Kozí hřbet

Distinctive ridge with steep slopes, several sandstone rock towers, iron ore mining.

Site Description

The formation of Kozí hřbet is linked to the presence of a volcanic polzenite vein. This rock, as it penetrated the earth’s surface, hardened and eroded the surrounding sandstones. On Kozí hřbet, we can observe several sandstone towers over 10 m high. On the northeastern edge, there are separate sandstone towers with iron encrustations – towers Uranová, Zářivá and Jedová. On their surface, one can see iron cementing in the shape of stone roses.

Therefore, the backbone of Kozí hřbet is formed by a volcanic vein (polzenite) The volcanites themselves are almost hidden under the surface or were extracted in the past during prospecting for iron ore. In the south-western part of the ridge, many iron ore mining sites have been preserved.

Data

Locality

Česko

Terrain difficulty

4 / 5

Time required

2 hours.

Elevation difference

73 m

What will you see here?

Kozí hřbet

1

Unique shape of the ridge

Kozí hřbet-Zářivá věž

2

Tower rocks with iron encrustations

Kozí hřbet - dobývky

3

Remains of iron ore mining

Do you know that...

The geomorphological term kozí hřbet (goat’s back) describes its shape well. The term goat’s back means a sloping, roof-shaped ridge composed of steeply sloping layers of resistant rock with a slope of over 45°.

For Curious Minds

The elongated ridge of Kozí hřbet is approximately parallel to the ridge of the Děvín polzenite vein and the volcanic vein below Chrastenský vrch, which can be seen on the 3D model. Source: State Administration of Land Surveying and Cadastre

How to Reach Us

On foot along the red hiking trail from Hamr na Jezeře or from Stráž pod Ralskem to the saddle below Jelení vrchy. Then take the very narrow path uphill. In summer the top of the ridge will be covered with vegetation. It is a path for adventurers who are not afraid of nettles and steep slopes.

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