Besednické vltavíny

Besednické vltavíny is a small but remarkable nature monument on the northwestern slope of Velký kámen hill, on the eastern edge of the village of Besednice in the Český Krumlov district, South Bohemian Region. The site lies within the Soběnovská Vrchovina Nature Park and is freely accessible to visitors, with easy access by car.

Why is this site protected?

The protection covers two intertwined elements: a traditionally farmed agricultural and forest landscape, and gravel deposits rich in moldavites — natural glass formed by a meteorite impact. It is precisely this dense concentration of moldavites in the subsoil that led to the area's formal protection, even though at first glance it looks like ordinary fields and woodland typical of this part of the Czech Republic.

What makes the moldavites found here special?

Moldavites from Besednice are considered among the most beautiful tektites in the world. They stand out for their deeply and distinctively sculpted surfaces, covered in a characteristic bluish-white, matte coating. This distinctive look results from erosion and corrosion the stones have undergone since they were formed.

Where did the moldavites in this spot come from?

Researchers believe the Besednické vltavíny area represents the original impact zone of the moldavites, with minimal transport of material since the moment of impact and deposition. In other words, the stones are found close to where they originally fell — which makes this location especially valuable to geologists and collectors, since it allows moldavites to be studied in a context close to their original state.

Moldavites are a natural, greenish glass created when a large meteorite strikes the Earth's surface: molten, scattered rock solidifies mid-flight into characteristically twisted, irregular shapes. In the Czech Republic, particularly in southern Moravia and South Bohemia, moldavites have fascinated mineral collectors and jewelers for centuries.

What should you know before visiting?

Besednické vltavíny is a destination for people interested in geology, Earth's history, and the local agricultural landscape of South Bohemia, rather than a conventional tourist attraction with visitor infrastructure. The area is open and can be explored independently, walking through fields and woods on the outskirts of Besednice. Keep in mind this is a protected area — collecting moldavites within the nature monument is subject to restrictions under nature conservation rules, so it's worth checking the current regulations on site before planning any such activity.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Besednické vltavíny located? On the northwestern slope of Velký kámen hill, at the eastern edge of the village of Besednice, in the Český Krumlov district, South Bohemian Region.

Can you freely enter the site? Yes, the nature monument is open to the public, and it's easy to reach by car.

Why are moldavites from Besednice so highly regarded? Thanks to their deeply sculpted surfaces and characteristic bluish-white, matte coating, they are considered among the most beautiful tektites in the world.

What is a moldavite? A natural meteoritic glass formed when rock melts on meteorite impact and solidifies mid-flight.