Hůrka u Hranic

Hůrka u Hranic is a national nature reserve on the eastern edge of the town of Hranice, in the Přerov District of the Olomouc Region in the Czech Republic. The reserve covers 37.45 hectares stretched along the boundary between Devonian limestones and Culm shales, making it one of the most geologically significant sites in Moravia. It was placed under protection back in 1952, with the aim of preserving rare karst phenomena together with the area's unusual flora and fauna.

What is the main attraction of the reserve?

The centerpiece of Hůrka is the Hranice Abyss (Hranická propast) — the deepest known chasm in the Czech Republic. Its total measured depth reaches 519.5 meters, and because the water-filled section alone reaches a record depth of 450 meters, it is considered the deepest flooded chasm on Earth. For decades the abyss has drawn cave divers and speleologists who continue to explore its bottom, and geological surveys still have not conclusively established its absolute maximum depth.

Beyond the abyss itself, the reserve also holds the ruins of Svrčov Castle, a medieval stronghold of which only fragments of the walls survive today, and the U Svatého Jana viewpoint, which opens onto the valley and the surrounding karst hills. A red-marked tourist trail roughly 4 kilometers long runs through the reserve, accompanied by an educational path called "Around the Hranice Abyss" that introduces visitors step by step to the site's geology, history, and nature.

What grows in the reserve?

The tree cover is dominated by hornbeam, pedunculate and sessile oak, small-leaved lime, maples, and ash, with beech, silver fir, and Scots pine appearing in places. The varied geological base — limestone in some areas, shale in others — supports a rich diversity of understory plants, making Hůrka valuable botanically as well as for its karst features.

Why visit Hůrka u Hranic?

Hůrka u Hranic brings together several attractions in one compact area: a spectacular karst phenomenon in the form of the country's deepest abyss, historic castle ruins, a scenic viewpoint, and a marked walking route accessible to most visitors. It is a place where a visitor can take in both the geological and historical layers of the Hranice Karst region in just a few hours.

Frequently asked questions

How deep is the Hranice Abyss? Its measured depth is 519.5 meters, of which 450 meters is water-filled — making it the deepest flooded chasm in the world.

Since when has the area been protected? The reserve was established in 1952 to protect its karst phenomena and rare flora and fauna.

What else can be seen besides the abyss? The ruins of Svrčov Castle, the U Svatého Jana viewpoint, and an educational trail along the red-marked hiking route.

How large is the reserve? It covers 37.45 hectares, situated on the boundary between Devonian limestones and Culm shales.