Hřídelecká hůra

Hřídelecká hůra is a small but geologically remarkable nature reserve on the eastern edge of the village of Hřídelec, part of the town of Lázně Bělohrad in the Jičín district, Hradec Králové Region. The protected area covers a basalt hill known as Horka, rising to 398 metres above sea level, and spans only 2.11 hectares — making it one of the more compact yet rewarding excursion spots in the Podkrkonoší foothills.

How did this hill come to be?

Hřídelecká hůra is a remnant of volcanic activity from the younger Tertiary period. The hill forms part of a chain of isolated basalt outcrops stretching from Nová Paka through Lázně Bělohrad to Červená Třemešná. This volcanic origin is exactly what has long drawn geologists and mineral collectors to the site.

Why was it given protected status?

The reserve was declared in 1989, with the purpose of preserving a geological locality of outstanding mineralogical value. The basalt rock of Hřídelecká hůra hosts minerals such as amphibole, dolomite, calcite, olivine, aragonite and natrolite — some forming crystals ranked among the finest and best-developed specimens found anywhere in the Czech Republic. It is precisely this richness and quality of mineral specimens that earned the small hill its protected designation.

Traces of past mining

Basalt was quarried on the hill until 1926. That extraction, combined with natural weathering, left behind numerous cavities and hollow spaces resembling small pseudokarst caves. Today these mining remnants form an integral part of the reserve's landscape and add an extra point of interest for visitors, illustrating how human activity here became intertwined with natural geological processes.

What is there to see?

An educational trail runs through the reserve, clearly explaining the volcanic origin of the site and the local natural conditions. Information panels and stops along the route make Hřídelecká hůra a popular choice for families with children looking for a short but informative walk that combines nature education with time outdoors.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Hřídelecká hůra located? The reserve lies on the eastern edge of the village of Hřídelec, part of the town of Lázně Bělohrad, in the Jičín district.

How high is the Horka hill? The summit around which the reserve is centred reaches 398 metres above sea level.

Since when has the area been protected? It was declared a nature reserve in 1989.

What is the main reason the site is protected? Protection focuses chiefly on an exceptional mineralogical locality within the volcanic basalt rock — crystals of amphibole, olivine, aragonite and other minerals.

Is it suitable for a visit with children? Yes, the educational trail through the reserve is designed for family visits and explains the volcanic history of the site in an accessible way.