Miroslavské kopce

Miroslavské kopce is a national nature monument in southern Moravia, made up of seven separate hills within the cadastral territory of the town of Miroslav in the Znojmo district. Covering barely 31 hectares, the site protects an unusual stretch of landscape where rocky outcrops and steppe grassland meet the flat plain of the Dyje-Svratka valley.

Where exactly are these hills located?

The hills sit at the very southern tip of the Bobrava Highlands (Bobravská vrchovina), right where the rolling upland terrain gives way to the flat lowland of the Dyje-Svratka valley. This transition zone between two contrasting types of landscape gives the area an unusually varied relief for such a small protected zone. Elevations range from 239 to 300 meters above sea level, and because the individual hills sit relatively close together, the terrain offers scenic, open views across the surrounding farmland and villages.

How many hills make up this protected area?

The name "Miroslavské kopce" refers to seven distinct elevations scattered around the small town of Miroslav. The best known are Větrník along with Přední Markův kopec and Zadní Markův kopec, alongside hills known locally as Ve vinohradu, U letiště, U kamene, and Zmrzlé. Each hill, though modest in size, has a slightly different vegetation character and sun exposure, which contributes to the overall biological diversity of the site.

What is being protected here?

The area received legal protection on August 15, 2004, on account of its valuable rock-dwelling plant communities and warmth-loving steppe meadow vegetation, a combination rarely found so concentrated in this part of Moravia. These conditions favor species adapted to dry, sun-exposed sites that depend on the specific soil and microclimate conditions typical of limestone or rocky hilltop terrain.

What species can be found here?

Miroslavské kopce is home to protected plant and animal species, including the critically endangered flax species and the Provençal grasshopper — an insect whose presence signals the unusually warm, steppe-like character of the habitat. The occurrence of such species underlines the ecological value of this small but biologically rich area, which functions as something of a steppe-vegetation island within the surrounding agricultural landscape of southern Moravia.

Can all the hills be explored on foot?

Yes, an educational nature trail runs through the protected area, connecting all seven hills. The trail lets visitors move from one hilltop to the next, taking in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside along the way, with information panels explaining the history and natural features of the site. It's a convenient way to see the whole area in just a few hours without having to backtrack.

When is the best time to visit?

Many visitors recommend a trip in mid-May, when the acacia trees (black locust) covering the hillsides come into bloom. Their white blossoms then cover entire slopes, creating a striking, almost snow-white landscape and filling the air with a distinctive scent. It is the most spectacular moment in the site's annual cycle, though the area remains appealing throughout the growing season thanks to its rich steppe vegetation.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Miroslavské kopce nature monument located? In the municipality of Miroslav, in southern Moravia, at the southern edge of the Bobrava Highlands where they meet the Dyje-Svratka valley plain.

How many hills does the protected area include? Seven, including Větrník, Přední Markův kopec, Zadní Markův kopec, Ve vinohradu, U letiště, U kamene, and Zmrzlé.

When was the area granted protected status? On August 15, 2004.

How large is the protected area? About 30.8 hectares, at elevations between 239 and 300 meters above sea level.