Habří (Horní Smrčné)

Habří is a small yet remarkably well-preserved nature reserve on a hillside on the eastern side of the Jihlava River valley, between the villages of Přímělkov and Dolní Smrčné, just northwest of Horní Smrčné, within whose cadastral territory it lies. The protected area covers only 0.4 hectares, but its ecological value far outweighs its modest size.

Why is this site protected?

The reason for protection is a patch of hornbeam forest in an outstanding state of preservation. The hornbeam stand growing on the Habří hill ranks among the highest-situated occurrences of this forest type anywhere on the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, sitting at an elevation of roughly 470 to 500 metres above sea level. This unusual combination of habitat type and altitude gives the site scientific and educational significance that reaches well beyond the immediate region.

Hornbeam dominates the canopy, but the species composition also includes birch, beech, spruce, and pine. This mix of broadleaf and coniferous trees gives the forest a distinctive, layered look that shifts noticeably with the seasons — fresh green in spring, dense shade in summer, and golden-brown tones in autumn.

When was the reserve established?

The area was declared a protected nature monument in 1956, making it one of the older protected sites of its kind in the Vysočina region. Since then, the forest has remained under conservation oversight, which has helped preserve its natural character with minimal human interference.

What can visitors see on site?

An information board is installed within the reserve, offering visitors more detailed background on the history and natural value of Habří. It's a good spot to pause for a moment and learn about the local ecosystem before continuing on.

Another draw of the location is the pleasant view over the surrounding countryside of the Jihlava valley. The hill on which the reserve sits gives a look across the rolling terrain of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, with fields and forests stretching toward the neighbouring villages.

Who is this site for?

Habří is best suited to nature lovers, botany enthusiasts, and anyone after a quiet walk away from the crowds. Because the reserve is so small, a visit doesn't take long, which makes it a great short stop on a route through the Vysočina region — for example, on the way between Přímělkov and Dolní Smrčné.

Frequently asked questions

How large is the Habří reserve? The protected area covers 0.4 hectares.

Since when has Habří been protected? The site was declared a protected nature monument in 1956.

What grows in the reserve? Hornbeam is the dominant species, accompanied by birch, beech, spruce, and pine.

What makes this forest unusual? It is one of the highest-situated patches of hornbeam forest on the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, growing at an elevation of 470–500 metres above sea level.

Are there any facilities on site? Yes, there is an information board describing the reserve's natural value.