Vávrova skála

Vávrova skála is a small yet striking rock formation in the Žďárské vrchy uplands, situated northeast of the settlement of Pohledec, right next to Nové Město na Moravě in the Žďár nad Sázavou district of the Vysočina Region in the Czech Republic. Despite its modest size, this compact outcrop has drawn hikers, climbers and nature lovers for decades, offering one of the more distinctive rock features on the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands.

What exactly is Vávrova skála?

It is a protected natural monument safeguarding an exposed orthogneiss rock outcrop together with the surrounding vegetation — grassy communities with hair grass and patches of bilberry undergrowth. The rock itself measures roughly 18 by 15.5 metres and rises to a height of 10.5 metres, sitting at an elevation of 738–742 metres above sea level. Its irregular, sculpted shape is the product of frost weathering and water erosion during the early Quaternary period, a process typical of the region that carved hard crystalline rock into tower-like and mushroom-like formations found across the highlands.

How long has it been protected?

The site was designated a protected natural monument in 1983. Until 2017 it was known under a different name, "Na skále," before being renamed to reflect local tradition. Vávrova skála is in fact the smallest specially protected area within the entire Žďárské vrchy region — the strictly protected core covers only 600 square metres, though the surrounding buffer zone is considerably larger, spanning about 9,000 square metres. The formation lies within the broader Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area and forms part of the Hornosvratecká Upland.

Why is it worth a visit?

Vávrova skála is a popular destination for both hikers and amateur rock climbers. The outcrop has long served as a training spot for rock climbing and bouldering, making it a well-known name among local climbing communities. From the viewpoint by the rock, visitors are rewarded with a pleasant view over Nové Město na Moravě and part of the Žďárské vrchy range, adding extra value to the short walk needed to reach the site.

Where exactly is it located?

The rock sits in the Vysočina Region, right beside Nové Město na Moravě, a town best known as a biathlon and cross-country skiing centre. This makes it easy for visitors coming to town for its sporting facilities to combine their trip with a quick excursion to this small but remarkable rock formation.

Frequently asked questions

Can you climb Vávrova skála? Yes, the rock is used by amateur climbers and boulderers and is listed among the region's known climbing spots, though as a protected area it is subject to nature conservation rules.

How tall is Vávrova skála? The formation reaches a height of 10.5 metres, with a base measuring approximately 18 by 15.5 metres.

Since when has it been protected? It was granted natural monument status in 1983; until 2017 it was known as "Na skále."

Is there a view from the rock? Yes, from the vicinity of the rock you can see Nové Město na Moravě and part of the Žďárské vrchy range.