Zahálkovy skalky

Zahálkovy skalky is a rocky viewpoint above the village of Kladky, in the Prostějov District of the Olomouc Region, Czech Republic.

The formation sits on a ridge that today forms the border between the Olomouc and Pardubice regions, and it also marks the highest point of the Bouzov Highlands (Bouzovská vrchovina) at 610 metres above sea level. It is likewise the highest elevation within the Kladecko Nature Reserve. The rocks rise above Kladky, surrounded by beech woods, and have long been regarded as the "roof" of this part of the region.

What will you see there?

Zahálkovy skalky is a modest but distinctive rock outcrop — sandstone blocks split by narrow gaps and passages that visitors can squeeze through. That very feature is where the local nickname comes from, since the rocks are "passable" rather than a solid wall. From the top, a wide panorama opens over the surrounding hills and valleys of the Bouzov region, which is one of the main reasons the spot has drawn hikers for generations.

The rocks also carry a slice of military history. During large Czechoslovak army exercises in the 1930s, an observation post and command staff headquarters were set up here, and the site was visited by President Edvard Beneš. Little physical trace of those events remains today, but the story adds an extra layer of interest to a visit.

How do you get there?

The site is easy to reach by car year-round — a parking area lies only about 500 metres from the rocks themselves, so the approach is short. The path is gentle enough to suit families with small children, which makes Zahálkovy skalky a good choice for a short afternoon outing rather than a destination reserved for experienced hikers only.

The village of Kladky, over which the rocks tower, has a modest but notable history of its own: it was founded around 1320 and today has roughly 400 inhabitants. It lies at the foot of the southern peaks of the Zábřeh Highlands, northwest of the town of Konice, making it a convenient base for exploring the wider area.

When should you visit?

The site is accessible throughout the year, and each season brings something different. In spring and summer, the surrounding beech forest offers welcome shade along the approach; in autumn the woods turn colourful; and in winter, snow permitting access to the car park, the views over the snow-covered Bouzov Highlands are especially striking. Thanks to the short distance from parking to the rocks, Zahálkovy skalky remains a practical outing even when conditions aren't perfect.

Frequently asked questions

Can you drive close to the rocks? Yes, the parking area is about 500 metres from the formation, so the walk in is short and requires no special preparation.

Is the route suitable for children? Yes, the short distance and gentle terrain make it a good option for families with small children.

What makes these rocks unusual? They form a "passable" rock outcrop — narrow gaps between the sandstone blocks let visitors walk through rather than around them, which is where the local name comes from.

Is there anything else worth seeing nearby? Yes, the rocks lie within the Kladecko Nature Reserve and form its highest point, while the village of Kladky itself, founded around 1320, makes a good starting point for exploring the Bouzov Highlands.