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Broumov Highlands

The Broumov Highlands (, ) are highlands and a geomorphological mesoregion in the Central Sudetes, situated primarily in north-eastern Czech Republic and extending into southwestern Poland. The highest peak is Královecký Špičák (881 m).

Geography

The Broumov Highlands are located along the Czech–Polish border, northeast of Náchod and west of Wałbrzych. The highlands lie among the following mesoregions of the Sudetes: to the east are the Stone Mountains, to the southeast the Stołowe Mountains, to the south the Orlické Foothills, to the southwest the Giant Mountains Foothills, to the west the Giant Mountains, to the northwest the Rudawy Janowickie, and to the north the Wałbrzych Mountains.

Within the Czech Republic, the Broumov Highlands has an area of and an average elevation of .

The area is drained mainly by the rivers Ścinawka and Metuje.

Geomorphology

In the Czech Republic, the mesoregion is further subdivided into the microregions of Žacléř Highlands, Police Highlands and Meziměstí Highlands.

The highest peak, Královecký Špičák (881 m), lies in the territory of Královec.

Geology

The Broumov Highlands are composed predominantly of Upper Cretaceous sandstones and marls deposited in a shallow epicontinental sea. Subsequent tectonic uplift and erosion shaped the present-day relief, creating characteristic rock cities, isolated mesas, and vertical rock walls. Frost weathering and fluvial erosion continue to influence the morphology of the sandstone formations.

Protection of nature

Large parts of the Broumov Highlands are protected due to their unique geological and ecological value. On the Czech side, the area forms the Broumovsko Protected Landscape Area, established in 1991.

On the Polish side, the range connects with protected areas such as the Stołowe Mountains National Park and landscape parks within the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. The sandstone formations host specialised plant communities, including relict pine woods and thermophilous species adapted to rocky habitats.

Tourism

The Broumov Highlands are a popular destination for hiking and rock climbing. Marked trails connect major viewpoints and rock formations, including Hvězda Chapel in the Broumov Walls and the extensive trail network in the Adršpach-Teplice Rocks. Cross-border tourism between the Czech Republic and Poland has increased since both countries joined the Schengen Area.

References