Žofínský prales

Žofínský prales is the oldest nature reserve not only in the Czech Republic but in all of Central Europe. It lies in the Novohradské hory mountains, on the gentle northern slopes of Stříbrný vrch, southeast of the settlement of Žofín, within the municipality of Pohorská Ves. The protected area sits at an elevation of 735–825 metres above sea level and covers 102 hectares.

What makes this forest so exceptional?

The story of its protection goes back to 1838, when Count Jiří Augustin Buquoy, owner of the local estate, decided to exclude the area from all forestry management and timber extraction. Since then the forest has developed entirely naturally, without human intervention — making Žofínský prales a rare living record of what a Central European beech forest would look like if it had never been touched by human land management.

What grows in Žofínský prales?

The dominant species is European beech, accounting for roughly 80% of the tree stand. It is joined by Norway spruce (around 15%) and silver fir (around 5%), including individual trees over 300 years old. The oldest trees in the reserve are 300 to 400 years old, giving the forest the genuine character of a primeval woodland — full of deadwood, fallen trunks and a multi-layered structure rarely found in managed forests.

Can you visit Žofínský prales?

No. To ensure the undisturbed natural development of this primeval forest ecosystem, the reserve is closed to visitors. No hiking trails lead into the protected core area — the forest can only be observed from its edges.

Where exactly is it located?

Žofínský prales lies within the municipality of Pohorská Ves, in the Novohradské hory mountains in southern Bohemia, close to the border with Austria. The region is known for its extensive, sparsely populated forest tracts and hilly borderland landscape.

Frequently asked questions

Is Žofínský prales the oldest nature reserve in Europe? Yes, it is considered the oldest nature reserve not only in the Czech Republic but in the whole of Central Europe, protected continuously since 1838.

Which trees dominate the reserve? Mainly European beech (about 80% of the stand), alongside Norway spruce and silver fir, including trees more than 300 years old.

Can you walk into the forest? No, the reserve is closed to tourism to protect the natural, undisturbed development of its primeval ecosystem.

How old are the oldest trees? The oldest specimens are 300 to 400 years old.

How large is the reserve? It covers 102 hectares at an elevation of 735–825 metres above sea level.