Kadovský viklan

Kadovský viklan is one of the largest and best-preserved granite boulders in the Czech Republic, standing in a small park right next to the municipal office in Kadov, near the village of Lnářský Málkov in the Strakonice District of South Bohemia. The boulder's circumference exceeds 11 metres, making it one of the more striking rock formations of its kind in the region.

What is a "viklan" and how did it form?

"Viklan" is a Czech term for a rocking or balanced boulder — a rock mass that, thanks to its natural shape and a narrow point of support, could once be gently rocked by hand before human intervention and the passage of time altered its position. The Kadov boulder formed through the weathering of local granite: softer material eroded away over long periods, leaving behind the rounded, resistant block that still stands in the park today.

A history of displacement and restoration

The boulder's story is unusual for a piece of inanimate nature. At some point it lost its original "rocking" position. In 1983, using an ingenious system of wooden levers and supports devised under the guidance of engineer Pavel Pavel, the boulder was returned close to its original state. Pavel had previously gained recognition for experiments on transporting the moai statues of Easter Island, which gives this local restoration project an unexpectedly wider context.

Unfortunately, unknown vandals later displaced the stone again. Another intervention became necessary, most recently in 2003, when the boulder was secured with wedges to stop further movement and to prevent possible injury to visitors.

Legends and cultural significance

The site has long carried a layer of local legend. Tradition links it to a prehistoric sacrificial site, with stories suggesting the boulder was once used by early inhabitants of the region for rituals or offerings. While such claims are difficult to verify archaeologically, they give Kadovský viklan an added mystique that goes beyond its geological interest alone.

Why visit this site?

Kadovský viklan combines several elements rarely found together: a natural geological phenomenon, a human attempt to "repair" nature using simple mechanical engineering, and a strand of local folklore. It requires no long hike to reach — it sits practically in the centre of the village, right by the municipal office — making it easy to combine with a visit to the wider Blatná or Strakonice area.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Kadovský viklan located? In a small park next to the municipal office in Kadov, close to the village of Lnářský Málkov, about 10 km southeast of Blatná, in the Strakonice District of South Bohemia.

How big is the boulder? Its circumference exceeds 11 metres, making it one of the largest surviving granite boulders in the Czech Republic.

Why was the boulder moved? It originally rocked gently on a natural pivot point, but lost this property over time. In 1983, engineer Pavel Pavel restored it to its former position using a system of levers, and after vandals disturbed it again, it was resecured with wedges in 2003.

Are there legends associated with the site? Yes, local tradition connects it to a prehistoric sacrificial site, although there is no firm archaeological evidence for this — it remains a piece of local folklore.

Is it worth combining with another trip? Yes, the site lies close to Blatná and Strakonice, making it a convenient stop on a tour of the South Bohemian Šumava foothills.