About this place
Krkatá bába is a striking rock formation rising above the valley of the Lubě stream, just south of the village of Lubě in the Blansko district, roughly 30 km north of Brno in the Czech Republic. Built from reddish conglomerate rock, the outcrop reaches an elevation of 344 metres and towers above the surrounding forest canopy, visible from a distance thanks to its unusual silhouette.
Why is this rock protected?
Krkatá bába is designated a nature monument covering 9.01 hectares. The site first gained protection as a nature reserve in 1977, and its status was upgraded to nature monument in 1997. The protection targets the exceptional rock formations together with the natural communities of dwarf oak-pine forest that grow on the poor, dry, sun-exposed rocky ground here. The area shelters several rare plant species that are considered critically endangered at a regional level.
Where does the name come from?
The name "Krkatá bába" — loosely, "the long-necked hag" — describes the shape of the rock itself: a massive head-like block roughly 2.5 metres tall, perched on a narrow, elongated base that resembles a neck. The formation has fired local imagination for centuries and is wrapped in folklore. One legend tells of a treacherous bride cursed on her own wedding day and turned to stone. Another describes two witches who transformed each other into rock. The earliest written mention of Krkatá bába dates back to the founding charter of Opatovice Monastery from 1073, making it one of the more anciently documented landmarks in the region.
What is the Lubě valley like?
The rock stands within a deep, scenic valley carved by the small Lubě stream. Thousands of years of water erosion and weathering of the sedimentary rock shaped the steep, distinctive rock formations visible today. The valley has kept much of its wild character: dense forest reaches almost down to the streambed, and the pale rock faces stand out sharply against the surrounding greenery.
How do you get to Krkatá bába?
A red-marked hiking trail leads through the Lubě valley directly to the rock. The route is popular with hikers exploring the area around Blansko and Brno, combining natural scenery with the site's legendary backstory. It's worth taking the walk at an unhurried pace — the valley terrain is varied, and the rock formation is best appreciated from a proper viewpoint along the trail.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Krkatá bába located? South of the village of Lubě in the Blansko district, Czech Republic, about 30 km north of Brno.
How tall is the rock formation? The head-shaped rock itself is about 2.5 metres tall, while the whole outcrop rises to 344 metres above sea level.
Since when has the site been protected? Since 1977 as a nature reserve, upgraded to nature monument status in 1997.
What legends are connected to this place? The best-known tells of a treacherous bride cursed on her wedding day and turned to stone; another describes two witches who turned each other into rocks.
How do you reach Krkatá bába? Follow the red-marked hiking trail through the Lubě stream valley.
Nearby places
Earn badges for the places you visit
Download NextOnTrip, discover new places and check off your trails.