About this place
U Nového hradu is a nature reserve covering nearly 44.6 hectares in the Adamov Highlands, near the village of Olomučany in Moravia, Czech Republic. It protects a narrow, elongated ridge and steep, forested slopes above the valley of the Svitava River, running alongside two medieval castle ruins — Starý Hrad (Old Castle) and Nový Hrad (New Castle). The reserve was declared in 1975 to safeguard natural and near-natural forest stands growing on a bedrock of diabase, a volcanic rock locally known as "Brno lava."
What makes this reserve worth visiting?
The area is valued both scientifically and for its landscape character. Deciduous and mixed forest covers the steep valley slopes, preserving pockets of near-original vegetation. Rocky, sun-exposed sections of the valley provide habitat for several protected plant species. Birds of prey are a highlight here — buzzards, kestrels and hawks regularly hunt above the ridge and valley. Among the rocks and forest floor, visitors may spot newts and lizards, while foxes roam the denser woodland.
Why is the reserve named after a castle?
The reserve takes its name from nearby Nový Hrad, a restored 15th-century castle ruin perched above the Svitava valley. Interestingly, its builders reused stone material taken from the demolition of the older Starý Hrad, which stood close by and had previously served a similar defensive role in this stretch of the valley. Together, the two ruins and the surrounding woodland form a landscape that blends natural and historical value, typical of this part of the Adamov Highlands.
How can you explore the reserve on foot?
A red-marked hiking trail runs through the reserve, connecting the village of Vranov with Olomučany and continuing on toward Rudice. The route follows the ridge and valley slope, passing the remains of both castles as well as viewpoints over the Svitava valley. Because parts of the trail are steep and cross rocky terrain, sturdy hiking footwear is recommended.
Frequently asked questions
How large is the U Nového hradu reserve? It covers roughly 44.59 hectares.
When was the reserve established? It was declared a protected nature reserve in 1975.
What animals live in the reserve? Birds of prey such as buzzards, kestrels and hawks, along with newts, lizards and foxes.
Where does the reserve's name come from? From the neighboring Nový Hrad castle, partly built from stone salvaged after the demolition of Starý Hrad.
Which trail passes through the reserve? A red-marked trail linking Vranov, Olomučany and Rudice.
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