Rešovské vodopády

Rešovské vodopády (Rešov Waterfalls) are the best-known waterfalls of the Low Jeseníky mountains, tucked into a narrow rocky canyon near the village of Horní Město in the Bruntál district of Northern Moravia, Czechia. The cascades are formed by the Huntava stream, which drops over several rocky steps along a short stretch, the tallest of which reaches about 10 meters. The whole site has been protected as a natural monument since 1965 (some sources cite 1966), covering an area of 6.30 hectares that safeguards both the unusual rock formations and the vegetation growing around them.

How do you get to the waterfalls?

The shortest approach starts from the nearby village of Rešov, just 1.6 km away. From Horní Město the walk is around 5.8 km, and from Tvrdkov about 4.9 km. Three marked hiking trails cross the area: a green trail from Rýmařov via Horní Město, a red trail from Tvrdkov, and a yellow trail from Rešov. This gives visitors several options depending on where they're starting from and how much time they want to spend on the walk.

What will you see on site?

The canyon carved by the Huntava is narrow and rocky, and the path running alongside the stream includes wooden bridges, railed footbridges, and wooden and stone steps. This infrastructure lets visitors get close to the individual cascades safely and view them from several vantage points along the way. The waterfalls are at their most impressive in spring, during snowmelt, and after heavy rain, when water flow peaks. In summer, when water levels are lower, the falls are calmer but the forested canyon itself remains a scenic reason to visit.

Opposite the rock formation lie the modest remains of a small hillfort, likely built in the second half of the 13th century. Below the waterfalls, a water mill once operated, harnessing the energy of the falling water. Today only traces of both structures remain in the landscape, but they add an interesting historical layer to the natural attraction.

When is the best time to visit?

The waterfalls are open year-round and free to access for hikers, with no entry restrictions. The best time to visit is early spring, when melting snow boosts the water flow and the cascades look their most dramatic, as well as right after heavy rainfall. In autumn, the canyon gains extra charm from the surrounding trees' colorful foliage, while in winter the steps of the waterfall can partially freeze, creating unusual ice formations — though caution is needed on icy footbridges and stairs at that time of year.

Frequently asked questions

How tall are the Rešovské vodopády? The tallest step of the cascade measures about 10 meters, making it the most striking feature of the whole waterfall system on the Huntava stream.

Are the waterfalls a protected area? Yes, the site was declared a natural monument in the mid-1960s, covering 6.30 hectares, due to its valuable rock formations and natural features.

Where's the best starting point for the hike? The closest option is the village of Rešov (1.6 km away), reached via the yellow trail. Alternatively, you can start from Horní Město (green trail, 5.8 km) or Tvrdkov (red trail, 4.9 km).

Are there any historical sites nearby? Yes, opposite the rock formation are modest remains of a 13th-century hillfort, and below the waterfalls a water mill once operated, powered by the falling water.