Plešický vodopád

Plešický vodopád is a small but scenic waterfall near the village of Chroustov in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, close to the Dalešická Dam reservoir. As the Plešický stream flows toward the reservoir, it cuts through hard layers of orthogneiss, forming a cascading drop — at its steepest point the streambed falls at roughly a 45-degree angle, with the ledge exceeding 2 meters in height. The waterfall sits within a deep, rocky valley considered one of the best-preserved natural areas around the Dalešická Dam.

How do you get to the waterfall?

The starting point is the village of Chroustov, from which a trail follows the Plešický stream valley down toward where it meets the reservoir. The path runs through forest and rocky terrain, so sturdy footwear is recommended. For visitors who don't want to backtrack the same way, there's an alternative: an overgrown but still discernible forest path leading upstream along the creek, starting directly below the ruins of Holoubek Castle — making it possible to plan a loop rather than an out-and-back walk.

What will you see there?

The main draw is the waterfall itself — water cascading over rock ledges of hard orthogneiss, framed by a narrow, shaded valley. The site has kept a wild, natural character that contrasts with the calm surface of the nearby Dalešická reservoir. The rocky valley walls and dense forest create a cool microclimate, especially appreciated in summer. Nearby, the route toward Holoubek Castle offers the chance to extend the walk and combine several regional viewpoints in one trip.

When is the best time to visit?

The waterfall looks its best in spring and after heavy rainfall, when water levels in the Plešický stream rise and the cascade becomes more dramatic. In summer the flow can be modest, but the valley still keeps its appeal thanks to the shade and cool air created by the terrain. In autumn, the surrounding forest adds color, making a walk along the stream especially rewarding for landscape photography.

Who is this destination for?

Plešický vodopád suits hikers looking for quiet, low-key trails away from crowds who also enjoy natural rock formations and a touch of local history through the nearby Holoubek Castle ruins. It isn't a destination for those expecting a towering waterfall — rather, it's a modest, intimate landscape feature along the way to the Dalešická Dam reservoir.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Plešický vodopád? The rock ledge the water flows over is more than 2 meters high, with the steepest section reaching an incline of around 45 degrees.

What rock formed the waterfall? The cascade formed on hard layers of orthogneiss, an erosion-resistant rock that explains why the ledge has endured centuries of water flow.

Can you reach the waterfall without returning the same way? Yes — you can take an overgrown but still passable forest path along the Plešický stream, which begins near the ruins of Holoubek Castle.

Is there anything else to see nearby? Yes, the ruins of Holoubek Castle and the Dalešická Dam reservoir itself, into which the Plešický stream flows, are both close by.