Cycling adrenaline and spring awakening await Hell of the North 2026

April in Bohemian Switzerland will not only be about the quiet rustling of forests between the rocks. 25. and 26 April 2026 our roads will be transformed into an arena for all lovers of tight jackets. The legendary Hell of the North, which opens this year’s RoadCup series, is about to start. Whether you’re an elite rider, a hobby cyclist or just looking for a great trip, you won’t want to miss this “hell” weekend.

Saturday at Vlčí Hora will be about the smell of herbs and burnt calories

This year’s edition brings big news. The start and finish of Saturday’s race (25th April) moves from Krásná Lípa directly to the heart of nature – to Vlčí Hora. It will be based at the headquarters of the cosmetics company Nobilis Tilia, which promises a unique atmosphere. “The roads here have been repaired almost completely in the last three years, the preparations are reaching their peak,” says Simona Davídková, the director of the series.

The circuit, newly modified last year, is 20.2 km long with an elevation gain of 386 metres. It leads from Vlčí Hora through Šluknov, Čítkův mlýn, Staré Křečany, Zahrady to the finish in Vlčí Hora. Hobbies ride it three times, i.e. 60.6 km with an elevation gain of 1158 m, the elite seven times, i.e. a total of 144.4 km with an elevation gain of 2782 m and the aforementioned 7 climbing premiums.

Why be there as a spectator and visitor? In addition to cheering at the track, you can also expect a cultural experience. The local bard Jirka Procházka will play at the start and finish and the race office can be found in the popular Vlčárna Pension.

Sunday in Ceska Kamenica and profiles like in Belgium

On Sunday (26 April) the peloton will move to Česká Kamenice. If you follow world cycling, here you will feel like in the Ardennes or Flanders. A technical circuit awaits you, which will test your fitness and tactics. The circuit is the same as last year, except for the details. For the hobbyists 50.8 km on two circuits with a total elevation gain of 1000 meters, for the elite on six 152, 4 km with 3000 meters.

For scoring in the overall RoadRace standings, we would like to remind you of this year’s premiere of the Elite category, which includes riders from the Czech Cup and continental teams. Thus, even here, the points will not be taken away from the “hobbyists”, striving for the best ranking. “We have also set up a Veloviewer app for us, which is used by WorldTour teams to forecast the weather, track locations on the course and connect with Strava. We want to test it before the Tour de Feminin,” adds Roman Horký, head of the Kamenice plant. The atmosphere will be further emphasized by the presence of Czech Television cameras, which will record Sunday’s race.

Practical information (not only) for locals

To make sure everyone has a good weekend, we’ve got some tips on logistics:

• Parking on Vlčí Hora: Capacities in the small village are limited. Elite teams park directly at Nobilis Tilia, for hobby racers and visitors there are areas at Pharming (Gardens), at the Vlčárna Guesthouse and in the large yard opposite.
• Traffic and safety: the track will be passable for cars only in the direction of the race during the race. We ask locals and day trippers to be patient, follow the current closures on our social media.
• Schedule: starts at 11:00 (Elite) and 11:10 (Hobby). Winners will be announced around 15:00.

Want to race? Entry fees for both days are available at sportsoft.cz. Glory awaits the winners, and great service for everyone else, including meal vouchers and showers.

Come and support local stars like last year’s winner Jan Brňák, or just soak up the atmosphere of the region where sport meets wild nature. All information at pekloseveruroad.cz.