Skály

Skály is a rocky summit and nature reserve in the Drahany Highlands (Drahanská vrchovina), straddling the cadastral boundary between Protivanov and Buková in the Prostějov district of the Czech Republic. At 724 metres above sea level, it is the second-highest point of the entire range, just behind the nearby Skalka near Buková (735 m). It's a place where the rolling upland scenery meets a dense, old-growth beech forest and a quiet but memorable wartime story.

How to get there?

Skály lies a few kilometres south of the centre of Protivanov, a village of just over a thousand residents west of the city of Prostějov. The easiest approach is to drive to Protivanov and continue on foot or by bike along local forest roads. This corner of the Drahany Highlands sees relatively little tourist traffic, so the trails tend to be quiet and uncrowded — a good pick for anyone after a peaceful walk rather than heavily developed tourist infrastructure.

What will you see?

At the heart of the area is a small nature reserve of roughly 12 hectares, declared in 1988 to protect an original beech (Fagus sylvatica) stand with a scattering of spruce and a distinctive herb layer — a fragment of forest that has survived in a near-natural state. South of the reserve grows a single protected silver fir (Abies alba), known locally as "Jedle pod Skalami" ("the fir beneath the rocks") — a natural monument in its own right and worth a short stop.

On the summit itself stands a restored hunting lodge called Hanačka, built in 1810. The building carries an interesting past: during the Second World War it served as a hideout for the Jermak partisan group, which operated throughout the Drahany Highlands. That combination of nature and history makes a walk through Skály more than just a forest outing — it's also a small lesson in the region's history of resistance.

When to visit?

The beech forest is at its best in spring, when the herb layer comes back to life, and in autumn, when the beech leaves turn their characteristic gold. In summer the canopy provides welcome shade, making the route pleasant even on hot days. In winter the area can be harder to reach because of snow on the forest roads, but for anyone who enjoys quiet, snow-covered woods, that's a good season too.

Who is this place for?

Skály suits travellers looking for nature without the crowds — hikers, wildlife watchers, and anyone curious about local history. Don't expect built-up tourist infrastructure such as car parks, food stalls, or a lookout tower here, so it's worth bringing your own food and water. It also makes a good addition to a longer day combining several points in the Drahany Highlands, such as the nearby Skalka near Buková.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Skály? The summit reaches 724 metres above sea level, making it the second-highest point in the Drahany Highlands, just after the nearby Skalka (735 m).

Can you walk freely through the reserve? The nature reserve, established in 1988 over about 12 hectares, protects old-growth beech forest — it's best to stick to marked paths and avoid trampling the forest floor.

What is the building on the summit? It's the Hanačka hunting lodge, built in 1810 and since restored. During the Second World War it sheltered members of the Jermak partisan group.

Are there other attractions nearby? Yes — it's worth combining a visit with the nearby Skalka near Buková, the highest point of the whole Drahany Highlands at 735 m, and with Protivanov itself.