Kýšovický vodopád

Kýšovický vodopád is the tallest natural waterfall in the Krušné hory (Ore Mountains), tucked away in the scenic Prunéřovské valley near the village of Kýšovice, in the municipality of Výsluní in the Chomutov district. It rarely makes it into mainstream guidebooks, but among hikers exploring the Czech side of the range it's known as one of the more spectacular, if hard-to-reach, destinations in the area.

What does the waterfall look like?

The waterfall drops a total of 26 metres and is made up of three distinct cascades. The upper section is about 7 metres tall, with water sliding smoothly down a steep rock face. The middle cascade is vertical and, at 10 metres, forms the tallest and most dramatic part of the whole waterfall. The lower section adds another 9 metres and combines both flow types seen above — partly smooth, partly a sheer drop. The valley's bedrock is mica schist, and its layered, flaky structure is what makes the terrain around the waterfall so steep.

When is the best time to visit?

The waterfall carries a strong flow mainly after heavy rainfall or during snowmelt — that's when it's at its most impressive. In summer, when the region runs low on water, you may find only a thin trickle or bare, dry rock. In winter, hard frosts turn it into a striking wall of ice, drawing photographers keen on capturing frozen landscapes.

How do you get there?

Reaching the waterfall takes some effort, which is part of why it has stayed off the radar. The most popular route follows the Prunéřovské valley on foot, starting for example at Hotel Celná, partly along the blue-marked trail; the whole stretch runs about 3.5 kilometres. A somewhat longer alternative follows the yellow trail from Výsluní, which passes a historic stone bridge over the Prunéřovský stream along the way. Given the steep and occasionally rough ground, sturdy hiking boots are a good idea.

What should you know before heading out?

Because the waterfall's flow depends heavily on recent weather, it's worth checking the forecast and rainfall history before setting off — during dry spells the sight can be underwhelming. The Prunéřovská valley itself is a pleasant place for a walk regardless, so even when the waterfall runs low, the trail rewards visitors with views of the Krušné hory landscape.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for Kýšovický vodopád? No, access is free — it's a natural site in the open countryside with no ticketing infrastructure.

How tall is the waterfall? It measures 26 metres in total, split into three cascades: an upper 7-metre section, a vertical 10-metre middle drop (the tallest part), and a 9-metre lower section.

Does it always have water flowing? No — it only carries a strong flow after rain or snowmelt. In summer the streambed can run nearly dry.

What's the shortest route to reach it? The most commonly used route is about 3.5 km long, following the Prunéřovské valley from Hotel Celná, partly along the blue trail.