Hrádeček

Hrádeček is a natural monument in the Prachatice district of the South Bohemian Region, within the municipality of Lhenice. It covers the valley of the Melhutka stream between the Třebanice reservoir and the Dolní Hrabovský pond, spanning the cadastral territories of Třebanice and Hrbov u Lhenic. It's a small but scenic corner of South Bohemia, appreciated by nature lovers looking for a quiet spot away from the main tourist trails.

Why was this valley protected?

The reason behind the monument's designation is the presence of spring snowflake (Leucojum vernum) in the Melhutka valley — a small, white bulbous plant that flowers in early spring and is often confused with the snowdrop. Its presence gives the valley a distinctive character each spring, drawing visitors interested in the region's flora.

Protection was established on December 1, 1990. The protected area covers 12.24 hectares, with elevation ranging from 455 to 520 meters above sea level.

What does the Hrádeček landscape look like?

Along a roughly 700-meter stretch, the Melhutka valley takes on a gorge-like character — the stream cuts through a rocky massif, forming steep rock faces and small areas of scree. This section lies within the massif of two hills, Velký Hrádeček (571 m) and Malý Hrádeček (509 m), which gave the natural monument its name.

Above and below this narrow, rocky stretch, the valley opens up noticeably — the slopes become gentler and the streambed is bordered by a well-developed floodplain. This contrast between the narrow, rocky gorge and the broader, calmer sections gives the area a varied landscape character within a relatively small territory.

What should you know before visiting?

Hrádeček lies in a quiet part of the South Bohemian region, between two well-known bodies of water — the Třebanice reservoir and the Dolní Hrabovský pond. It suits visitors who value contact with nature over built-up tourist infrastructure — this isn't a large, heavily signposted national park, but a small protected area of local ecological significance.

The best time to see the site's signature plant, the spring snowflake, is early spring, when it blooms. During the rest of the year, the valley retains its appeal through its rocky formations and varied terrain.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Hrádeček located? In the Prachatice district of the South Bohemian Region, within the municipality of Lhenice, in the valley of the Melhutka stream between the Třebanice reservoir and the Dolní Hrabovský pond.

Where does the natural monument's name come from? From the two hills flanking the gorge-like section of the valley — Velký Hrádeček (571 m) and Malý Hrádeček (509 m).

What does this natural monument protect? Primarily a population of spring snowflake (Leucojum vernum) in the Melhutka stream valley, as well as the valley's distinctive rocky, gorge-like landscape.

How large is the protected area and when was it established? It covers 12.24 hectares and was protected on December 1, 1990. Elevation ranges from 455 to 520 meters above sea level.