Biskoupská hadcová step

Biskoupská hadcová step is a small but ecologically remarkable nature reserve near the village of Biskoupky in the Brno-venkov district of Moravia, Czech Republic, on the left bank of the Jihlava River. Protected since 1979, the reserve covers just 2.21 hectares, yet it concentrates a rare combination of geology and botany that draws nature enthusiasts and rockhounds alike.

What makes this place special?

The reserve's name is no coincidence — the site sits on steep, rocky slopes built from serpentinite ("hadec" in Czech), an unusual igneous rock recognizable by its dark greenish tint. This serpentinite bedrock is what makes the local vegetation so distinctive. Rocks of this type contain elevated concentrations of heavy metals and an unusual mineral composition, so only specially adapted plants can survive here. As a result, this small area has developed warm-loving steppe plant communities that are otherwise rare in this part of Central Europe.

The reserve sits at an elevation of 228 to 270 meters above sea level, right next to the Střední Pojihlaví Nature Park, near the town of Ivančice. The steep, sun-exposed slopes create a microclimate that favors species uncommon elsewhere in Moravia.

Flora and fauna of the serpentine steppe

The main reason the site was placed under protection is its warm-loving plant communities, typical of dry, rocky steppe habitats. On the thin, stony serpentinite soil, vegetation has evolved that tolerates both water scarcity and the unusual mineral makeup of the ground. The reserve also serves as a refuge for insects associated with this kind of habitat — warmth-loving invertebrate species that find suitable conditions here. In addition, the area protects specially safeguarded bird species, for which the steep, rocky slopes and open terrain provide favorable living conditions.

This combination of factors — an unusual geological base, a warm microclimate, and isolation from intensively farmed land — has allowed the serpentine steppe near Biskoupky to survive as a small but valuable pocket of biodiversity.

Why visit?

Biskoupská hadcová step is a destination for anyone interested in geology and botany who wants to see how an unusual rock formation can shape a completely distinct ecosystem. Views over the Jihlava valley and the contrast between the green, steppe-covered slopes and the surrounding landscape make it an interesting stop on hikes through the Pojihlaví region. Given the reserve's small size and the fragility of its ecosystem, visitors should stick to marked paths, avoid picking plants, and steer clear of the steepest sections of the slope.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the reserve located? The reserve lies west of the town of Ivančice, next to the village of Biskoupky, on the left bank of the Jihlava River in the Brno-venkov district.

Since when has the area been protected? The site was granted nature protection status in 1979.

How large is the reserve? It covers a small area of 2.21 hectares.

What makes the vegetation here so unusual? The serpentinite bedrock creates specific, mineral-poor and chemically unusual soil conditions, which have given rise to warm-loving steppe plant communities that are rare in this part of Moravia.

Are there other natural attractions nearby? Yes, the reserve borders the Střední Pojihlaví Nature Park, which covers the Jihlava river valley along with many other valuable habitats.