Kusá hora

Kusá hora is a modest but ecologically rich hill in the Pardubice Region of Czechia, rising to 429 metres above sea level on the border between the Chrudim and Ústí nad Orlicí districts. It stands near the small town of Luže, between the villages of Řepníky, Srbce, Štěnec and Domanice, its forested ridge a familiar landmark against the farmland of eastern Bohemia.

Why is Kusá hora protected?

Since 1 December 1990 Kusá hora has held the status of a nature monument, declared by the former District National Committee in Chrudim. The reason for protection lies in its well-preserved forest habitats — pure beech stands and mixed oak-hornbeam forests growing on opoka (calcareous marlstone) bedrock, enriched with silver fir and acidophilous oak woods. This variety of forest types packed into a relatively small area is what sets Kusá hora apart within the region.

What grows on its slopes?

The most botanically interesting ground lies on the slopes descending toward the villages of Srbce, Domanice and Štěnec. Here, meadow and thermophilous (heat-loving) plant communities thrive, including rare and protected species such as the lady's slipper orchid, the martagon (Turk's cap) lily, hollow corydalis and Solomon's seal. The presence of such demanding species is a strong indicator of the site's ecological value, despite its modest overall area.

How rich is the local wildlife?

A vertebrate survey conducted between 1992 and 1994 recorded an impressive 170 species: 9 fish, 10 amphibians, 5 reptiles, 109 birds and 37 mammals. That is a remarkable count for a nature monument of this size, underscoring Kusá hora's role as a local biodiversity refuge. The area also contains 34 distinct types of non-forest vegetation, and 68 of the plant species found here are listed on the Red List of the Czech flora.

A history stretching back to the Middle Ages

Kusá hora also carries historical significance: its summit once held a fortified hilltop settlement used from the late medieval period into the early modern era. The site is today registered as an archaeological locality, adding a layer of cultural interest alongside its natural values.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Kusá hora located? The hill lies in the Pardubice Region near the town of Luže, within the cadastral territory of the village of Srbce, between Řepníky, Srbce, Štěnec and Domanice. It reaches an elevation of 429 metres above sea level.

Since when has Kusá hora been protected? It was designated a nature monument on 1 December 1990 by a decision of the District National Committee in Chrudim.

What plant species can be found here? The sun-exposed slopes host species such as the lady's slipper orchid, the martagon lily, hollow corydalis and Solomon's seal — plants typical of thermophilous meadows and open woodland edges.

Are there traces of past settlement on Kusá hora? Yes, the summit preserves the remains of a fortified settlement dating from the late Middle Ages to the early modern period, now protected as an archaeological site.

Who is this destination for? Kusá hora will appeal most to nature lovers, botany enthusiasts and those seeking a quiet walk through beech and hornbeam woodland — a low-key destination away from the crowds that combines natural heritage with regional history.