Velký Kosíř

Velký Kosíř is the highest hill in the Haná region, reaching 442 meters above sea level. It sits roughly 9 km northwest of Prostějov and 15 km southwest of Olomouc, with its summit falling within the cadastral territory of the village of Slatinky in the Prostějov district. Since 2000, this forested, flat-topped hill has formed the core of the Velký Kosíř Natural Park, a protected area of nearly 20 square kilometers crossed by a nature trail. Locals affectionately call it the "Haná Mont Blanc" — a nod to how far this modest but unmistakable landmark stands out above the surrounding lowland.

What's on the summit?

A 28-meter observation tower crowns the hilltop, with a viewing platform set at 25 meters. It's actually the second tower on this spot — a wooden predecessor stood here from 1927 until 1939, when it was torn down due to disrepair. The current tower opened in 2013 and was built to offer views toward the Bouzov Hills, the Haná plain, and on clear days even the distant outline of the Nízký Jeseník mountains. Unfortunately, structural damage forced its closure in 2017, and a demolition order followed in 2023 after rot was found in the timber; reconstruction isn't expected before 2027. Anyone planning a visit should check current access before setting out, since the tower itself may not be climbable.

What natural areas surround the hill?

Velký Kosíř is ringed by several smaller protected sites. Closest to the summit lies the Malý Kosíř nature reserve, while nearby you'll also find the Kosířské lomy national natural monument — a set of former quarries — along with the Andělova zmola nature reserve and the Studený kout natural monument. Together they make the wider natural park a destination valued as much for its plant and wildlife interest as for the summit view.

Which trails lead up, and how do you get there?

The yellow and green waymarked trails offer the most direct routes to the observation tower. Popular starting points include the train station in Slatinice (yellow trail) and the village of Čelechovice (both yellow and green trails). The climb through the wooded slopes typically takes a bit over an hour, depending on the route and starting point chosen.

What else is worth noticing along the way?

At the northeastern foot of the hill, along the yellow trail toward Slatinice, stands a memorial to four pilots who died in a helicopter crash in 1998. On the slope above the village of Čechy pod Kosířem, meanwhile, there's a small niche chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary — a modest devotional spot tucked into the forest.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Velký Kosíř? The hill rises to 442 meters, making it the highest point in the Haná region.

Can you climb the observation tower? Not currently — it has been closed since 2017 due to structural damage, and rebuilding isn't planned until after 2027.

Which trails reach the summit? The yellow and green trails are the main options, starting from places like Slatinice or Čelechovice.

Are there nature reserves nearby? Yes — the whole area is covered by the Velký Kosíř Natural Park, which includes the Malý Kosíř reserve and the Kosířské lomy natural monument, among others.

Is this the same place as Malý Kosíř? No — Malý Kosíř is a separate, neighboring hill with its own nature reserve and history.