About this place
Huťský potok is a protected nature monument (přírodní památka) located in the Pelhřimov district of the Czech Republic, near the village of Dráchov. The protected area covers the valley of a small submontane stream together with the plant and animal communities that depend on it. The reserve was declared in 1999 and covers 5.80 hectares, surrounded by an unusually large buffer zone of 330 hectares — a clear sign of how much the preservation of the surrounding landscape matters here, not just the streambed itself.
Why is this stream protected?
The main reason for protecting the valley is the presence of two critically endangered species in the waters of Huťský potok: the Eurasian minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus) and the brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri). Both species need clean, well-oxygenated, cold water flowing over a natural, stony riverbed — exactly the conditions this type of submontane stream provides. The presence of the brook lamprey is especially notable, since it is a jawless fish that is extremely sensitive to water quality and to the structure of the bottom sediments where its larvae live for years before metamorphosis.
Where exactly is it located?
The reserve lies near the village of Dráchov, close to the main road connecting Jindřichův Hradec and Pelhřimov. Nearby, between the villages of Heřmaně and Dráchov, runs a historic, heritage-protected avenue of linden trees — an additional landscape feature worth seeing while visiting this part of the Vysočina (Bohemian-Moravian Highlands) region. The area's coordinates are approximately 49.3264°N, 15.0333°E.
What should you know before visiting?
Huťský potok is primarily a destination for nature lovers and quiet walks rather than a developed tourist attraction with visitor infrastructure. The reserve exists strictly for conservation purposes — its goal is to preserve the stream's natural course and the habitats of its endangered species, so any visit should be limited to respectful, low-impact observation. The wider Vysočina region, where the reserve is located, is known for its rolling landscape, forests, and numerous smaller watercourses, making it an appealing destination for travelers seeking quieter nature experiences away from the Czech Republic's most-visited sights.
Frequently asked questions
What is Huťský potok? It is a protected nature monument (přírodní památka) safeguarding the valley of a submontane stream in the Pelhřimov district, declared in 1999.
Which species does the reserve protect? Primarily the Eurasian minnow and the brook lamprey, both classified as critically endangered.
How large is the protected area? The core reserve covers 5.80 hectares, surrounded by a 330-hectare buffer zone.
Where is the reserve located? Near the village of Dráchov, between Jindřichův Hradec and Pelhřimov, in the Vysočina region.
Are there other nearby attractions? Yes — a historic, protected avenue of linden trees runs between the villages of Heřmaně and Dráchov.
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