Bohuslavické stráně

Bohuslavické stráně is a small but ecologically valuable nature reserve located southwest of the village of Bohuslavice, today part of the town of Kyjov in the Hodonín District in the southeastern Czech Republic. The protected area covers just 2.49 hectares and sits at an elevation of 230 to 250 metres, on slopes facing north and east at the foothills of the Chřiby range.

What does the reserve protect?

The reserve was established to protect a community of rare, warmth-loving plant and animal species that thrive on acidic sandstone bedrock overlaid with loess deposits. This combination of rock and sediment creates a distinctive microclimate: dry, sun-exposed slopes that support steppe-like and xerothermic vegetation, a habitat type that has become increasingly scarce across this part of Moravia due to changing land use. The site first received legal protection on 15 January 1992.

History and landscape

The slopes of Bohuslavické stráně rise directly above the Church of Saints Philip and James in Bohuslavice, on the site of a former fortified settlement. A larger part of the historically significant area extends across a hill known as Hrad, where modest remains of medieval fortifications survive and are listed as a cultural monument. This combination of ecological value and traces of early settlement makes the site interesting not only for botanists but also for anyone curious about the local history of the Kyjov region.

How to get there

Access to the reserve is relatively straightforward, via one of the local footpaths that can be reached directly from Bohuslavice or nearby Kyjov. The route requires no special preparation and makes for a pleasant few-hour walk that combines nature and history. Given the reserve's small size, exploring the protected area itself takes little time, so it's worth pairing the visit with a stop at Hrad hill and the church in Bohuslavice.

Why visit?

Bohuslavické stráně shows that a small footprint doesn't mean small significance. The reserve is an important piece of the mosaic of protected land around Kyjov, safeguarding habitats that are becoming rarer across Moravia as agricultural practices and development change the landscape. For anyone touring the Kyjovské Slovácko region, it makes a worthwhile stop combining nature, history, and local cultural landscape — without crowds and without a long hike.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Bohuslavické stráně located? The reserve lies southwest of Bohuslavice, a part of the town of Kyjov in the Hodonín District, at an elevation of 230–250 metres.

How large is the protected area? The reserve covers 2.49 hectares.

Since when has the site been protected? The area received legal protection on 15 January 1992.

What else is there to see nearby? Directly next to the reserve stands the Church of Saints Philip and James, along with Hrad hill, which holds the remains of medieval fortifications.

Is the site difficult to reach? No — a local footpath leads to the reserve, and the route is suitable for visitors without special fitness preparation.