EN > Trip tips > Skalka

At first glance, the Skalka hilltop may appear inconspicuous. But look carefully, and you'll find that its tree cover is somewhat uncharacteristic for the Czech Republic, but rather reminiscent of primeval forest. This is because the site is covered by the remnants of natural mixed forest composed of fir and beech.

The features of this pristine landscape have made it the ideal home for numerous amphibian animals, such as lizards and legless ("glass") lizards, endangered birds, such as the Boreal Owl, the Stock Dove, and various cranes, and the critically endangered butterfly known as Clouded Apollo.

The educational trail that was built here in 2010 by the local ČSOP chapter Onyx thanks to the NET4GAS Closer to Nature programme consists of a 10-km circular loop around the Skalka hilltop (964 m ASL), the summit within the Ondřejník massif (which is itself in the foothills of the Moravian-Silesian Beskid Mountains. An information panel tells you more about the Skalka nature reserve, about the Beskid Mountains and its foothills, forest management, hunting traditions, and the history of alpine dairy farming. You will also appreciate the two newly-installed resting areas.