Vysoký kámen (nature reserve)

Vysoký kámen is a nature reserve covering the summit and slopes of the hill of the same name (869 m), also known locally as Slepice, roughly one kilometre southwest of the village of Klení in the Český Krumlov district. The reserve sits within the Novohradské podhůří foothills and forms part of the larger Soběnovská vrchovina nature park, in a quiet corner of southern Bohemia near the Austrian border.

What rock formations are there to see?

The summit area is defined by striking periglacial rock formations, shaped over millennia by repeated freeze-thaw weathering. Visitors can find block fields, isolated standing rocks, and rock walls reaching up to around 20 metres in height. The bedrock consists of fine- to medium-grained porphyritic biotite granite threaded with quartz veins, giving the broken rock surfaces a distinctive lighter, veined pattern. Formations like these are typical of deeply weathered, ancient granite massifs across Central Europe and draw both geology enthusiasts and landscape photographers.

What plant and animal life is protected here?

The reserve protects a natural, mixed beech forest growing on a scree slope, with an unusually varied tree and understory composition compared to the region's typical managed woodland. Around the exposed rock outcrops, on sun-drenched, wind-exposed slopes, distinctive plant communities dominated by bilberry (blueberry) have developed — a species well adapted to extremely poor, stony soils. Over 160 species of butterflies and moths have been recorded across the forest and rocky margins, pointing to a rich mosaic of microhabitats, from damp shaded hollows to dry, sun-baked boulder fields.

The site also has ornithological significance: the reserve contains a nesting site of a golden eagle, one of Central Europe's most demanding birds of prey in terms of territorial space and freedom from disturbance. Because of this, parts of the reserve may be subject to seasonal access restrictions during the breeding period — worth checking before planning a visit.

Who is this reserve suited for?

Vysoký kámen is primarily a destination for hikers looking for a quiet, low-key trail with a strong geological element — the rock walls and block fields are genuinely impressive, even if less extensive than better-known sites such as Kleť or Blanský les. It's also a rewarding stop for nature observers: entomologists interested in butterflies, botanists tracking bilberry plant communities, and — with a respectful distance — birdwatchers. Given the modest elevation and moderate ascent, the trail is accessible to most hikers with an average level of fitness.

How do you get to the reserve?

The starting point is the village of Klení, from where a trail leads southwest, climbing the slope toward the summit area with its rock formations. The area lies within the wider Novohradské hory region and is reasonably well connected to larger towns in the Český Krumlov district, though Klení itself is a small rural settlement with little tourist infrastructure — it's worth bringing your own supplies for the trip.

Frequently asked questions

How high is the Vysoký kámen hill? The summit reaches 869 metres above sea level.

Can you go rock climbing in the reserve? The reserve exists for nature protection (forest, habitats, an eagle nesting site), so sport climbing isn't a typical or recommended activity here — the priority is minimising disturbance to wildlife and preserving intact plant communities.

What makes the forest here unusual? A natural, mixed beech forest on a scree slope, with a species composition that differs notably from the region's typical managed woodlands.

How far is the reserve from Klení? About one kilometre to the southwest of the village.