Baba Kosmonosy - Horní Stakory

Baba is a hill rising to 363 metres above sea level in the Mladá Boleslav district, sitting right at the junction of the municipalities of Bakov nad Jizerou, Chudoplesy, Kosmonosy, and Horní Stakory. Rather than a single peak, Baba is actually the tallest of a small group of three summits, the second-highest of which is Dědek at 358 metres. The hill stands out clearly above the gently rolling countryside around it, which has long made it a natural landmark in this part of the Czech Republic.

Where did this hill come from?

Baba and its neighbour Dědek are remnants of past volcanic activity — geologists classify them as neovolcanic elevations, shaped by the erosion of former craters. This volcanic origin gives the area a geological structure and terrain quite different from the surrounding lowlands, which is why the site is listed among the country's significant geological localities, of interest to specialists and hikers alike.

Why is the hill protected?

The area around Baba and Dědek was designated a nature reserve in 1950, making it one of the oldest protected areas of its kind in the Czech Republic. The reason for protection is the complex of forest and near-natural ecosystems concentrated on a relatively small volcanic ridge. The varied terrain, different slope exposures, and distinctive volcanic bedrock combine to support several different habitat types packed closely together — an unusual concentration of biotope diversity for such a limited area.

What else does the surrounding area hold?

The hill and its surroundings also carry a long history of human settlement. Archaeological finds made on Baba and in its immediate vicinity have confirmed the presence of a Celtic settlement dating to around the 3rd century BC. This suggests that the hill's dominant position in the landscape was already valued by people in ancient times, whether for defensive advantages, access to resources, or its place along local routes.

The full name of the location — Baba Kosmonosy - Horní Stakory — reflects its position on the border of several settlements: Kosmonosy lies closest, but the hill also borders land belonging to the village of Horní Stakory and the town of Bakov nad Jizerou.

What can visitors expect on site?

Visitors will notice a clear contrast in landscape: the steep, forested slopes of volcanic origin sit right next to the open, agricultural land typical of the Jičín Hilly Country (Jičínská pahorkatina). The distinctive, dome-like silhouettes of Baba and Dědek are easily visible from surrounding roads and fields, making the hill a recognisable landmark even for people not specifically out for a hike.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Baba? Baba reaches 363 metres above sea level, while the neighbouring Dědek reaches 358 metres.

Is Baba a protected nature reserve? Yes, the area around the hill has been protected as a nature reserve since 1950, making it one of the oldest in the Czech Republic.

What is the origin of the hill? Baba and Dědek are of neovolcanic origin, formed from the erosion of former volcanic craters.

Has the area been archaeologically studied? Yes, finds in the area confirm a Celtic settlement dating to around the 3rd century BC.

Where exactly is the hill located? On the border of the municipalities of Bakov nad Jizerou, Chudoplesy, Kosmonosy, and Horní Stakory, in the Mladá Boleslav district.