Blatenský svah

Blatenský svah is a nature reserve situated in the cadastral area of the village of Malměřice, part of the Blatno municipality in the Louny district, in the Ústí nad Labem region of the Czech Republic. The protected area covers a steep, rocky slope built of coarse-grained granite (of the Tíš type), which drops toward the valley in the form of a sheer rock wall. At the base of the slope runs the Žihle fault, stretching from north-northeast to south-southwest, which has produced fault scarps roughly one hundred meters high. This fault is responsible for the sharply defined boundary between the plateau above and the steep slope below.

What can visitors see there?

The reserve preserves remnants of old scree forest growing directly on granite bedrock. The tree stand is mixed, and some of the trees are as much as two centuries old — one of the main reasons the area received protected status as early as the 1930s. Rock walls, boulder fields of granite fragments, and the steep gradient of the terrain create a landscape typical of the foothills found in this part of the Doupovské hory region and its neighboring ranges.

How large is the reserve?

The protected area covers approximately 13 hectares. It is a relatively small but geologically and ecologically valuable fragment of the landscape, valued above all for its rock outcrops and the accompanying forest vegetation, which has adapted to demanding habitat conditions — thin soil cover, a steep incline, and sunlight exposure that varies throughout the day.

Since when has the area been protected?

Nature protection of this site dates back to 1934, making Blatenský svah one of the older protected areas in the region. This long period of protection has helped preserve the natural character of the scree forest and its old-growth trees, which in many other locations have fallen victim to forestry management.

How to get there?

A red-marked hiking trail leads to the reserve, starting from the Blatno u Jesenice train stop. The route continues toward the village of Tis u Blatna, passing close to the granite slope. It is a popular option for visitors who want to combine a visit to the reserve with a longer hike through the surrounding hills.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Blatenský svah located? The reserve lies about 1.2 km west of the village of Blatno, within the cadastral territory of Malměřice, in the Louny district.

Why was this area protected? Because of the combination of its unique geological structure — a steep granite slope shaped by the Žihle fault — and the surviving old scree forest, with trees up to two hundred years old.

Can the reserve be reached on foot? Yes, the most convenient approach is the red-marked hiking trail leading from the Blatno u Jesenice train stop toward Tis u Blatna.

What is the size of the reserve? Approximately 13 hectares.

Does Blatenský svah have geological significance? Yes, the area is recognized as an important geological locality due to its exposed Tíš granite outcrops and visible traces of the Žihle fault activity, which shaped the local terrain.