About this place
Velký kámen is a protected nature monument in the Klatovy District, situated on the west-facing slope of the V Kopaninách hill, east of the village of Bližanovy. It forms part of the Kakov – Plánický hřeben nature park, which stretches across the Plánická highlands in southwestern Bohemia. A red-marked hiking trail connecting Nepomuk and Plánice passes directly by the site, making it easily accessible on foot for visitors exploring this stretch of the Šumava foothills.
What is there to see?
The centerpiece of the site is a segmented rock formation roughly 60 metres long and about 30 metres wide. The rocks consist of cordierite-bearing, banded migmatites — metamorphic rocks formed when older rock layers were partially melted and reshaped under high temperature and pressure. The characteristic banding visible in the outcrops results from alternating layers of light and dark minerals, making the site notable not only for hikers but also for anyone interested in regional geology.
Why is the area protected?
The nature monument was established primarily for its geological and geomorphological value — a well-defined rock complex displaying clear traces of metamorphic processes. A second reason for protection is the presence of surviving fragments of natural beech forest growing on the rocky terrain, mixed with fir and large-leaved lime. Forest stands of this kind, close to their natural species composition, have become rare across many parts of the Czech Republic, adding further ecological weight to the site.
What is the archaeological significance of the site?
The summit of the rocky hill was inhabited in the past. During the Eneolithic period (the Late Stone Age), a hilltop settlement belonging to the Cham culture occupied the rocky elevation, which offered three small plateaus suitable for habitation. Because of this historical value, the site has been protected as a cultural monument since 1972, independent of the later nature protection covering the wider area.
How do you get to Velký kámen?
The easiest approach is via the red-marked hiking trail running between Nepomuk and Plánice. The route allows visitors to combine a stop at the monument with a longer walk through the Plánická highlands, part of the broader Šumava region. Given the forested and rocky terrain, sturdy hiking footwear is advisable, especially during wetter periods of the year.
Frequently asked questions
Is Velký kámen a single rock or a group of rocks? It is a segmented rock formation — a cluster of outcrops roughly 60 metres long in total, rather than a single boulder.
What kind of rock forms the site? Cordierite-bearing, banded migmatites, a type of metamorphic rock with visible banded mineral layering.
Since when has the area been protected? The archaeological value of the hilltop has been protected as a cultural monument since 1972, and the area itself was later also designated a nature monument.
How can you reach the site? The easiest way is via the red-marked hiking trail connecting Nepomuk and Plánice, in the Klatovy District.
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