Soseňský lom

Soseňský lom is a small yet strikingly scenic nature reserve located about 700 meters south of the village of Soseň, in the Rakovník district of the Czech Republic, within the Jesenicko Nature Park. Once an active granite quarry, the site has quietly transformed itself over the decades into a valuable wetland and woodland habitat, now protected for its unusual natural value.

What is the history behind this site?

The quarry at Soseň operated for many years, extracting granite through both open-pit and underground methods. After mining stopped, the abandoned pit gradually filled with groundwater and rainwater, forming a small but surprisingly deep lake that locals simply call "Jezírko" (the little lake). The surrounding land slowly reclaimed itself, becoming covered with pine, larch, birch and other trees, which over time created a distinct microclimate and habitat favorable to a range of animal and plant species.

Why is this place protected?

Despite covering just 0.63 hectares, the area was granted legal protection in 1997 and is administered by the Regional Authority of the Central Bohemian Region. The protection rests on two pillars. First, geological value: the exposed rock walls of the former quarry offer a clear look at granite structure and the processes that shaped this part of the landscape. Second, biological value: the flooded quarry has become a breeding habitat for amphibians, which find calm, undisturbed water here, while the vegetation around the lake supports several rare plant species.

What can visitors actually see there?

The centerpiece of the reserve is the lake itself, filling the old quarry pit. Its water often takes on a striking blue-green hue, a feature typical of flooded granite quarries caused by the absence of sediment inflow combined with considerable depth. Around the lake, steep rocky walls from the former quarrying operation stand in sharp contrast to the young forest gradually reclaiming the surrounding slopes. The spot draws nature photographers and anyone looking for a quiet corner away from crowds and traffic.

What else is nearby?

Right next to the reserve stands Boží kámen, a rock formation registered as a significant landscape feature of the region. About 700 meters to the northwest lies another protected area, Plaviště, making this stretch of the Jesenicko Nature Park an appealing destination for visitors who want to combine several small protected sites into a single hiking route.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in the lake at Soseňský lom? Because the site is a protected nature reserve and home to breeding amphibians, it is treated as a conservation area rather than a recreational swimming spot — visitors should follow posted signage and avoid disturbing the habitat.

How do you get to Soseňský lom? The reserve lies roughly 700 meters from the village of Soseň in the Rakovník district and is best reached on foot or by bike via local trails through the Jesenicko Nature Park.

Since when has the area been protected? It received legal protection in 1997 and covers an area of 0.63 hectares.

What else can you combine with a visit here? Consider extending the trip to the nearby Plaviště nature reserve and the Boží kámen rock formation, both located just a few hundred meters from Soseňský lom.