Malý Chlum

Malý Chlum is a 489-metre hill in the municipality of Krhov, in the Blansko district of the South Moravian Region, part of the Boskovická brázda (Boskovice Furrow) lowland. Locals sometimes call it the "Moravian Říp," a nod to its rounded, dome-like profile that echoes the famous Říp hill in Central Bohemia.

What makes this hill historically important?

People have used Malý Chlum since the Stone Age, but its most significant chapter belongs to the Hallstatt culture. A fortified hilltop settlement from the 6th century BCE once crowned the summit, protected by steep slopes, an earth-and-stone rampart, and a palisade — traces of these fortifications are still visible today. Archaeologists have also confirmed iron ore mining on the hill during the Hallstatt period, making Malý Chlum one of the region's notable prehistoric mining sites. Much later, during the First Czechoslovak Republic, a military observation post operated on the summit, remaining in use until 1940.

What will you find at the top?

The hill itself is built of opuka, a sedimentary marlstone once quarried on its eastern slope. A wooden lookout tower stood here from 2005, but the structure deteriorated over the years and was closed for safety reasons in 2024. Plans call for a new tower five metres taller, with a concrete foundation and a spiral staircase — it's worth checking locally whether construction has been completed by the time you visit. Tower or no tower, the summit itself offers open views across the surrounding countryside, and on clear days you can pick out Praděd, Králický Sněžník, and the Orlické Mountains on the horizon.

Is there a nature trail?

Yes — a roughly one-kilometre educational trail runs across the hill, marked with five information panels covering paleontology, geology, local flora and fauna, and archaeology. It turns the short climb into a quick, hands-on lesson about the region's natural and human history.

How do you get to Malý Chlum?

The easiest starting point is Huť svaté Antonie, a settlement that belongs to the village of Obora — from there it's about a 20-minute walk to the summit. The route is short and doesn't require any special preparation, making it a good option for a family walk or an afternoon outing from Blansko or Boskovice.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Malý Chlum? The hill rises to 489 metres above sea level in the Boskovická brázda, within the Blansko district.

Is there still an observation tower on top? The original 2005 wooden tower was closed in 2024 due to poor condition. A taller replacement is planned, so it's worth confirming its status before setting out.

What stood on the hill in the past? A fortified Hallstatt-period hilltop settlement (6th century BCE) with a rampart and palisade, evidence of iron ore mining, and a military observation post used until 1940 during the First Czechoslovak Republic.

Where's the best place to start the hike? From Huť svaté Antonie, part of the village of Obora — about a 20-minute walk that passes the hill's nature trail and information panels.