Vyšenské kopce

Vyšenské kopce is a national nature reserve on the southern slopes of the Kleť massif, in the valley below Městský vrch hill (608 m), roughly two kilometers northwest of the historic center of Český Krumlov. The reserve forms part of the Blanský les protected landscape area and is designated a Natura 2000 site of Community importance, ranking among the scientifically most valuable protected territories in the South Bohemian Region.

What makes this reserve so significant?

The defining feature of Vyšenské kopce is its geology: extensive limestone outcrops that, over centuries, allowed a relict complex of plant communities to develop. Limestone bedrock favors warmth-loving species that are otherwise uncommon in this part of Central Europe. The combination of calcareous substrate, south-facing slopes, and the valley's own microclimate created conditions closer to those of a warmer region than the surrounding South Bohemian landscape.

What plant and animal life can visitors find here?

The reserve's terrain is a mosaic of forest, scrub, and semi-xerothermic grass-and-herb communities. This variety of habitats supports remarkable species richness — the site shelters numerous rare and protected plants, fungi, and animals whose presence is tied directly to the limestone ground beneath them. The alternation of woodland, shrub, and grassland patches concentrates an unusually dense range of species typical of dry, warmth-loving habitats within a relatively compact area.

How is the reserve set up for visitors?

A nature trail, built in 1997, runs through the reserve. It stretches 2.5 kilometers and includes fifteen numbered stops, making it easy to plan as a relaxed few-hour outing from Český Krumlov. Along the way, an outdoor geological exposition and a botanical rock garden illustrate both the underlying rock formations and the rock-dwelling plants that grow on them. Information panels at each stop let visitors learn about the reserve's origins, geology, and notable flora and fauna without needing a guide.

How accessible is it from Český Krumlov?

Its proximity to the town center — about two kilometers — makes the reserve easy to reach on foot or by bicycle, turning it into a natural extension of a visit to the historic old town. For travelers who want a dose of nature right next to a UNESCO-listed townscape, Vyšenské kopce offers a way to combine sightseeing with a short walk into a protected landscape.

Frequently asked questions

Are there restrictions on visiting the reserve? As a national nature reserve, the area is legally protected, so visitors should stay on the marked nature trail and avoid picking plants or straying off the path.

How long does the nature trail take to walk? The trail covers 2.5 kilometers across fifteen stops; a relaxed walk that pauses at each information panel usually takes around one and a half to two hours.

Why is it called "kopce" (hills)? The name refers to the hilly terrain on the southern slopes of the Kleť massif, where a sequence of rises and valleys creates the varied relief that supports the reserve's diverse habitats.