Pohledecká Skála

Pohledecká Skála is a rocky ridge rising above the village of Pohledec, part of Nové Město na Moravě, in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. Its highest rock formation reaches roughly 812–813 metres above sea level, making it one of the more prominent landmarks around the town and a distinctive feature of the Žďárské vrchy hills.

Where is Pohledecká Skála located?

The ridge lies within the municipal boundary of Nové Město na Moravě, directly above the local part called Pohledec, in the Žďár nad Sázavou district of the Vysočina Region. The landscape here is typical of the area — rolling hills, coniferous forest, and rocky outcrops breaking above the treeline, all part of the protected Žďárské vrchy landscape area.

Where does the name come from?

The rock was historically known by its German name, Kaiserstein, translated into Czech as Císařská skála ("Emperor's Rock"). The modern name, Pohledecká skála, reflects its close association with the neighbouring village of Pohledec.

What will you find there?

The summit is actually made up of several separate rock formations stretched along a long ridge. In the late 19th century, when the surrounding hillside was still free of forest, a popular viewpoint operated here, offering wide views over the countryside. Today the picture is very different: the highest rock is occupied by a fenced military installation topped with a transmitter tower, and the site is guarded and closed to visitors. In practice, this means the rock formations can only be admired from a distance, along the forest paths that pass nearby.

Why is access restricted?

Pohledecká Skála sits within Zone I of landscape protection — the strictest conservation category within the Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area. Combined with the presence of the military facility, this makes climbing to the actual summit impossible, and has kept it that way for a long time.

What lives in the area?

The surroundings of the rock serve as a refuge for protected bird species. A Eurasian eagle owl (Bubo bubo) — one of Europe's largest owl species and a strictly protected animal — regularly nests here. The rocky ledges and hard-to-reach sections of the ridge provide it with a safe, undisturbed breeding site, which is another reason visitor access close to the summit stays limited.

How to get to Pohledecká Skála?

The most convenient starting point is Nové Město na Moravě itself or the neighbouring village of Pohledec. From either, forest trails and footpaths lead close to the ridge, allowing visitors to admire the rock formations from a safe distance without entering the protected zone. It's worth treating the walk as part of a longer route through the Žďárské vrchy hills, a region rich in similar viewpoints and natural landmarks.

When is the best time to visit?

As with most trails in the Žďárské vrchy, spring and autumn offer the most pleasant conditions, with airy forests and comfortable temperatures for longer walks. Summer brings heavier foot traffic to the area thanks to its proximity to Nové Město na Moravě, a well-known centre for winter sports and summer hiking alike.

Frequently asked questions

Can you climb to the top of Pohledecká Skála? No — the summit is fenced off and occupied by a military facility with a transmitter tower, so access is prohibited. The rock is best viewed from nearby forest trails.

How high is Pohledecká Skála? The highest part of the ridge reaches around 812–813 metres above sea level.

Where does the name Pohledecká Skála come from? The hill was formerly called Kaiserstein (Císařská skála); its current name reflects the neighbouring village of Pohledec.

What's notable about the area's wildlife? A protected Eurasian eagle owl regularly nests on the rock, and the whole area falls within Zone I landscape protection of the Žďárské vrchy hills.