Kobylinec

Kobylinec is a small but ecologically significant nature reserve located roughly half a kilometer east of the village of Trnava, in the Třebíč District of the Vysočina region in the Czech Republic. Covering just 0.44 hectares, it has held legal protection as a natural monument (přírodní památka) since 1982. The site forms part of the Třebíčsko Nature Park, an area renowned for its rolling hills and valleys around Třebíč, home to rare xerothermic grasslands and relict steppe-like vegetation.

What makes Kobylinec special?

The reserve consists of xerothermic (dry, warmth-loving) grassland — a semi-natural habitat that developed on land once covered by forest, maintained over decades through extensive grazing and mowing. This traditional land management preserved conditions ideal for heat-loving plant species that would not survive under dense forest cover or intensively farmed meadows.

Why was Kobylinec protected?

The main reason for the reserve's protection is its rich population of the large-flowered pasque-flower (Pulsatilla grandis), a perennial plant classified as a strongly endangered species under Czech law. Recognizable by its large, deep violet flowers, the pasque-flower blooms in early spring, typically between late March and April. During this short window, the grasslands of Kobylinec turn a striking shade of purple, drawing nature lovers and photographers from across the Vysočina region.

When is the best time to visit?

Early spring, during the pasque-flower bloom, is by far the most rewarding time to visit — this is when the reserve looks its most spectacular, with clusters of violet blossoms scattered across the still-pale grass. Outside the flowering season, the site remains of interest to those curious about xerothermic flora and protected grassland habitats, though the visual impact is considerably more modest.

Because the pasque-flower population is sensitive to disturbance and vulnerable to picking or trampling, regional authorities (Kraj Vysočina) have in some seasons introduced temporary access restrictions to the most valuable sites in the Třebíč area, including locations near Kobylinec. Visitors should check current conditions before planning a trip and are strongly encouraged to stay on marked paths at all times.

How to get to Kobylinec?

The reserve lies close to the village of Trnava, not far from the town of Třebíč. It can be reached via a blue-marked hiking trail leading either directly from Trnava or from Třebíč itself. The route requires no special physical preparation and is accessible to most visitors exploring the region.

Frequently asked questions

What is Kobylinec? A small, 0.44-hectare natural monument protecting xerothermic grassland and a population of the large-flowered pasque-flower, located near the village of Trnava in the Třebíč District.

When was the reserve established? It has been under legal protection since 1982.

What is the main attraction? The large-flowered pasque-flower (Pulsatilla grandis), a strongly endangered species that blooms in violet between late March and April.

How do you reach Kobylinec? Via the blue-marked hiking trail from either Trnava or Třebíč.

Is it allowed to pick the flowers? No — the pasque-flower is a strictly protected species, and additional temporary access restrictions may apply to the most sensitive areas during the flowering season.