Čerňavina

Čerňavina Nature Reserve is a small, notable protected area located in the Czech Republic, in the Moravian-Silesian Region, within the Frýdek-Místek district. It lies near the villages of Košařiska and Tyra, close to the Polish-Czech border, which makes it a reasonably accessible destination for anyone exploring the Beskids from the direction of Trzyniec.

Where exactly is the reserve located?

The reserve stretches across the upper, near-summit section of Mount Ostrý, one of the peaks of the Silesian-Moravian Beskids range. It covers land at elevations from 780 meters up to the 1,044-meter summit itself — meaning it reaches almost all the way to the top of the mountain. Its approximate coordinates are 49.6008° N, 18.6567° E, which places it firmly within the mountainous belt straddling the Czech-Polish border region.

The entire area of Čerňavina falls within the boundaries of the Beskydy Protected Landscape Area (CHKO Beskydy), the Czech equivalent of a landscape park, which covers a large portion of the Czech Beskids. The reserve therefore functions as a stricter, more tightly protected zone nested inside this much larger protected landscape.

When was it established and how large is it?

Čerňavina Nature Reserve was established in 1999. It covers an area of 61.32 hectares — a compact, tightly defined zone rather than a sprawling territory covering an entire mountain or valley. This scale is typical of reserves created to protect a specific, valuable fragment of mountain nature, often tied to distinctive terrain features, particular microclimatic conditions, or valuable tree stands found in the upper reaches of a mountain.

Why does this matter for anyone planning a hike in the Beskids?

For visitors based in or passing through Trzyniec who are looking for hiking destinations on the Czech side of the border, Čerňavina Nature Reserve serves as a landmark tied to Mount Ostrý. Because it occupies the near-summit portion of the mountain, reaching the reserve involves a substantial climb — from 780 meters up to the 1,044-meter peak. Anyone planning a route through the Czech Beskids should factor this elevation gain into their estimate of difficulty and hiking time.

It is worth keeping in mind that the reserve is legally protected as part of the Czech Republic's system of protected areas. Visitors should therefore follow the standard rules that apply to such sites — staying on marked trails and respecting local restrictions designed to safeguard the natural values of this near-summit section of Mount Ostrý.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Čerňavina Nature Reserve located? In the Czech Republic, in the Moravian-Silesian Region, Frýdek-Místek district, near the villages of Košařiska and Tyra, on the near-summit section of Mount Ostrý.

When was the reserve established? In 1999.

How large is the reserve? 61.32 hectares.

At what elevation is the reserve located? It spans elevations from 780 meters up to the 1,044-meter summit of Mount Ostrý.

Is the reserve part of a larger protected area? Yes, it lies within the Beskydy Protected Landscape Area (CHKO Beskydy).