About this place
Opolenec Nature Reserve is a small but ecologically remarkable protected area in the Prachatice District of the Czech Republic, set on the steep, west-facing slopes of Opolenec hill (648 m) above the Volyňka stream. The reserve lies roughly 5 km north of Vimperk, between the settlement of Sudslavice and the village of Bohumilice, in a spot where crystalline limestone breaks through the otherwise acidic bedrock typical of the Šumava foothills.
Why was this area protected?
The reserve was established on 1 November 1985 to preserve a mosaic of forest, meadow, and rock communities growing on limestone and silicate substrate. This combination is unusual for the Šumava region, where crystalline, acidic rock dominates. The presence of limestone here creates growing conditions that support plant and animal communities quite different from those found in the surrounding countryside.
What can you see in the reserve?
The landscape is defined by forest-steppe pine stands clinging to the rocky, sun-exposed slopes above the Volyňka valley. On the limestone rock terraces, succulent vegetation has adapted to the dry, nutrient-poor conditions, while species-rich meadow biotopes on limestone soil add another distinct habitat type. This variety — forest, grassland, and exposed rock — is why the site holds status as a locality of European significance.
The plant diversity supports an equally rich fauna. The reserve is home to numerous bird species tied to this forest-meadow mosaic, as well as heat-loving insects that thrive on the sun-baked rocky slopes and open grassland. The area is managed by the Nature and Landscape Protection Agency of the Czech Republic.
How can you visit the reserve?
The Sudslavický okruh (Sudslavice Loop) educational trail runs through the reserve, built between 1974 and 1977 as one of the first nature trails of its kind in the South Bohemian Region. The route introduces visitors not only to the reserve's ecology but also to the wider landscape of the Šumava foothills around Vimperk, combining educational stops with scenic views. It makes for a quiet, informative walk away from the busier trails of the main Šumava range, well suited to travelers interested in nature and local geology rather than crowds.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is Opolenec Nature Reserve located? On the steep, west-facing slopes of Opolenec hill above the Volyňka stream, about 5 km north of Vimperk, between Sudslavice and Bohumilice, in the Prachatice District.
When was the reserve established? Opolenec Nature Reserve was established on 1 November 1985.
What is the main reason for protecting this area? A rare combination of forest, meadow, and rock communities developing on limestone within the otherwise acidic crystalline bedrock of Šumava, home to many rare plant, bird, and insect species.
Is there a hiking trail through the reserve? Yes, the Sudslavický okruh educational trail, laid out between 1974 and 1977, leads visitors through the reserve and highlights its natural features.
Who manages the reserve? The Nature and Landscape Protection Agency of the Czech Republic.
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