Sokolí skála

Sokolí skála is a nature reserve in the Brno-venkov district, part of the Svratecká hornatina Nature Park, close to the village of Ochoz u Tišnova. The protected area stretches discontinuously along both slopes above the Svratka River valley, covering land within the cadastral territories of Doubravník (right bank) and Podolí u Borače (left bank), near the former settlement and railway stop known as Prudká.

What is being protected here?

Sokolí skála was designated for protection mainly because of its striking geomorphological relief and natural forest composition. The reserve is made up of three distinct sections: Sokolí skála itself, Dubin (also known as Vinohrádek), and Bučiny. Together they span 128.54 hectares, with elevations ranging from roughly 300 to 540 metres above sea level — a difference of up to 240 metres. The reserve safeguards steep mica-schist rock walls that create extreme habitats such as scree slopes and bare cliffs, home to well-preserved plant and animal communities adapted to these harsh conditions.

Why does the name refer to a falcon?

The name is no coincidence. Sokolí skála translates to "Falcon's Rock," and the site was once a nesting ground for the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), a bird of prey famous for its extraordinary speed in flight. While the falcon population here is no longer as reliably documented as in the past, the area continues to shelter a range of plant and animal species, including several under legal protection, that have found favourable conditions on the rocky slopes and in the surrounding woodland.

How can you reach Sokolí skála?

A popular hiking route starts in Ochoz u Tišnova and runs for about 10 kilometres. The trail passes through Dobrá studně, the area near the former Sýkořská gamekeeper's lodge (Pod Sýkořskou myslivnou), Míchovec, Křeptov, and Křížovice, before reaching Sokolí skála itself and finishing near Prudká/Běleč. The route combines the scenic uplands of the Svratecká hornatina Nature Park with a close encounter along one of the more picturesque stretches of the Svratka river valley.

What should you know before visiting?

The reserve occupies terrain with considerable elevation changes and steep slopes, so sturdy hiking footwear is recommended. The rock walls are fragile and provide habitat for protected species, so leaving the marked trail or climbing the cliffs without permission can harm both the wildlife and visitors themselves. Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, when the vegetation on the scree slopes and in the surrounding beech-maple forests is at its most diverse.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Sokolí skála located? In the Brno-venkov district, within the Svratecká hornatina Nature Park, along both sides of the Svratka river valley near Doubravník and Podolí u Borače, close to Ochoz u Tišnova.

How large is this nature reserve? It covers 128.54 hectares and is divided into three parts: Sokolí skála, Dubin (Vinohrádek), and Bučiny.

Why is the reserve named after a falcon? Because it was historically a nesting site for the peregrine falcon, a bird of prey associated with steep, rocky cliffs.

What is the most popular hiking route to get there? A roughly 10-kilometre trail starting in Ochoz u Tišnova, passing through Dobrá studně, Pod Sýkořskou myslivnou, Míchovec, Křeptov, and Křížovice before reaching Sokolí skála and continuing toward Prudká/Běleč.