About this place
Bílý kříž is a small but striking nature reserve near the village of Stálky in the Znojmo district, right on the border between the Czech Republic and Austria. The protected area stretches along the Dyje River, at the point where it enters Czech territory through a deep, rocky valley. The reserve sits at an elevation of 370–440 metres and covers 20.5 hectares, 1.5 of which lie on the right bank of the Dyje. It falls under the administration of the South Moravian Regional Authority and was officially declared a protected area in 1996.
Why is this area protected?
Bílý kříž protects vegetation growing on steep, sun-exposed rocky slopes bordering a forest stand with varied species composition and age structure. The reserve is home to specially protected plant and animal species, and the site also holds significant aesthetic value — the steep, rocky slopes above the Dyje valley form one of the more dramatic landscapes in this part of Moravia. Because of its ecological importance, the area has been included in the Natura 2000 network as a site of European significance.
What grows here?
The reserve supports communities of dwarf oak woodland, relict pines rooted directly in the rock, enriched oak-beech forest, and lime-maple stands. Among the most threatened species found here are yew, common dogwood (Cornelian cherry), martagon lily, and feather grass — plants that depend on the warm, dry conditions created by the south-facing rocky slopes.
Where does the name come from?
The reserve takes its name from a wooden cross that once stood on a distinctive rock formation known as Bílý kříž ("White Cross"). The original cross disappeared over time, but in 2010 the municipality of Vratěnín had a new wooden cross built and installed on the same rock, restoring the reserve's namesake landmark.
What else is worth seeing nearby?
The main draw of the reserve is the Dyje valley itself, with its steep rocky slopes offering dramatic viewpoints over the river as it cuts through a deep gorge along the Czech-Austrian border. The rock formations here are also known among climbers: the area includes cliff faces used for rock climbing, made partly of metamorphosed gneiss and partly of fine-grained orthogneiss, with the tallest wall exceeding forty metres in height.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is Bílý kříž located? The reserve lies in the Znojmo district near the village of Stálky, right on the border between the Czech Republic and Austria, along the Dyje River.
How large is the reserve? The protected area covers 20.5 hectares, of which 1.5 hectares lie on the right bank of the Dyje.
When was the reserve established? Its protected status was declared in 1996.
Is the reserve part of the Natura 2000 network? Yes, due to its ecological value it is included in the Natura 2000 network as a site of European significance.
Where does the name Bílý kříž come from? From a wooden cross that once stood on a distinctive rock outcrop — in 2010 the municipality of Vratěnín installed a new cross on the same spot.
Can you go rock climbing here? Yes, the surrounding cliffs are popular with climbers, including a wall that exceeds forty metres in height.
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