Chejlava

Chejlava is a national nature reserve on the northeastern slope of Buková hora (651 m above sea level), south of Blovice and northeast of the village of Měcholupy, in the Plzeň-jih district of the Pilsen region. The ridge of Buková hora runs through the reserve eastward, descending toward the valley of the Úslava River. The protected area covers roughly 26 hectares of forest and falls under the administration of the Czech Nature Conservation Agency.

Why is Chejlava considered special?

The reserve protects one of the most beautiful beech forests in southwestern Bohemia. Growing on sandstone bedrock, the stand has developed a character close to primeval forest, with beech as the dominant species accompanied by maple, oak, and spruce. The varied structure of the woodland — including deadwood, trees of different ages, and a rich understory — gives the site significant ecological value and makes it one of the more important remnants of old-growth broadleaf forest in the region.

Since when has the area been protected?

Protection efforts date back to 1925, when the forest above Ždírec u Blovice was first noted as worthy of preservation. The area formally received nature reserve status in 1956. Since then, Chejlava has remained one of the enduring elements of the nature conservation network in the Pilsen region, its ecological value having already been recognized in the interwar period.

How can visitors reach Chejlava?

The reserve's core zone, covering about 26.5 hectares, is not directly open to visitors — it remains strictly protected, which helps preserve the forest's natural character without disturbance from tourists. A green-marked hiking trail, however, runs along the reserve's southern border, connecting the Srby railway station with the summit of Buková hora. This route allows visitors to experience the surrounding landscape and the hill itself without entering the protected core.

What should you know before visiting?

Visitors should keep in mind that Chejlava is a strictly protected area, not an ordinary recreational forest — leaving the marked trails is not permitted. The best way to explore the surroundings is to follow the green trail along the reserve's southern boundary, leading from Srby station toward the summit of Buková hora. The route is suitable for a relaxed, multi-hour walk through the hills of the Pilsen region, offering views of the beech forest from a respectful distance.

Frequently asked questions

Can you enter the Chejlava reserve? No, the core area of about 26.5 hectares is strictly protected and closed to tourist traffic. Visits are limited to the trail running along its border.

Where exactly is Chejlava located? The reserve lies on the northeastern slope of Buková hora (651 m above sea level), south of Blovice and northeast of Měcholupy, in the Plzeň-jih district.

Since when has the area been under protection? The first efforts to protect the forest date back to 1925, and the area gained nature reserve status in 1956.

Which trail passes near the reserve? A green-marked hiking trail runs along Chejlava's southern border, linking Srby railway station with the summit of Buková hora.

What grows in the reserve? Mainly old-growth beech, along with maple, oak, and spruce, forming a structure resembling primeval forest on sandstone bedrock.