Čerchovské hvozdy

Čerchovské hvozdy is the largest protected area in the Český les range, sitting right along the Czech-German border within the municipality of Česká Kubice. This national nature reserve covers 327 hectares and stretches along a ridge running southeast from Čerchov, the highest peak of Český les. Most of the reserve lies in the cadastral territory of Česká Kubice, with a smaller part in the neighboring village of Chodov near Domažlice.

Which peaks does the reserve cover?

The reserve spans the slopes of three summits: Čerchov (1,042 m), Malý Čerchov (988 m), and Sedlová jedlina (927 m). These three high points define the ridgeline along which the protected forest unfolds.

What is being protected here?

The main object of protection is well-preserved beech and mixed forest stands, together with the plants and animals characteristic of them. The forests of Čerchovské hvozdy rank among the most valuable woodland fragments in the entire Český les — old, species-rich stands grow here that are hard to find elsewhere in the region, where forestry has reshaped much of the landscape.

Why has this forest survived in such good condition?

The decisive factor was the area's location in the former border zone, which was kept largely inaccessible for decades. Proximity to the German border meant the area remained off-limits to ordinary visitors for a long time, and intensive forestry was carried out here on a much smaller scale than elsewhere. The result is a forest with a natural, largely undisturbed character, where stands could grow with minimal human interference.

How do you get to the reserve?

The most convenient starting point is the village of Česká Kubice, from which red- and yellow-marked hiking trails lead into the reserve. A blue-marked trail also crosses the reserve itself, connecting the crossroads near Čerchov with the crossroads at Česká Studánka. These routes make it possible to explore the reserve on foot, passing in turn through the slopes of all three main summits.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Čerchovské hvozdy located? In the Český les range, along the Czech-German border, mainly within the municipality of Česká Kubice in the Domažlice district.

How large is the reserve? It covers 327 hectares, making it the largest protected area in the entire Český les.

Which peaks lie within the reserve? Čerchov (1,042 m), Malý Čerchov (988 m), and Sedlová jedlina (927 m).

What can you see in the reserve? Old, well-preserved beech and mixed forests with characteristic flora and fauna, remnants of the natural ecosystems of Český les.

Which trails lead to the reserve? Red and yellow trails from Česká Kubice, plus a blue trail crossing the reserve itself between Čerchov and Česká Studánka.

Why has the nature here been so well preserved? Because of its long-standing location in a border zone that was closed to tourism and subject to restrictions on forestry.