Žákova hora

Žákova hora is a forested peak in the municipality of Cikháj, part of the Moravian section of the Žďárské vrchy (Žďár Hills) on the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. It sits in the Žďár nad Sázavou district of the Vysočina region, roughly 2 km northeast of the village of Cikháj itself and 3 km southwest of Devět skal, the highest point of the entire range. The summit reaches 810 m above sea level, and together with its southern slopes it forms the core of the Žákova hora National Nature Reserve — one of the oldest protected areas in Vysočina, first established by decree of the Czechoslovak Ministry of Education back on 31 December 1933.

What will you find at the summit?

Don't expect a view — the top of Žákova hora is densely wooded today and offers no open panorama. Until 1954, however, a 40-meter wooden lookout tower stood right here, giving visitors a sweeping view over the surrounding countryside. The tower is long gone and no trace of it remains, which can be a mild disappointment for anyone hoping for a lookout point. It's best to approach Žákova hora as a nature destination rather than a viewpoint.

The real attraction is the reserve itself. The forest on the southern slopes has developed a character close to primeval woodland and ranks among the most valuable, longest-protected natural areas in the Vysočina region. It's a rare chance to walk through a stand of trees that has grown for decades with almost no human interference — complete with fallen trunks, deadwood, and the uneven, multi-generational structure typical of untouched forest.

How to get to Žákova hora?

The natural starting point is the village of Cikháj, from which it's about 2 km to the summit. The most rewarding way to explore the area is to follow the Žákova hora educational trail (naučná stezka) — a roughly 2.5 km loop that's manageable even with small children. Along the way, ten information panels explain the history and ecology of the surrounding forest and the reserve. The trail connects into the wider network of paths across the Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area, so it's easy to extend the walk into a longer hike, for instance toward Devět skal.

What makes the reserve's nature special?

The area around Žákova hora is notable for its fungal diversity — researchers have recorded 367 species of mushrooms here, making it one of the more interesting mycological sites in the region. The forest floor also shelters rare and protected plants and mosses. This richness is a direct result of decades of reserve-level protection and minimal forestry intervention in the area's natural processes.

When should you visit?

Since the main draw here is nature rather than a summit view, late spring and summer are the best times to come, when the forest is at its greenest and the educational trail is dry and easy to walk. Autumn is a particularly good season for mushroom enthusiasts, when the reserve's species diversity is most visible. In winter the trail can be snow-covered, so proper footwear is needed, but it rewards visitors with a quiet, uncrowded walk through the forest.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a lookout tower on Žákova hora? No. A 40-meter wooden lookout tower stood on the summit until 1954 but was later removed, and nothing remains of it today. The peak is forested and has no view.

How high is Žákova hora? The summit reaches 810 meters above sea level and lies in the Devítiskalská vrchovina, the Moravian part of the Žďárské vrchy range.

How long is the educational trail? The Žákova hora naučná stezka is about 2.5 km long and easy enough for families with small children, passing ten information panels about the local nature and history along the way.

Why is Žákova hora protected? The southern slopes of the peak are covered by forest resembling primeval woodland. A National Nature Reserve was established here as early as 1933, making it one of the oldest and most valuable protected areas in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands.