Pasecká skála

Pasecká skála is a rock formation and protected natural monument right by Nové Město na Moravě, in the Vysočina (Highlands) region of the Czech Republic.

What is this place?

Pasecká skála rises to 823 metres above sea level and has been protected as a natural monument since 1979. The rocks were shaped over thousands of years by the weathering of gneiss under periglacial conditions during the Pleistocene ice age, when repeated freezing and thawing of water inside cracks gradually split the rock mass apart. The result is a set of massive rock walls up to 18 metres high, riddled with fissure caves and surrounded by fields of frost-shattered rubble and boulders. Geologists rank it among the more notable examples of this kind of landform in the Czech Republic. The formation splits into three main sections — Omšelý hřeben, Vyhlídka, and Pernštýn — each with a slightly different character and its own vantage points.

How to get there?

The rocks sit right next to Nové Město na Moravě, so the easiest approach is to reach the town itself and continue on foot along the local marked trails. The surrounding area is well set up for hiking and cycling, typical of the Vysočina region, so getting there doesn't require any special preparation — sturdy walking shoes are enough, especially since the ground around the rocks can be uneven and rocky.

What will you see there?

The main draw is the built-up viewpoint at the summit, fitted with a safety railing. On a clear day the panorama stretches all the way to the Orlické Mountains and the Králický Sněžník massif, and on exceptionally clear days even as far as the peaks of the Jeseníky range — a rare chance to take in several distinct mountain ranges from a single spot. Beyond the view itself, it's worth looking closely at the rock structure — the cracks, niches, and hollows are a direct record of frost action from thousands of years ago.

Who is it for?

Pasecká skála is also a well-regarded climbing site, with more than a hundred routes of varying difficulty, drawing both beginners and more experienced climbers. For those who prefer plain hiking, it works well as a walking destination or a short outing combined with sightseeing in Nové Město na Moravě.

When to visit?

Since the main attractions are an open-air viewpoint and rock formations, the visit pays off most on days with good visibility, when the panorama over the surrounding ranges can be fully appreciated. Climbers generally favour the months from spring through autumn, avoiding icy conditions on the rock.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Pasecká skála and how tall are its walls? The summit sits at 823 metres above sea level, with the rock walls themselves reaching up to 18 metres in height.

Can you go climbing there? Yes — it's a popular climbing area with more than a hundred routes across a range of difficulty levels.

Since when has Pasecká skála been protected as a natural monument? It has held natural monument status since 1979, largely due to the geological value of the rock formations.

What can you see from the summit viewpoint? On a clear day you can see the Orlické Mountains and Králický Sněžník, and on exceptionally clear days even the peaks of the Jeseníky range.