Smrk (Jizera Mountains)

Smrk (Jizera Mountains) is the highest mountain in the Jizera Mountains, located in the Czech Republic. Its peak reaches an elevation of 1,124 meters (3,688 feet) above sea level. The mountain is known for its distinctive spire-like shape and extensive forests of spruce trees (hence the name "Smrk," which means "spruce" in Czech).

Smrk is a popular destination for hiking and cross-country skiing. A marked network of trails leads to the summit, offering panoramic views of the Jizera Mountains, Krkonoše (Giant Mountains), and the surrounding Polish and German territories on clear days. A wooden observation tower was erected on the summit in 2003, replacing several earlier structures, and provides an even more enhanced viewing platform.

The area around Smrk is part of the Jizera Mountains Protected Landscape Area (Chráněná krajinná oblast Jizerské hory), designated to protect the region's unique natural environment and biodiversity. The mountain's slopes are characterized by rocky outcrops, peat bogs, and diverse flora and fauna.

The history of Smrk is intertwined with forestry and tourism development in the Jizera Mountains. The first marked hiking trail to the summit was established in the late 19th century, contributing to the growing popularity of the region as a recreational area.