Chynínské buky

Chynínské buky is one of the oldest nature reserves in the Czech Republic, tucked away in the Brdy forests near the village of Chynín, within the municipality of Čížkov in the Plzeň-jih district. This small but ecologically valuable patch of old-growth beech forest was placed under protection back in 1933, along the former border between the Rožmitál and Spálené Poříčí forest estates — making it one of the earliest protected areas of its kind in the country.

Where is the reserve located and how large is it?

The reserve stretches across a southeast-facing slope with an incline of 10 to 20 degrees, at elevations between 680 and 750 meters above sea level. Its total area is just 14 hectares, meaning a visitor can walk through the entire reserve in a relatively short time, though the fragile ecosystem calls for careful, respectful movement along marked paths.

What is there to see inside the reserve?

The centerpiece of Chynínské buky is its old-growth beech stand, which has developed with minimal human interference over the decades and resembles a near-primeval forest. The undergrowth here is remarkably rich, home to species such as spurge-laurel (Daphne mezereum), Solomon's seal, four-leaved herb-Paris, and lily of the valley. The forest also shelters numerous species of woodland wildlife, birds, and invertebrates, making it a rewarding stop for anyone interested in observing undisturbed forest fauna and flora.

What protection status does the area hold?

Since January 1, 2016, Chynínské buky has fallen within the boundaries of the Brdy Protected Landscape Area (CHKO Brdy) — one of the larger and less-visited protected regions in the Czech Republic, known for its extensive, relatively untouched forest complexes. Its inclusion in CHKO Brdy reinforced the reserve's protective status and folded it into a broader regional nature conservation framework.

Who should visit Chynínské buky?

The reserve appeals most to travelers seeking quiet, solitude, and a close encounter with forest that has been left largely to its own devices for nearly a century of protection. It makes a worthwhile stop for hikers exploring the Brdy region who want to see what a beech forest looks like after decades without commercial management. Given its small size and protected status, visitors should stick to the marked trails and avoid stepping off them, so as not to damage the sensitive undergrowth.

Frequently asked questions

How large is the Chynínské buky reserve? It covers 14 hectares, at an elevation of 680 to 750 meters above sea level.

When was the reserve established? It was declared a protected area in 1933, making it one of the oldest nature reserves in the Czech Republic.

Which larger protected area does it belong to? Since 2016 it has been part of the Brdy Protected Landscape Area (CHKO Brdy).

What grows in the reserve's undergrowth? Notable species include spurge-laurel, Solomon's seal, four-leaved herb-Paris, and lily of the valley.

Where exactly is the reserve located? In the municipality of Čížkov, Plzeň-jih district, near the village of Chynín, on the site of the former Rožmitál and Spálené Poříčí forest estates.