donnersberg“ (Thunder Hill), so it is truthfull name.

If you decide to climb Milešovka: If you drive from Prague, you turn aside the road E 55 two kilometres before the community of Bořislav in left direction and go ahead to community of Bílka. You go through the community just at foot of Milešovka to lower station of cargo wrire-rope-line.You leave your car here, and follow red marked path upstairs. Nearest railway stop is placed in community of Bořislav (4,5 kms) or Chotiměř (5 kms).

Look-out-tower on top

Open all year round - from March till October (10,30 h – 17,00 h), from November till February (11,30 h – 17,00 h).

Entrance fee: Adults CZK 10,- Family fee: CZK 15,- School groups CZK 3,- for a child.

For bigger groups - possibility of instructive guide, observatory sightseeng possible (advanced reservation recommended)

More information - as far as look-out-tower operation regulation is concerned or special explanation and guided tours possibilities you find on web sites of Milešovka Assotiation

www.sweb.cz/milesovka

Refreshment:

A small kiosk (buffet) with offer of foodstuffs, drinks and souvenirs is open on weekends.

Text: Jan Chaloupka

Foto: Wikipedia.com

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