Durana (nature reserve)

Durana is a nature reserve east of the village of Úsobrno, in the Blansko District of Moravia, Czech Republic. Covering nearly 47 hectares and protected since 1997, it combines rare old-growth forest with the remains of a medieval fortification, making it a rewarding stop for hikers exploring the countryside around Boskovicko.

Where is the Durana nature reserve located?

The reserve occupies the deeply incised northern and southern banks of a valley carved by the Úsobrnský stream, east of Úsobrno. The area takes its name from the dominant hill of Durana, which rises to 626 metres and forms the highest point within the protected zone. The steep slopes on both sides of the stream give the terrain a rugged, almost mountainous character despite its modest elevation.

What makes this reserve worth protecting?

The reserve was established to protect an exceptional stand of beech forest growing at the transition between the fourth (beech) and fifth (fir) vegetation zones. This border position allows unusually large and old silver firs to thrive here, specimens that have become increasingly rare elsewhere as commercial forestry has favoured faster-growing species. Along the valley floor, where the ground floods periodically, alder and ash take over, forming a distinct floodplain woodland that contrasts with the beech-fir stands on the slopes above.

The forest floor supports a rich herb layer, including wood fescue (Festuca altissima), hairy woodrush (Luzula luzuloides), and several other notable species associated with mature, undisturbed woodland, among them alpine bistort. Botanists consider this combination of old firs, floodplain trees, and a diverse herb layer a strong indicator of forest that has developed largely without heavy human interference, giving Durana something close to a primeval character.

A hilltop with a medieval past

The summit that lends its name to the whole reserve once carried a medieval fortification also known as Durana. While little of the structure remains visible today, its presence adds a layer of human history to a landscape that might otherwise be valued purely for its ecology — a reminder that many of Moravia's forested hills once served defensive purposes.

How to visit

A yellow-marked hiking trail runs near the reserve, connecting Úsobrno with the village of Šubířov, and offers the most straightforward way to explore the area on foot. A partially surfaced forest road, maintained for forestry work, also crosses the reserve. Its firmer surface means the route is manageable even for families pushing strollers, making Durana more accessible than many strict nature reserves that are limited to narrow, unmarked paths.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the Durana nature reserve? It lies east of the village of Úsobrno in the Blansko District of Moravia, on the slopes surrounding the Úsobrnský stream valley near the 626-metre summit of Durana.

How large is the protected area? The reserve covers close to 47 hectares of forest.

When was the reserve established? It was declared a protected nature reserve in 1997.

What is the main natural feature of the reserve? An old-growth beech forest with notably large silver firs at the boundary of two vegetation zones, along with alder-ash floodplain woodland along the stream.

Is the reserve suitable for families with young children? Yes, the partially paved forest road running through the reserve is passable with strollers.

Are there any historical remains in the reserve? Yes, the summit of Durana was once the site of a medieval fortification of the same name.