Wilsonova skála

Wilsonova skála is a striking rock tower rising above the Dalešice reservoir, right next to the village of Hartvíkovice in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. It ranks among the best-known viewpoints in the Třebíč district and draws both hikers and boat-trip visitors.

Where does the name come from?

The rock is named after US President Woodrow Wilson. It originally stood around 100 metres tall, but after the Dalešice dam was built on the Jihlava river in the 1970s, the lower part of the rock — down to roughly 45 metres — was flooded. What visitors see rising above the water today is only the upper portion of a once much larger formation.

What will you see at the top?

A railed viewing platform sits at the summit, offering wide views over the reservoir and the forested slopes of the Jihlava valley. It's the kind of spot worth lingering at, especially around sunset when the water catches the light.

Right beside the viewpoint stands a wooden heart, installed in 2021 by local artist Vlastimil Sedláček. It has since become an unofficial symbol of the place and a favourite photo spot.

The rock also carries faint traces of a medieval stronghold known as Kokštejn (or Kufštejn) — today little more than an outline of old walls remains, but it adds a layer of history to what would otherwise be a purely scenic stop.

How do you get there?

The easiest approach is a yellow-marked trail from Hartvíkovice — an easy walk of thirty minutes to an hour depending on your pace. The loop from the village to Wilsonova skála and back covers just under 3 kilometres with about 80 metres of elevation gain, manageable for almost anyone.

An alternative starting point is the nearby Wilsonka campsite, right on the water, from which the rock is only a short walk away. During the summer season, regular boat services also cross the reservoir, letting visitors combine a visit to the rock with a trip on the Dalešice reservoir itself.

For climbers and active visitors

Climbing bolts are fixed into the rock face, and the site doubles as a small local training spot for climbers. This mix of scenic viewpoint and climbing wall gives Wilsonova skála a broad appeal — families out for a stroll, photographers, and climbers all show up here.

When to visit?

Spring and summer are the best times, when the reservoir's water level is high and the views are at their most dramatic. In autumn, the forests around the lake turn colour and add extra charm, though daylight hours shorten. In winter the trail can turn muddy or icy, so sturdy footwear is worth packing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to reach Wilsonova skála? The walk from Hartvíkovice takes 30 to 60 minutes one way, depending on fitness and pace.

Can you reach it another way besides on foot? Yes — seasonal boat services cross the Dalešice reservoir, allowing access near the rock by water, for example from the Wilsonka campsite.

Is the viewpoint safe for children? The platform has a railing, but as with any elevated viewpoint over a cliff, keep an eye on younger children and stay within the marked area.

What else is worth seeing nearby? Combine the visit with a walk or boat trip on the Dalešice reservoir and a stop in Hartvíkovice itself, where the marked trail to the rock begins.