PR Doubravka

Doubravka Nature Reserve is one of the newest protected areas in the Vysočina Region, lying about one kilometer east of the town of Mohelno in the Třebíč district. Covering 81 hectares, it stretches along the steep, rocky slopes of the canyon-like Jihlava River valley, right next to the well-known Mohelno Serpentine Steppe (Mohelenská hadcová step). The reserve sits within sight of the Dukovany nuclear power plant, creating an unusual contrast between untouched nature and visible industrial infrastructure on the horizon.

What does the reserve protect?

The subject of protection is natural forest stands, above all light, heat-loving oak forests growing on steep rocky slopes. Scattered among the woodland are islands of dry meadows and primeval, treeless rock surfaces. This mosaic of habitats — forest, rocky steppe, and grassland — is what makes Doubravka an exceptional example of thermophilic forest communities and rocky steppes tied to the canyon valley of the Jihlava River.

What species live here?

The reserve shelters rare and endangered plant species, including rock pinks, various sedges, and white woodrush (Luzula luzuloides), which occurs only sporadically elsewhere in the Vysočina region. The animal life includes numerous butterfly species, among them meadow butterflies associated with dry, open grassland. The patchwork character of the terrain — combining forest, rock, and meadow — supports a level of biodiversity rarely found in the more uniform, commercially managed forests typical of the wider region.

When and why was the reserve established?

The reserve's establishment was approved by the Vysočina Regional Council, and the area is managed by the Vysočina Regional Authority (Krajský úřad Kraje Vysočina). The decision to protect this land stemmed from recognizing the unique natural value of the valley — a concentration of rare forest and rock habitats within a relatively small area.

What should visitors know before going?

Doubravka borders directly on the Mohelno Serpentine Steppe, so both areas can easily be combined into a single trip through the Jihlava valley. The terrain is rocky and steep, so sturdy hiking footwear is recommended. As with any nature reserve, visitors should stick to marked trails and avoid picking plants, in line with the standard rules governing protected areas in the Czech Republic.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the Doubravka reserve located? About one kilometer east of Mohelno, in the Třebíč district of the Vysočina Region, within the Jihlava River valley.

How large is the protected area? The reserve covers 81 hectares.

What makes this place stand out? The combination of heat-loving oak forest on rocky slopes with steppe grassland, its direct neighborhood with the Mohelno Serpentine Steppe, and the striking view toward the Dukovany nuclear power plant.

Can visitors walk freely through the reserve? As a protected nature reserve, the area has restrictions — visitors are advised to stay on marked paths, following the rules that apply to protected areas in the Czech Republic.