Supí hnízdo

Supí hnízdo is a rock viewpoint rising above the municipality of Suchý Důl in eastern Bohemia, right in the heart of the Broumov Walls (Broumovské stěny). The name translates as "vulture's nest," a fitting description for this narrow, steep sandstone tower that pokes above the treeline and opens onto one of the widest views in the region.

Where is Supí hnízdo located?

The formation stands inside the Broumov Walls National Nature Reserve, between the towns of Broumov and Police nad Metují, close to the upper section of the Kovářova rokle ravine. Suchý Důl, the administrative municipality responsible for the area, sits in the Náchod district of the Hradec Králové Region, right along the border with Poland. The viewpoint reaches roughly 702 metres above sea level, making it one of the higher outcrops in this sandstone maze.

How to get there

Marked trails lead up to Supí hnízdo. The most common approach follows the red and green trail markers from the Hvězda mountain lodge, a well-known starting point in this part of the Broumovsko region. An alternative route follows the red trail from the parking area above the village of Slavný. Both paths cross reserve land, so it's worth setting aside a few hours to walk at an unhurried pace and take in the rock formations along the way.

What you'll see on the trail and from the top

Supí hnízdo is one of the most visited spots in the entire reserve — the trail was first opened to visitors back in 1854, a sign of just how long hiking tourism has existed here. Along the way, hikers pass other distinctively shaped rocks that locals have given vivid names: Sova (the Owl), Ležící mnich (the Reclining Monk), Želva (the Turtle), Mušle (the Shell), Kočka (the Cat), and Bumbrlíček, a name borrowed from a plump, squat character out of Czech folklore. Each shape is the product of centuries of sandstone erosion, a hallmark of the wider Table Mountains system that straddles the Czech-Polish border.

From the top of Supí hnízdo itself, the view opens onto the Broumov Basin and stretches toward the Javoří hory range and the Police region. That sweeping, far-reaching panorama across the Czech-Polish borderland is the main reason hikers make the climb, despite a final stretch of trail that is steep and demanding in places.

The Broumov Walls in context

The wider area holding Supí hnízdo is protected as a national nature reserve and ranks among the most recognisable rock labyrinths in the Czech Republic. Sandstone towers, cut through by ravines like Kovářova rokle, create a distinct microclimate that supports rare plant and animal species. Geologically and scenically, the reserve is a natural continuation of the Table Mountains (Stołowe Mountains) on the Polish side of the border.

Best time to visit

Late spring through early autumn offers the most reliable hiking conditions, with dry trails and the clearest visibility from the viewpoints. Summer weekends bring noticeably more foot traffic, especially on the popular approach from Hvězda lodge. In autumn and winter, some of the steeper sections can turn slippery, so sturdy hiking footwear is worth packing.

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Supí hnízdo mean? It translates literally as "vulture's nest," referring to the tall, steep rock spire that resembles a bird of prey's inaccessible perch.

How high is the viewpoint? Supí hnízdo sits at roughly 702 metres above sea level.

Which trails lead to Supí hnízdo? The most popular approach follows the red and green markers from Hvězda lodge; an alternative uses the red trail from the parking area above Slavný.

Are there other notable rock formations nearby? Yes — the trail passes rocks known as the Owl, the Reclining Monk, the Turtle, the Shell, the Cat, and Bumbrlíček, all shaped by sandstone erosion.

Since when has the site been open to visitors? The viewpoint was first made accessible to tourists in 1854, making it one of the longest-established hiking destinations in the Broumov Walls.