Černošínský bor

Černošínský bor is a small but ecologically valuable forest reserve located southwest of the town of Černošín, in the Tachov district of the Plzeň Region in western Czechia. Protected as a natural monument covering just 0.75 hectares, it safeguards a relic old-growth pine forest growing on the eastern slope of Vlčí hora, a hill of volcanic origin. The site is managed by the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic (AOPK), regional branch in Plzeň.

Why is this forest protected?

The reserve exists to protect an old, naturally developed pine stand with a richly structured shrub and herb layer — a layered forest character that has become rare in the intensively managed woodlands of Central Europe. This multi-tiered structure makes Černošínský bor a distinctive remnant of the area's historical forest landscape. The understory hosts protected and endangered plant species, which further raises the site's ecological significance despite its small size. Decades of minimal human interference have allowed the old pines to create a microclimate that supports this rare understory flora.

Location and surroundings

The reserve lies along the path leading from the football field in Černošín toward the ruins of Volfštejn Castle, one of the region's best-known historical landmarks. The forest itself spreads across the slope of Vlčí hora, a hill of particular geological interest: it is the southernmost effusive volcano of the entire Bohemian Massif. The basalt rock that forms the hill contains a wealth of volcanic minerals, making the area appealing not only to botanists and foresters but also to mineral enthusiasts and amateur geologists.

Because of its proximity to both Vlčí hora and the Volfštejn Castle ruins, a walk through Černošínský bor naturally fits into a longer hiking route connecting several scenic and historical points around Černošín. The surrounding landscape of this part of the Plzeň Region is characterized by gentle, rolling terrain typical of the border areas of western Czechia, with forests, meadows and isolated volcanic hills scattered across the countryside.

Visiting the reserve

Given its protected status and the sensitivity of the forest stand, Černošínský bor can only be viewed from the path running along its boundary — entering the forest itself is not permitted. This arrangement balances the need for nature conservation with the opportunity for visitors to observe a rare fragment of old pine forest up close. A visit here works best as part of a longer walk toward Volfštejn, combining the area's natural and historical attractions in a single outing.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly does the Černošínský bor reserve protect? It protects an old, naturally developed pine forest with a rich shrub and herb layer, home to protected and endangered plant species.

How large is the protected area? The reserve covers only 0.75 hectares, making it one of the smaller natural monuments in the region.

Can visitors enter the forest? No — the site may only be viewed from the path running along its boundary; entering the forest stand itself is prohibited.

How do you get to Černošínský bor? On foot, along the path leading from the football field in Černošín toward the ruins of Volfštejn Castle — the reserve lies along the way, on the slope of Vlčí hora.

What else is worth seeing nearby? Nearby attractions include the ruins of Volfštejn Castle and Vlčí hora itself — an extinct effusive volcano rich in minerals and the southernmost of its kind in the entire Bohemian Massif.