Kaňkovy hory

Kaňkovy hory is a national nature monument in the Czech Republic, located southeast of the small town of Třemošnice in the Chrudim district, Pardubice Region. Covering 224 hectares, it protects a large part of the ridge of the same name within the Železné hory (Iron Mountains), reaching its highest point at 560 metres above sea level.

What is Kaňkovy hory?

It is a protected area established to safeguard valuable forest ecosystems — beech forests, scree forests growing on steep rocky slopes, and wetland alder and floodplain forests along watercourses. This mix of habitats makes the site important for the native flora and fauna of the Železné hory, a region known for its rolling, densely forested landscape on the border of Central and Eastern Bohemia.

What is the history behind its protection?

Protection of the area dates back to 1955, when it was first designated as a reserve. In its current form, the Kaňkovy hory national nature monument was created in 2016, when the former national nature reserve Lichnice – Kaňkovy hory was split into two separate parts. The other part, covering the hill and ruins of Lichnice Castle, now functions as a separate nature monument. Both remain connected within a larger Natura 2000 site called Lichnice – Kaňkovy hory, which protects valuable forest habitats at the European level.

What kind of nature can be found here?

The main subject of protection is the natural forest vegetation typical of the Železné hory hills. Beech forests cover the higher parts of the ridge, while the steep, rocky slopes are occupied by so-called scree forests — ecosystems that develop on rugged, hard-to-access terrain, which helps preserve their natural character. In the valleys and along the streams, wetland alder and floodplain forests thrive, tied to periodically flooded ground. This mosaic of forest habitats, varying in moisture and slope, is the basis of the area's high natural value.

How can you visit Kaňkovy hory?

A network of marked hiking trails and cycling routes crosses the nature monument, making it accessible to visitors despite its protected status. A particular highlight is the educational trail that runs through the valley of the Lovětínský stream, offering insight into the local nature and the history of the area's protection. Many routes start from the nearby town of Třemošnice, which provides easy access both to Kaňkovy hory and to the neighbouring Lichnice hill with its medieval castle ruins.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Kaňkovy hory located? Southeast of Třemošnice, in the Chrudim district, within the Železné hory range in eastern Bohemia.

What protection status does the area have? It has been a national nature monument since 2016, previously part of a national nature reserve protected since 1955; it is also part of the Natura 2000 network.

What does the protection cover? Primarily beech forests, scree forests, and wetland alder and floodplain forests.

Can you hike there? Yes, the area is crossed by marked hiking and cycling trails, including an educational trail through the Lovětínský stream valley.