Paprč

Paprč is a forested hill rising to 721 metres above sea level, straddling the boundary between the cadastral territories of Benešov and Kořenec in the Blansko district, part of the Drahanská vrchovina (Drahany Highlands) in the South Moravian Region. It ranks as the third-highest summit of the highlands, just behind nearby Skalky (735 m) and its close neighbour Paprč J (726 m), a twin peak barely 400 metres away. Despite the name's resemblance to "paprad" (fern), this is purely a geographic feature on the Moravian uplands, with no botanical connection whatsoever.

Where exactly is Paprč located?

The summit sits a short distance from Benešov u Boskovic, a small village on the plateau of the Drahany Highlands, tucked between the Paprč and Skalky elevations. This is an entirely different Benešov from the well-known castle town near Prague in central Bohemia — here the landscape is one of rolling hills, coniferous forest, and scattered small villages, with Boskovice as the nearest larger town. The surrounding area falls within a region locally known as Řehořkovo Kořenecko, popular with visitors seeking quiet nature away from crowds.

What can you see from the summit?

For years Paprč was entirely covered in forest and offered no views at all. That changed after a bark beetle outbreak forced extensive clear-cutting across much of the summit area. Today the exposed peak, marked by a wooden pole and a stone boundary marker, opens up views over the surrounding hills. Roughly 150 to 700 metres west of the top lies the Kořenec Golf & Ski Resort, which also offers panoramic views to the west. There is currently no lookout tower on the summit, though one reportedly stood here historically, and in 2015 plans surfaced for a new roughly 45-metre observation tower continuing that tradition — though it's unclear whether it was ever built.

Which trails lead to Paprč?

The hill lies along a network of trails connecting Benešov u Boskovic with neighbouring summits of the Drahany Highlands — extending a walk toward Skalky or Komárková (692 m) makes for a natural continuation of the route. No special gear or preparation is needed to reach the top, but the uneven forest terrain means the path is not suitable for strollers. The easiest approach starts from either Benešov or Kořenec, following marked paths through the woods.

Is it worth visiting in winter?

The presence of the Kořenec Golf & Ski Resort keeps the area lively beyond summer as well — in winter, cross-country skiing trails run through the Drahany Highlands here, including a route known locally as the Benešov circuit. It makes a solid base for both hikers and skiers looking for quiet, forested trails away from the big resorts.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Paprč? 721 metres above sea level, making it the third-highest peak in the Drahany Highlands.

Are there views from the top of Paprč? Yes — clear-cutting after a bark beetle outbreak opened up the summit, and there's also a viewpoint near the nearby golf resort.

Is there a lookout tower on the summit? Not currently. A tower reportedly stood there historically, and a new roughly 45-metre tower was proposed in 2015, though it's unclear whether it was actually built.

Is this the same Benešov as the one near Prague? No. This is Benešov u Boskovic, a small village in Moravia's Blansko district — an entirely different place from the central Bohemian Benešov known for its castle.

Is the hike to the summit difficult? No special preparation is required, but the uneven forest path is not suitable for strollers.