Vysoký vodopád

Vysoký vodopád Nature Reserve sits in the Hrubý Jeseník mountains, right next to the village of Bělá pod Pradědem in the Jeseník district, on the Czech side of the Eastern Sudetes. It's a small but distinctive protected area, established around the valley of the Studený potok stream — a watercourse that cascades over a rocky bed here, creating scenery typical of the higher parts of the Jeseníky range.

Where exactly is the reserve located?

The reserve lies on the upland slopes of the Hrubý Jeseník range (also known in Polish as Wysoki Jesionik), close to the settlement of Bělá, within the municipality of Bělá pod Pradědem. Its coordinates are roughly 50°06'51"N, 17°12'13"E. Administratively, the area belongs to the Jeseník district in the Olomouc region, near the Polish border and the historic Silesian region.

What can you see there?

The reserve's name — Vysoký vodopád, meaning "High Waterfall" — points directly to its main draw: a cascading stretch of the Studený potok stream, flowing through a narrow, forested valley. It suits visitors looking for a close encounter with a mountain stream in a largely untouched setting, with the mixed forest, rocky steps and damp valley microclimate typical of the Jeseníky. The protected area itself is small, so a visit is more of a short streamside walk than a full day's hike.

How do you get there?

The starting point is the village of Bělá pod Pradědem, in the Jeseník district, reachable by access roads from the town of Jeseník and the Praděd massif. From the village center, a short road or path leads toward the Studený potok valley — the terrain is mountainous, so expect uneven ground and steep sections close to the stream. Visitors coming from Poland will find it most convenient to drive via Jeseník and continue on local roads toward Bělá pod Pradědem.

When is the best time to visit?

The stream carries the most water, and the waterfall looks its most impressive, in spring during snowmelt from the higher parts of the Hrubý Jeseník, and after longer periods of rain. In summer, the valley offers welcome shade and cool air, making it a good target on hot days. In autumn, the forest around the stream takes on extra color, while in winter access can be hampered by snow and icy rock steps, which is worth planning around.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Vysoký vodopád reserve large? No — it's a small protected area centered on a short, cascading stretch of the Studený potok, not an extensive mountain territory.

Where exactly is the reserve located? In the Hrubý Jeseník range, in the Jeseník district, right next to the village of Bělá pod Pradědem, close to the Polish-Czech border.

Which stream flows through the reserve? The Studený potok — a mountain watercourse whose cascading section gave the whole reserve its name.

Is the route to the waterfall difficult? The terrain is hilly and locally steep, so sturdy footwear is recommended; the route itself from Bělá pod Pradědem is short, though.