Kleť Mountain & Josef Tower
Ascend Kleť Mountain to the historic Josef Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the Blanský Forest and beyond.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
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Best Time
Stunning foliage, crisp air
Kleť Mountain & Josef Tower
Best Time
Stunning foliage, crisp air
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend Kleť Mountain to the historic Josef Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the Blanský Forest and beyond.
"The view at the top of this beautiful spot is worth the trip in itself."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Trails can be rocky and slippery. Anti-slip shoes are a must for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💰 Bring Local Currency
Restaurant at the top may offer poor exchange rates. Pay with Czech Koruna for better value.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Josef Tower Views
Summit of Kleť Mountain
Breathtaking panoramic views from the 1825-built tower, even the Alps are visible on clear days!

Scenic Forest Trails
Slopes of Kleť Mountain
Peaceful hikes through lush forests, perfect for beginners and experienced trekkers alike. Autumn foliage is spectacular.

Mountain Lodge Comfort
Summit of Kleť Mountain
Cozy mountain lodge offering delicious Czech garlic soup and vegetarian options. A perfect spot to refuel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tackle the Trails Wisely
Josef Tower Views & Dining
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Trails can be rocky and slippery. Anti-slip shoes are a must for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💰 Bring Local Currency
Restaurant at the top may offer poor exchange rates. Pay with Czech Koruna for better value.
Was recently in Cesky Krumlov, here are some travel tips
🚠 Cable Car Option
A cable car (single-seat lift) is available for easier access to the summit, taking 15-25 minutes.
🍲 Try the Garlic Soup
Highly recommended Czech garlic soup (Česnečka) at the mountain lodge for a comforting experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Trails can be rocky and slippery. Anti-slip shoes are a must for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💰 Bring Local Currency
Restaurant at the top may offer poor exchange rates. Pay with Czech Koruna for better value.
🚠 Cable Car Option
A cable car (single-seat lift) is available for easier access to the summit, taking 15-25 minutes.
🍲 Try the Garlic Soup
Highly recommended Czech garlic soup (Česnečka) at the mountain lodge for a comforting experience.
📸 Autumn Photography
Autumn offers breathtaking scenery, making it the best season for photography enthusiasts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from Josef Tower and the serene beauty of the forest trails on Kleť Mountain. The garlic soup at the mountain lodge is a highly recommended culinary highlight. While the hike can be challenging, the cable car offers an accessible alternative.
"This restaurant open on the day myself and some friends chose to trek up the mountain (took 2.5 hours of walking), regardless the view at the top of this beautiful spot is worth the trip in itself.
You can pay 20 Czk to go up a small castle structure, it’s a must do at least once otherwise you can’t see past the trees once at the peak
Stunning view from atop the 1825-built tower."
Alex
"Kleť Mountain (1,084 meters) is the highest peak in the Blanský Forest. I think it’s a great and peaceful hike for both beginners and experienced hikers.
For me, the trail difficulty was moderate.
It took around two hours to reach the top from the parking lot. The trail is surrounded by forest, but it has many stones, making it slippery, so be sure to wear anti-slip shoes.
I visited in autumn, and the scenery was absolutely stunning! If you enjoy photography, autumn is the best season to go! ⛰️
At the top, you’ll find the Josef Tower (Lookout Tower). On a clear day, you can enjoy breathtaking views—even the Alps are visible!
You’ll also find the mountain lodge (Chata Kleť), a cozy place to rest. I tried the česnečka (Czech garlic soup), and I highly recommend having it there—it adds the perfect warm and comforting touch before heading back down."
Natasha Machate
"We decided to hike to the top it was more challenging than expected. But we did rush to the top because we wanted to see the sunset.
I do recommend going by foot but take your time and do not rush. In the winter it is icy on the top so be careful. But if you have kids or you are not able to climb then there is a escalator to bring people to the top. It takes about 15-25 minutes to get to the top with the machine. On foot we took about 3-4 hours (with no the experience)."
Daniele Gedminaite
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive to a parking lot and hike up, or take a cable car from near the base. The hike can take 2-4 hours depending on your pace and chosen trail.
Yes, parking is available for approximately 50 CZK for the whole day.
Yes, Kleť Mountain is accessible from Český Krumlov. It's a popular day trip destination for visitors staying in the area.
The trail difficulty is generally considered moderate, with some rocky and slippery sections. It's suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.
While direct public transport to the very summit is limited, you can find bus routes to nearby villages and then hike or use local taxis. Research specific routes from your starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entry fee to hike up Kleť Mountain itself. However, there is a small fee (around 20 CZK) to access the Josef Tower for its views.
The Josef Tower typically opens during daylight hours, but it's best to check local listings or inquire at the mountain lodge for specific times, especially outside peak season.
Information on online ticket purchases for the cable car may vary. It's advisable to check the official website or purchase them at the station upon arrival.
No, there is no admission fee for the restaurant at the top. You only pay for what you order.
Discounts for groups or families are not widely advertised, but it's always worth asking at the ticket counter for the Josef Tower or cable car.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At the summit, you can climb the Josef Tower for panoramic views, enjoy a meal at the mountain lodge, and explore the surrounding nature. Bike rentals are also available.
Hiking to the top can take approximately 2 to 4 hours, depending on your fitness level and the chosen route. The cable car takes about 15-25 minutes.
Restrooms are typically available at the mountain lodge and potentially at the cable car station.
Yes, Kleť Mountain is suitable for children. The cable car makes it accessible, and there are easier trails for younger hikers.
There are various marked hiking trails through the forest, ranging in difficulty. Some are well-maintained, while others can be rocky.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The mountain lodge offers traditional Czech cuisine, including their famous garlic soup (Česnečka), and several vegetarian options.
Yes, card payments are generally accepted at the restaurant at the top. However, it's always wise to have some cash on hand.
Yes, the restaurant at the top of Kleť Mountain offers several vegetarian options.
The Czech garlic soup (Česnečka) is highly recommended and a popular choice among visitors.
While there are no designated picnic areas, you can find scenic spots along the trails or at the summit to enjoy a packed lunch. Please ensure you take all your trash with you.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit views from Josef Tower are unparalleled. The forest trails, especially in autumn, also offer beautiful photographic subjects.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides the best light for landscape photography. Autumn offers vibrant colors.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check local aviation rules and any specific restrictions in the national park area before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for the panoramic views. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing distant landscapes. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
The Josef Tower offers excellent vantage points for both sunrise and sunset, providing spectacular sky views over the surrounding landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking to the Summit
For those seeking a less strenuous journey, a cable car (often described as a single-seat ski lift) operates from near the base, providing a scenic and quicker ascent to the summit in about 15-25 minutes. This option is ideal for families with young children or individuals with mobility concerns. Regardless of your chosen method, the journey itself is part of the adventure, with opportunities to appreciate the natural beauty of the region.
Josef Tower and Panoramic Views
Visitors often describe the views as breathtaking and well worth the effort of reaching the summit. The tower provides an excellent vantage point for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light casts a magical glow over the scenery. Remember to check the tower's opening hours, as they can vary seasonally.
Dining and Amenities at the Summit
Beyond dining, the mountain lodge provides a place to rest and soak in the atmosphere. You can choose to sit indoors across multiple levels or enjoy the views from the outdoor garden or balcony. The presence of the lodge, along with the cable car station, ensures that visitors have access to basic amenities and refreshments after their journey to the top.
Social
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