Great Deštná, or, as the Czechs call it, Velká Deštná, is the highest peak of the Orlické Mountains and at the same time the entire range of the Central Sudetes. Located in the Czech Republic, right on the border of Poland, it is a big attraction and is also eagerly visited by people resting in the Kłodzko Valley. Discover this amazing place with us now!
Great Desztna — basic information
Velká Deštná has an altitude of 1115 m above sea level and is located northwest of the highest peak of the Polish part of the Orlické Mountains, Orlica (read about it here: Orlica — pearl of the Orlické Mountains. Attractions and trails). Despite the fact that it is formally located in the Czech Republic, it is very well connected with our Kłodzko Basin. From Zieleniec to Wielka Desztna lead several kilometers, well-maintained trails. As they are not very demanding, they are an excellent choice for parents who want to instill in their children a love for the mountains and those who are less physically fit.
Why is it worth considering such a mountain as Great Rain when planning mountain hikes? Parking in convenient locations and affordable routes with scenic views are one thing. However, this peak can also boast a very interesting observation tower. It is a great attraction, especially when you consider its interesting shape and wooden finish, which perfectly refers to the character of the Great Rain. The observation tower is 19 meters high and was commissioned in 2019. It offers stunning views of both the Orlické Mountains and the Bystrzyckie Mountains. In good weather, you can also see the Giant Mountains on the horizon.
What route to the Great Rain?
Due to how the Great Rain is located, the tour route can be planned in different ways. Both a streamlined paved road leads to the summit and hiking trails — red and green, crossing about 200 meters below the highest point of the mountain. However, how to plan a hike?
Great Deštna — trail from Deštné v Orlických horách
Departure on the Great Rain from Deštné v Orlických horách, follow the green trail. It is very well marked and quite easy, making it really difficult to get lost on it. Moreover, the route to be covered is not long - it has a length of about 4.5 km one way, and it takes up to 2 hours to cross it.
Wielka Desztna — hiking trails from Zieleniec
Another opportunity to enter the Great Desztna is offered by hiking trails from Zieleniec. The first version of the tour involves a hike along the blue trail from Metallurgical Kopa to the junction point of Šerlich, and then the entrance to the red trail leading almost to the very top. In turn, the second start in the vicinity of the Pod Orlica shelter and navigation along the red trail from the very beginning. The Zieleniec — Wielka Desztna routes are about 5-6 km long one way, and thanks to the low level of difficulty, their passage does not take more than 2-2.5 hours.
Velká Deštná, however, is not all that the Orlické Mountains have to offer. If you want to know other interesting trails in this range, be sure to read our earlier article: Orlickie Mountains — the most interesting trails and attractions for 1 day.
Great Desztna z Zieleniec
Due to its location, Zieleniec is a great starting point for trekking and hiking in the surrounding mountains. Located directly at the foot of the Orlické Mountains, it provides convenient access to other Sudeten ranges located on both sides of the border: the Bystrzyckie Mountains, Stołowe or Adrszpasko-Teplice Mountains. Choosing the free rooms offered by us in Zieleniec, at Vital & SPA Resort Szarotka, you can also take advantage of the rich tourist offer of the region. Leisure in the Kłodzko Valley is not only the Great Desztna, the tower and hiking. This whole region is famous for its unique monuments and numerous attractions aimed at both younger and slightly older audiences. The proximity of the Czech border makes it possible to enrich your stay with day trips, for example to the Rock Town of Adršpach or Sky Bridge 721 in Dolní Morava. Plan your great adventure with Vital & SPA Resort Szarotka now!
