Děčín is a beautiful historic town built at the confluence of the Elbe and Ploučnice rivers right on the edge of monumental sandstone rocks of "Bohemian Switzerland". Děčín is a popular tourist destination not only because of its unique historical monuments, but also because it is an ideal starting point for trips to the Pastýřská Wall (where you will find a tower, restaurant and ZOO), Děčínský Sněžník, Stoličná Mountain and Růžový hřeben (Pink Ridge). But today we shall turn away from all these historical sights and take a trip to explore the massive rocky ridge of the Stoličná Mountain, which rises on the right bank of the Elbe River. Stoličná mountain is actually the southernmost headland of the Elbe mine, which opens up below the mountain and turns into a wide Děčín valley.
We will reach the starting point if we take a road that begins in the centre of Děčín and goes to Česká Kamenice. At the end of the town near the bus U-turn place and at the last crossroad we take a left turn and continue on Lužická street. After 500 meters we will see a tourist crossroad sign which shall determine our next steps. We follow the red tourist sign to Stoličná mountain with a viewing post, 1km away. We shall walk through a beautiful park, sloped down towards the Elbe river, near the foothills of the Stoličná mountain and after a while we make a turn and go up, where the red sign separates from the green sign. Soon we are welcomed by the first rock formations, proudly rising above the town and the Elbe valley. Our effort is worth while as we get rewarded with beautiful views of the Děčín town and its surrounding countryside. Except for the Podmokla section hidden behind another viewing post and the Pastýřská wall, we can see almost the entire town. Behind the town we see Sněžnická heights with the highest peak Děčínský Sněžník, which is considered the highest table mountain. In 1879, a viewing terrace with an obelisk to honour the 25th wedding anniversary of the Emperor Franz Joseph I and Elisabeth of Bavaria was established here. Because this location is considered as strategically important, a military bunker was built at the base of the viewing terrace. After we have enjoyed the relaxing views, we will continue on the so-called Emperor's red promenade lined with fragrant trees. This time on a flat plain only. The first part will take us through peaks of the Stoličná mountain along the Elbe river and around Sněžnická viewing post towards an observation terrace called Elbe guardwith a stone gazebo. This gazebo (at the time of its glory), offered spectacular views of the Elbe River canyon, the Pink ridge and the Sněžnická highlands located on the opposite side. You could enjoy these views from the slopes of Stoličná Mountain. But today the trees have grown mature and the view does not offer so many interesting sites as many years ago. After we refresh ourselves in the nearby roof-covered rest place, our journey continues slightly down until we reach the first housesin Ludvíkovice and the valley of the Loubský brook. From here we climb uphill through a beautiful forest to a stone monument commemorating victims of world wars, then we pass around a picturesque cemetery towards the crossroad Nad Loubím and then we follow the green sign through a forest down to a steeper slope . The end of the route is slightly elevated and goes along the foothill of the Stoličná mountain, where we will get a chance to take a closer look at the beautiful and wideElbe river . Back to our starting crossroad sign we go through the already mentioned picturesque park with graveled and paved walkways, pond and benches. Total length 6.5 km
