Prosíčka

Prosíčka is a rocky nature monument in the municipality of Borovnice, in the Vysočina region, right on the edge of the small town of Jimramov. This compact but striking corner of the Žďárské vrchy highlands protects a granite ridge and the boulder field beneath it, a landscape shaped by frost thousands of years ago.

What makes this place special?

Prosíčka has been protected as a nature monument since 1988, covering an area of 7.64 hectares. Its centerpiece is a rocky ridge made up of two granite formations with a combined length of about 55 metres and a height of up to 17 metres. Below the rocks lies an extensive stone field and scree slope, the result of frost weathering of granite during the cold periods of the Pleistocene ice age. That geological story is what sets Prosíčka apart from a typical viewpoint — it's as much a lesson in glacial-era landscape formation as it is a scenic stop.

The rocks are surrounded by managed forest dominated by spruce, mixed with Scots pine, larch, and scattered beech and fir. The area also serves as an important nesting site for forest birds, including the black woodpecker, tawny owl, and raven, making it a worthwhile stop for birdwatchers as well as hikers.

How do you get to Prosíčka?

The reserve sits roughly 2 km northwest of Jimramov, between that town and the village of Borovnice, in the Žďár nad Sázavou district of the Vysočina region. A blue-marked hiking trail running from Javorek to Jimramov passes right by the ridge, making it the easiest way to reach the site on foot. Along the way, the trail passes a viewpoint overlooking the Fryšávka river valley, which makes the walk worthwhile even before you reach the rocks. Jimramov is the most convenient starting point, with local roads and paths connecting onward toward Borovnice.

What will you see there?

The main draw is the rock ridge itself — two granite formations rising above the forest, with a distinctive boulder field spread out at their base. It's worth taking a closer look at the shapes carved by frost and erosion over millennia, as well as the rock-adapted vegetation clinging to this harsh terrain. Climbing on the Prosíčka rocks is prohibited today; the site was used for climbing in the past, but nature protection now takes priority. From the trail, hikers get a clear view over the Fryšávka valley, and the forest walk leading up to the rocks has a quiet, low-key character that suits a short half-day outing.

When should you visit?

Late spring through early autumn is the best window, when trails are dry and the forest is at its greenest and liveliest with birdsong — also the easiest time to spot the nesting species that live around the ridge. In autumn, the contrast between colourful foliage and bare granite adds an extra visual layer. Winter visits are possible but can be harder going, since snow tends to linger on the forest paths leading to the rocks.

Frequently asked questions

Can you climb the rocks at Prosíčka? No. Climbing is prohibited. The rocks were used for climbing in the past, but the area is now protected as a nature monument and climbing is no longer allowed.

How long is the walk to the reserve? From Jimramov it's a walk of roughly one to two kilometres, depending on the route chosen; the blue trail from Javorek to Jimramov passes directly by the rock formations.

What is the main attraction at Prosíčka? The granite rock ridge, made of two formations up to 17 metres high, together with the boulder field at its base — a legacy of ice-age frost weathering — plus the viewpoint over the Fryšávka valley.

Is there wildlife to see in the area? Yes. The reserve is a nesting site for the black woodpecker, tawny owl, and raven, so birdwatchers have a good chance of sightings, especially in spring and summer.