Sítovka

Sítovka is a small nature reserve (přírodní památka) located within the Hradec Forests, right next to the city of Hradec Králové in eastern Bohemia, Czech Republic. The protected area has existed since 1960 and covers 14.5 hectares, making it one of the older protected sites in the region.

Why is this site protected?

The main purpose of the reserve is to preserve an original, mixed forest stand that has survived here in a relatively natural state. Unlike many surrounding parts of the forest that are managed for timber production, Sítovka offers a glimpse of how woodland in this part of Bohemia looked before intensive forestry practices reshaped much of the landscape. The mixed composition of tree species also gives the area greater ecological value compared to uniform, single-species plantations typical of managed forests.

How to get there

The reserve lies within the Hradec Forests (Hradecké lesy), an extensive woodland complex that serves as a recreational area for residents of Hradec Králové and the surrounding towns. A yellow-marked hiking trail passes directly through Sítovka, making the site easy to reach on foot for anyone exploring the network of paths in the municipal forests. Nearby is a small pond called Na Olšině, which serves as a landmark along the route. The area's coordinates are approximately 50.167°N, 15.913°E, placing it right at the edge of Hradec Králové's built-up area.

What else is nearby

The Hradec Forests, home to Sítovka, include several other protected natural areas as well as marked educational trails, making the whole complex an appealing destination for both casual walkers and visitors interested in observing nature. The forest serves a dual role, both economic and protective, and is managed by the municipal company Městské lesy Hradec Králové, which also oversees other protected sites and themed trails in the region.

Frequently asked questions

What is Sítovka? It is a small nature reserve covering 14.5 hectares, established in 1960 to protect a natural, mixed forest stand.

Where exactly is it located? Within the Hradec Forests, directly adjacent to the city of Hradec Králové, near the small pond called Na Olšině.

How can visitors reach it? A yellow-marked hiking trail runs through the reserve, so it can easily be visited on foot as part of a longer walk through the municipal forests.

What should visitors know before going? As a protected nature area, Sítovka has the usual restrictions found in reserves: visitors should stay on marked paths and avoid disturbing the vegetation or tree stand. It is not a developed viewpoint or tourist attraction with visitor infrastructure, but rather a quiet patch of forest with ecological and historical value, of interest to anyone curious about the woodland management around Hradec Králové.

Are there other attractions nearby? Yes — the wider Hradec Forests complex offers a network of hiking and cycling trails along with other protected areas, allowing a visit to Sítovka to be combined with a longer outing in the surrounding countryside.