Pasák

Pasák is a natural monument in the Jeseníky Mountains, right next to the village of Branná, in the western part of the Jeseníky Protected Landscape Area. It's a place that surprises with its scale despite its modest footprint — just a few hectares hide a system of granite ridges and isolated rock blocks, shaped by thousands of years of frost weathering.

What can you see there?

The main draw is the rock formations themselves — ridges torn apart by frost action, standalone boulders with overhangs, and walls reaching several dozen meters in height in places. These rocks rank among the most impressive and geomorphologically significant in the entire Jeseníky range, an area considered home to the largest known granite body in the Czech Republic. Below the ridge, near the Polomský stream, you'll also find cryoplanation terraces — traces of ancient periglacial processes, still visible today as distinctive terraced steps in the terrain.

The area was granted protected status in 1982 as a geological and geomorphological natural monument, underlining its scientific value — this isn't just a scenic pile of rocks, but a record of the processes that shaped the Jeseníky landscape over centuries.

The educational trail

Pasák lies along a naučná stezka (nature trail) established back in 1980, predating the site's formal protection. The route stretches 12.5 km and passes through 14 themed stops covering a mix of topics — from the history of Branná itself, to the geological curiosity of Pasák, to a line of pre-war Czechoslovak fortifications still traceable in the landscape today. As a result, a walk through the area is as much a history lesson about this border region as it is a nature outing.

Who is it for?

Pasák is a solid choice for anyone looking for an easily accessible trip that combines nature, geology, and history without venturing deep into the mountains. Branná acts as a natural gateway into the Jeseníky range from the west, so reaching the site doesn't require a long approach. It's also a rewarding spot for landscape photographers — the raw, jagged rocks make an impression at any time of year, especially in the light of sunrise or sunset.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is Pasák? It's a natural monument protecting a system of granite rocks and formations shaped by frost weathering, located within the Jeseníky Protected Landscape Area.

When was it protected? Formally since 1982, though the educational trail running through the area has existed since 1980.

How big is the area? A few hectares — sources put it somewhere between roughly 2.5 and 4 hectares, depending on how the boundaries of the natural monument are defined.

What else is there along the trail? Besides the rocks, there are cryoplanation terraces near the Polomský stream and remnants of pre-war Czechoslovak fortifications, with 14 themed stops along the whole route covering local history and nature.

Where's the best place to start? Branná is the natural starting point, from where the marked educational trail leads to the Pasák rock formations.