Terčino údolí

Terčino údolí is a romantic landscape park stretched along the Stropnice River, about a kilometer from the town of Nové Hrady in South Bohemia, Czech Republic. Despite the name suggesting a natural valley, it is actually a designed park landscape, laid out to imitate wild, picturesque nature — complete with paths, viewpoints, and centuries-old trees that today enjoy protected status.

Where does the name come from?

The park was established in 1756 on the initiative of Count Jan Nepomuk Buquoy, who created it for his wife, Countess Terezie Buquoyová. The park's current name derives from her name, in its Czech diminutive form "Terča." Originally the site was called Valloncherie, reflecting the French fashion for sentimental, romantic landscape gardens popular among European aristocracy at the time. Before the park existed, the same area had served since 1667 as a pheasant preserve, maintained for the hunting needs of the Buquoy family.

What can you see there?

The main attraction of Terčino údolí is an artificial waterfall on the Stropnice River, roughly 20 meters high. Water cascades down thanks to a purpose-built 720-meter-long channel that diverts part of the river's flow and directs it over the edge of a rocky ledge. The effect was designed for visual drama — romantic parks of the 18th and 19th centuries frequently used such artificial features to heighten the impression of wild, picturesque scenery.

The park also hides genuine living witnesses to history: it is home to centuries-old trees, the oldest of which is a pedunculate oak with a trunk circumference of 730 centimeters. The tree is estimated to be around 500 years old, meaning it was already a mature tree long before the park itself was founded.

Nature protection

Given its exceptional natural and landscape value, the area was first protected in 1949 as a nature reserve, and in 1992 this status was elevated to that of a National Nature Reserve (NPP Terčino údolí). The protected area covers 139.29 hectares. Importantly, protection extends not only to the natural environment but also to the park's architectural and landscape elements — the whole site is simultaneously listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic.

Visiting Terčino údolí

The park is freely accessible to visitors and today serves primarily a recreational function. Two educational trails run through the site: a circular nature trail called Terčino údolí and a forestry-focused educational trail of the same name. Both allow visitors to explore the area's history, geology, and natural curiosities at a relaxed pace, including the waterfall and the oldest trees mentioned above.

A walk through Terčino údolí is a good choice for anyone looking for an easy hiking route that combines historical interest with nature. Its proximity to Nové Hrady also makes it simple to pair a visit to the park with exploring the town itself and its castle.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the name Terčino údolí come from? It comes from Countess Terezie Buquoyová, for whom her husband, Count Jan Nepomuk Buquoy, founded the park in 1756.

What is the park's main attraction? An artificial waterfall roughly 20 meters high on the Stropnice River, fed by a 720-meter-long channel.

How old is the oldest oak in the park? It is estimated to be around 500 years old, with a trunk circumference of 730 cm.

Is admission to the park free? Yes, the park is freely accessible to visitors with no entrance fee.

What routes are available for visiting? Two educational trails run through the area — a circular nature trail and a forestry educational trail.