Údolí Brtnice

Údolí Brtnice (Brtnice Valley) is a protected nature reserve in the Vysočina Region, right next to the small town of Brtnice in the Jihlava district. The canyon-like valley carved by the Brtnice River covers roughly seventy hectares, stretching across the cadastral territories of Brtnice, Dolní Smrčné, Přímělkov, Komárovice, and Panská Lhota, at elevations between 426 and 548 metres above sea level.

What does the Brtnice river valley look like?

The meandering river has cut a narrow, winding gorge through the rock, full of tight bends and natural loops. Rocky outcrops rise from the slopes, the best known being Výrova skála (Výrov Rock). Tucked into the valley are secluded, scenic nooks along with the ruins of the Gothic castle Rokštejn, which give the landscape a distinct historical layer.

What plants and animals live here?

The rocky, sun-exposed slopes favor warmth-loving species, especially among invertebrates. The reserve is home to several endangered species, including the sainfoin burnet moth, the black-spotted blue butterfly, a local dace-like fish (ouklejka pruhovaná), the common (viviparous) lizard, the alpine newt, and the European tree frog. Natural riparian vegetation lines the riverbed, while the surrounding meadows form a transition zone between forest and water.

What can visitors do in Údolí Brtnice?

In summer the valley invites a relaxed walk among rocks and greenery, with a blue-marked hiking trail running the full length of the roughly eight-kilometre route through the gorge. In winter the same paths turn into a route for cross-country skiing, making the reserve worth visiting throughout the year.

Where is Údolí Brtnice located?

The reserve lies in the Vysočina Region, directly bordering the town of Brtnice, not far from Jihlava. Its approximate coordinates are 49.3373°N, 15.709°E.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the trail through the valley? The blue-marked hiking trail runs through the entire valley for approximately eight kilometres.

What is worth seeing along the way? Besides rock formations such as Výrova skála, it's worth noting the ruins of the Gothic castle Rokštejn overlooking the valley.

Is the reserve suitable for winter trips? Yes, in winter the valley route is used as a cross-country skiing trail.

Which animal species are protected here? Among the most notable are the black-spotted blue butterfly, the sainfoin burnet moth, and the alpine newt, all found on the reserve's warm, rocky slopes.