On a clear day, you can see all the way to Prague from the top of Říp Mountain (photo: www.pis.cz)

Říp Mountain may be small (just under 461m), but this ancient (and long-extinct) volcano stands out from the surrounding landscape. It also takes center stage in Czech mythology. According to legend, it is here that "Grandfather Čech", the legendary founder of the Czech nation, arrived after a long trek with his tribe. Looking out over the surrounding country, he declared this to be the future homeland for his people.

Říp has been a pilgrimage site and gathering place at important moments in Czech history for time immemorable. In 1868, the corner stone for the National Theatre was extracted from the foot of the hill. 

Since 1126, the peak has also been adorned by a Romanesque rotunda dedicated to St. George in memory of Soběslav I’s victory over the German emperor Lothair II at the Battle of Chlumec.

The top of Říp provides an excellent view over the Czech Plateau, the Central Bohemian Mountains, the Ore Mountains and, in clear weather, Prague.

If you feel like turning your outing into a little pilgrimage as well, one way to arrive is by train, followed by a short trek on foot. From Prague’s Masaryk station, take the 9.37 train (direction: Ústí nad Labem) to Vraňany (arr. 10.34), then transfer to the local train (direction: Straškov, departs at 10.38) and get off at Ctiněves (arr. 10.53). From here, follow the red trail to the top of the mountain (ca. 2.5 km).

More adventurous pilgrims can follow the red trail all the way from Roudnice, which lies on the main express train route towards Ústí nad Labem and Děčín. Trains leave from Masaryk station roughly every hour. From the Roudnice station, make your way to the town’s main square, then follow the red trail (roughly 6.5 km).