Skatulec

Skatulec (Škatulec) is a forested hilltop in the Drahany Highlands, rising above the village of Újezd u Boskovic in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic. Its elevation is given as somewhere between 656 and 665 metres above sea level depending on the source, making it the highest point in this part of the Boskovice area. Locals also know the hill under a second name, Na Babylóně, though the name has nothing to do with the ancient city of Babylon — it dates back to 18th-century surveying mix-ups between Prussian cartographers and the local population, who spoke a different language. The name Skatulec itself comes from a wooden triangulation structure that surveyors once erected on the summit to take measurements.

How to get there?

The easiest approach starts in Boskovice, from where a marked green hiking trail leads up to the summit and continues on toward the village of Kuničky. The path winds through extensive, mostly spruce forest typical of the Drahany Highlands. The hill sits roughly halfway between the villages of Újezd and Valchov, so hikers based in either place can also set out on foot, since both lie close to the edge of the forest surrounding the peak.

What will you see?

The summit itself is densely wooded, so the immediate view is limited — to get a proper outlook, walk a few hundred metres southwest, where the trees thin out and a panorama opens toward the surrounding hills of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, including views in the direction of Doubravice. Geologically, the hill is built from granodiorite, a rock closely related to granite and common throughout this part of Moravia. Near the top, where forest meets pasture, old boundary stones still survive, carved with the initials of former estate owners — a small detail of interest for anyone curious about local history. Historic cadastral borders of the Újezd municipality run right through this area, which has made the summit a landscape landmark for centuries.

When to visit?

The best time for a hike is from late spring through early autumn, when the trails are dry and the forest offers welcome shade on hot days. In autumn the surrounding woods draw mushroom foragers, while winter turns the route into a quiet snowshoeing option, though trails are not cleared of snow and the climb takes more effort. Thanks to its modest height and gentle trail gradient, Skatulec is accessible to most visitors, including families with children, without requiring special fitness preparation.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Skatulec? Sources give figures ranging from about 656 to 665 metres above sea level — either way, it is the highest point in the immediate area around Boskovice and Újezd u Boskovic.

Where does the name Na Babylóně come from? It's an alternative local name for the hill, coined in the 18th century after mix-ups between Prussian surveyors and locals who did not share a common language during land measurement work.

Is there a good view from the top? The view directly from the summit is blocked by trees — walk a few hundred metres southwest to reach an open panorama over the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands.

Is the trail suitable for families with children? Yes, the green trail from Boskovice follows a gentle forest path with an easy gradient, making it manageable for less experienced hikers too.