Čertova hora u Vráže

Čertova hora u Vráže is a small but ecologically valuable forest reserve in the Písek District of the South Bohemian Region, roughly 1.7 km west of the village of Vráž. It covers the northwestern slope of the hill of the same name, whose summit reaches 513 meters above sea level. The protected area itself sits between 484 and 530 meters elevation, spans 13.73 hectares, and is surrounded by an additional buffer zone of nearly 56 hectares.

Why is this forest protected?

The reserve was established on February 1, 1986, on the initiative of the former District National Committee in Písek. Protection was granted to preserve an old-growth mixed stand dominated by European beech, accompanied by small-leaved linden and oak. Remnants of former spruce plantations are being gradually removed as part of efforts to restore the forest's natural species composition. The forest floor supports a rich variety of plant life, including wood sorrel and spring pea.

What lives in the reserve?

Čertova hora u Vráže is known for its unusually dense population of red wood ant nests, a distinctive feature of the forest floor here. The area is also an important bird habitat — a 2008 survey recorded 39 bird species, including the Eurasian eagle-owl and the Eurasian pygmy owl. The reserve forms part of a larger bird protection area covering the Otava and Vltava river valleys. Among mammals, 12 species have been documented, including Leisler's bat, a species associated with mature deciduous woodland.

How to get there and what to see on site?

A blue-marked hiking trail runs through the reserve, forming a loop that starts and ends in the village of Vráž. At the southeastern edge of the protected area stands a wooden observation tower, offering views over the surrounding forest and the reserve itself. The route requires no special fitness preparation and makes for a pleasant, several-hour walk through mature deciduous woodland.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Čertova hora u Vráže located? In the South Bohemian Region, Písek District, about 1.7 km west of the village of Vráž, on the northwestern slope of the Čertova hora hill (513 m above sea level).

How large is the reserve? The protected core covers 13.73 hectares, and together with its buffer zone the total area reaches nearly 70 hectares.

When was the reserve established? It was declared a protected area on February 1, 1986.

What are the highlights of a visit? An old-growth beech, linden and oak forest with numerous ant nests, a wooden observation tower at the reserve's southeastern edge, and rich birdlife including the eagle-owl and pygmy owl.

Is there a marked trail through the reserve? Yes, a blue-marked loop trail leads from Vráž through the forest and back.