Doupov Mountains

The Doupov Mountains (Doupovské hory) are a volcanic mountain range in northwestern Bohemia in the Karlovy Vary region of the Czech Republic. The landscape is formed by volcanic cones, basaltic outcrops and extensive mixed forest cover.

Hiking routes and forestry tracks cross the area and the range is notable for its concentric pattern of volcanic hills around a central massif. The terrain and soils reflect the region’s Tertiary volcanic origin, with fertile valleys and rocky summits.

The mountains were incorporated into military training areas during the 20th century, which influenced settlement and land use in and around the range. Since the late 20th century parts of the area have seen civilian reopening and a rise in outdoor recreation.

The Doupov Mountains lie inland in the Karlovy Vary administrative region of the Czech Republic, north of the Romanesque and spa towns of western Bohemia and surrounded by lowland agricultural areas and forested high ground.

• Volcanic geology: Volcanic in origin, the range is characterised by cone-shaped hills, basaltic outcrops and forest cover.
• 20th-century military use: Large sections were used as military training areas in the 20th century; access and land use changed after that period.