Proklest

Proklest is a quiet, lesser-known hilltop near the village of Křtiny, in the Blansko district of the South Moravian Region in the Czech Republic. At 574 metres above sea level, it is the highest point in the immediate vicinity of Křtiny and makes for an appealing stop for hikers exploring the Drahanská vrchovina (Drahany Highlands), a calm, forested upland north of Brno that borders the better-known Moravian Karst.

Where is Proklest located?

The summit sits within the cadastral territory of Křtiny, close to the hamlet of Bukovinka, right in the heart of the Drahany Highlands. The landscape here is typical of central Moravia: gentle wooded hills cut through by streams and shallow ravines. The approximate coordinates are 49.310°N, 16.771°E, placing Proklest just a dozen or so kilometres northeast of central Brno.

What makes this place worth a visit?

Proklest has one particularly distinctive feature for a hill of modest height — it is a watershed point for four separate streams: the Křtinský potok, the Zemanův žleb ravine, the Jedovnický potok, and the Rakovec. From this single elevation, water drains outward in four different directions before joining larger watercourses further downstream. For visitors interested in landscape and hydrology, this is one of the more unusual details about the hill — few summits of such moderate elevation act as a divide for so many separate drainage basins.

At the top, hikers will find a logbook maintained as part of the informal "Brněnské výškovnice" project — a local initiative from the Brno hiking community that encourages people to visit the region's summits and leave an entry in the summit book.

How do you get to Proklest?

There is no officially marked hiking trail leading to the top — Proklest is a destination for hikers who enjoy quieter, less-trodden routes and are comfortable navigating with a map rather than following waymarked signs. The most convenient starting point is the village of Křtiny itself, from where forest tracks and paths lead toward Bukovinka and up the hillside. Because the route isn't waymarked, it's worth carrying a proper hiking map of the Drahany Highlands or an offline GPS app before setting out.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Křtiny itself is a notable stop in its own right, best known for its Baroque pilgrimage basilica dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Moravia, designed by the architect Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel. From Křtiny it's also a short distance to the edge of the Moravian Karst (Moravský kras), with its caves and gorges, making the area a good base for a fuller day trip — combining a quiet walk up Proklest with a visit to the church and the karst landscape nearby.

When is the best time to visit?

Because the approach runs through forest and isn't waymarked, spring and autumn are the best seasons — visibility among the trees is better and temperatures suit a longer walk. In summer, dense foliage limits views, while in winter the unmarked route can be harder to follow under snow cover, so a bit of extra navigation experience helps at that time of year.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Proklest? Proklest rises to 574 metres above sea level and is the highest point in the immediate area around Křtiny.

Is there a marked trail to the summit? No, the approach to Proklest is not officially waymarked — it suits hikers comfortable navigating forest tracks with a map.

Why is Proklest hydrologically notable? It forms a watershed point for four streams: the Křtinský potok, the Zemanův žleb ravine, the Jedovnický potok, and the Rakovec.

What else can I combine with a visit? The Baroque pilgrimage basilica in Křtiny and the nearby Moravian Karst with its caves and gorges pair well with a walk up Proklest in a single day.