Na kopci

Na kopci is a modest hill rising to 581 m above sea level right next to the village of Petrovice in the Blansko District, South Moravian Region of Czechia. It sits on the edge of the Drahany Highlands (Drahanská vrchovina), within the northwestern part of the Moravian Karst Protected Landscape Area — one of the country's best-known karst regions. Despite its unassuming profile, Na kopci ranks as the second-highest point in the entire Moravian Karst, surpassed only by the neighboring Podvrší (592 m), which lies roughly 2.2 km to the south.

Why visit an unremarkable-looking hill?

Na kopci isn't a lookout tower or a cave system — its appeal lies elsewhere. With a prominence of just 33 meters above the nearest saddle, it's a gentle, wooded landmark rather than a dramatic peak, which makes it a natural anchor point for anyone stringing together a quiet, forested loop along the border between the Drahany Highlands and the Moravian Karst. A marked path leads to the summit, so it fits easily into a longer walking route without demanding much effort or specialized gear.

What's around the village of Petrovice?

Petrovice itself is a small village of around 550 residents, tucked under the southern slopes of the Drahany Highlands near the Svitava river valley, not far from Rájec-Jestřebí. A yellow-marked hiking trail runs through the village, and signed cycling routes cross the surrounding countryside. The landscape here is dominated by picturesque forest, typical of the transition zone between the Drahany uplands and the karst belt further south. On a small hillock in the village stands a stone Dutch-type windmill dating to 1855, while the Church of St. Peter and Paul, built in 1805, serves as the village's main landmark.

What makes the Moravian Karst significant?

The Moravian Karst (Moravský kras) is a large protected area north of Brno, famous for its cave systems, gorges, and karst formations. Together with the Jeseníky range, it's regarded as one of the areas with the cleanest air in Moravia, which adds extra appeal to hiking and cycling trips here. Because Na kopci sits within the karst's northwestern corner, it works well as a starting point for exploring the wider region — though the best-known cave attractions lie somewhat further away rather than right at the hill's base.

Who is this route best suited for?

This is a destination for travelers after a calm, undemanding walk away from crowds, rather than dramatic viewpoints or steep climbs. The trail network around Petrovice and the Drahany Highlands also lends itself to cycling, and in winter to cross-country skiing, making the area worth considering across all seasons.

Frequently asked questions

How high is the Na kopci hill? 581 meters above sea level, making it the second-highest point in the Moravian Karst by elevation.

Where exactly is Na kopci located? Right beside the village of Petrovice in the Blansko District, on the border between the Drahany Highlands and the Moravian Karst Protected Landscape Area.

Is there a marked trail to the summit? Yes, a signed path leads to the top and can be combined with the yellow trail that passes through the village itself.

What's the nearest higher peak? Podvrší, at 592 m, located about 2.2 km to the south.

What's worth seeing in Petrovice village itself? A stone Dutch-type windmill from 1855 and the Church of St. Peter and Paul from 1805, the village's main landmark.