About this place
Veselský chlum is a small but strikingly picturesque nature reserve on a 578-metre hill located about 400 metres north of the village of Veselí, within the municipality of Lomnice, in the Brno-venkov district, on the Hornosvratecká vrchovina highlands. The protected area covers roughly 12.44 hectares and was declared a natural monument in 1990.
What makes this place special?
The ridge of Veselský chlum is one of the best-preserved examples of traditional farming on poor, rocky soil in the region. Centuries of working this difficult terrain shaped a distinctive patchwork landscape: small fields, orchards, pastures and flower-rich herbaceous meadows, divided by low walls built from flat gneiss stones. This kind of small-scale, mosaic-like agricultural landscape has become rare in Central Europe, and it is the main reason the site was placed under protection.
Why visit?
The hilltop itself is treeless, opening up wide views over the surrounding rolling Moravian countryside. It makes for a good stop on a longer hike — a quiet, open spot with a view, away from the crowds found at the region's better-known attractions.
Nature and species protection
The mosaic of pastures, meadows and field margins supports a surprisingly rich diversity of plant life on a small area, including species that are regionally rare and legally protected. The way the land is managed — extensive grazing and mowing — matters just as much for preserving these natural values as the terrain itself, which is why conservation here focuses on continuing traditional farming practices rather than removing the land from use altogether.
How to get to Veselský chlum
A yellow-marked hiking trail runs along the edge of the protected area, leading from Štěpánovice, along the upper edge of the village of Veselí, to Ochoz u Tišnova. It's a convenient route for anyone looking for a peaceful walk through a rural, farmed landscape with scenic viewpoints at the top of the hill.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is Veselský chlum located? On a 578-metre hill about 400 metres north of the village of Veselí, in the municipality of Lomnice, Brno-venkov district, Moravia.
When was the area protected? In 1990, as a natural monument (přírodní památka) covering 12.44 hectares.
What can visitors see there? A mosaic of fields, orchards, pastures and flowering meadows divided by gneiss stone walls, plus wide views from the summit.
How can you reach it on foot? Via the yellow-marked trail running from Štěpánovice through Veselí to Ochoz u Tišnova.
Is the hill forested? No — the summit itself is deforested, which is what allows for the broad panoramic views.
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