Andělské schody

Andělské schody is a protected natural monument ("přírodní památka") in Central Bohemia, spread across the municipal territories of Kytín (Prague-West district) and Nová Ves pod Pleší and Voznice (Příbram district), in the Central Bohemian Region. The protected area covers 172.42 hectares and sits at an elevation of 365 to 450 meters above sea level, on the border between the Benešov Hills and the Brdy Highlands.

Why does the name refer to two different places?

The name "Andělské schody" ("Angel's Stairs") is used locally for two distinct, neighboring protected areas rather than one. Besides the natural monument described here, there is also a separate nature reserve ("přírodní rezervace") carrying the same name, located north to northeast of Voznice, roughly 5 kilometers northeast of the town of Dobříš. Visitors planning a trip should check in advance which of the two areas a given trail actually leads to, since both share an identical name but occupy slightly different locations.

What does the landscape look like?

The natural monument protects a mosaic of wetland, meadow, and forest habitats. It is precisely this variety of biotopes — from damp meadows to wooded patches — that gives the site its conservation value. Rather than forming one continuous block, the area is split into three separate parts. The smaller one lies southeast of the village of Chouzavá, around the Zelenský hill. The larger part stretches mainly between Chouzavá and Voznice, with narrow strips following the Voznický and Chouzavský streams. The third and smallest part sits on the eastern side of the D4 motorway.

Why is this area protected?

The main reason behind the protected status is the presence of a rare butterfly species, the marsh fritillary. This species depends on damp meadows and requires specific moisture levels and host plants to survive, which is why maintaining the mosaic of meadows, wetlands, and forest close to its natural state is the primary conservation goal here.

Where exactly is it located?

The area's approximate coordinates are 49.8248°N, 14.2262°E. It lies on the boundary between two geomorphological regions — the Benešov Hills and the Brdy Highlands — which explains the varied terrain, combining gentle hills with stream valleys.

Frequently asked questions

Is Andělské schody one place or two? Formally, the region has two separate protected areas sharing the same name — the natural monument described above (spanning Kytín, Nová Ves pod Pleší, and Voznice) and a distinct nature reserve located north of Voznice, closer to Dobříš.

How large is the protected area? The natural monument covers 172.42 hectares, split into three separate sections scattered around Chouzavá and Voznice.

What species can be found here? The area is an important habitat for the marsh fritillary butterfly, a species tied to wet meadows whose protection is the main purpose behind establishing the reserve.

At what elevation does the area lie? Elevations within the protected area range from 365 to 450 meters above sea level.

Is there a major road nearby? Yes, one of the three sections of the protected area borders the D4 motorway, which is worth factoring in when planning a hiking route away from busier stretches.