Vyzkum

Výzkum is a 439-metre hill, one of the dominant peaks in the western part of the White Carpathians (Bílé Karpaty), located within the cadastral territory of the municipality of Tasov in the Hodonín District of the South Moravian Region, Czech Republic.

Where is Výzkum located?

The hill rises within the White Carpathians range, near the Czech-Slovak border, in the Horňácko micro-region. The village itself, Tasov (in full, Tasov nad Veličkou), sits on the Velička river roughly 6 km southeast of Veselí nad Moravou. It was historically a wine-growing village, and the gentle slopes around it — once covered with vineyards and orchards — still carry that character today.

What makes the surrounding area special?

Výzkum lies right inside the Bílé Karpaty Protected Landscape Area (CHKO Bílé Karpaty), one of the most valuable grassland regions in Europe. The area is famous for its so-called orchid meadows, hosting one of the richest concentrations of orchid species anywhere in Central Europe. Nearby reserves such as Čertoryje are home to more than 500 species of higher plants, including 22 species of meadow orchids. The rolling, dome-shaped hills typical of the White Carpathians, dotted with old orchards, hedgerows and patches of forest, form a mosaic landscape that earned the whole region UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status in 1996.

How do you get to Výzkum?

The hill is part of the marked hiking trail network of the White Carpathians. The Orchid Educational Trail (Orchidejová naučná stezka) runs across it, linking the peaks of Kobyla, Výzkum and Šumárník — a route designed specifically to showcase the unique flora of the local steppe meadows. From there, trails continue toward the Vojšické louky meadows and the Kněždubský háj woodland, making it easy to plan a longer half-day hike through the most scenic corners of Horňácko. Most visitors start from the village of Tasov itself or from neighbouring settlements in the Hodonín District.

What will you see on the way and at the top?

Despite its modest elevation, the summit ranks among the dominant points of the western White Carpathians, offering broad views over the surrounding rolling hills, river valleys and, on clear days, more distant ridgelines. Walking across Výzkum means passing through a distinctive cultural landscape — old orchards, extensively grazed or mown meadows, and pockets of deciduous forest that shelter rare butterflies and meadow birds alongside the region's famous orchids.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring and early summer (May–June) are the best months, when the meadows around the hill are in full bloom and the orchids reach their peak. Autumn is a quieter, equally scenic option for hiking, when the old orchards nearby bear fruit — a direct link to Tasov's long winemaking and fruit-growing tradition.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Výzkum? Výzkum stands at 439 metres above sea level and is one of the dominant peaks in the western part of the White Carpathians.

Which municipality does Výzkum belong to? The hill lies within the cadastral area of Tasov (Tasov nad Veličkou), in the Hodonín District of the South Moravian Region.

Which trails cross Výzkum? The Orchid Educational Trail crosses the summit, connecting Kobyla, Výzkum and Šumárník, with further links toward the Vojšické louky meadows and the Kněždubský háj woodland.

Why is the area around Výzkum ecologically important? It sits within the Bílé Karpaty Protected Landscape Area, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its orchid meadows and one of the highest concentrations of orchid species in Central Europe.