Blaník Protected Landscape Area

The Blaník Protected Landscape Area is the smallest protected area in the Czech Republic, but many advantages can be observed on its territory. You will have them right in front of you from the top of Velký Blaník mountain.

The twin peaks of Velký and Malý Blaník loom above the protected landscape area. The entire area is characterized by the harmony of the connection of beech forests, fields, picturesque villages and small chapels. Blaník is not only a sacred mountain surrounded by legends, it is our smallest protected landscape area that has managed to preserve floodplain and waterlogged meadows, ponds and peat bogs. The diverse nature and legends, whose roots go back to Celtic times, make this area so attractive.

• Tip for you: In the Podlesí nature reserve near Býkovice, lovers of fauna and flora will be in seventh heaven. This wetland area full of peat meadows is home to rare plant and animal species. In spring, purple fields of Western Marsh-Orchids bloom here, and the moist environment is also evidenced by the yellowish perennial meadow salsify. The banks of the Býkovický rybník pond are teeming with beetles and dragonflies, and three species of frogs can be seen in the reeds. 

Mythical legends have been surrounding the Blaník mountain since the 5th century BC, when the first Celts settled here. The remains of stone ramparts remind us of their fortress. However, a more recent legend about soldiers sleeping inside the mountain only arose a few centuries later. At the foot of the peak, near the village of Býkovice, a battle took place in the 15th century, when the enemy army was repulsed in a strange and unexplained way. People began to believe that an army was sleeping inside the mountain, which, with its commander Saint Wenceslas, would come out at the right moment to save the homeland.

• Interesting fact: Thanks to the legend of Czech bravery and hope, one of the foundation stones of the National Theatre was broken out of the mountain in 1868.

The Blaník Nature House is worth a visit. There you can learn a lot about unique natural features. When you look into the hatch guarded by the knight’s armour, you will hear the snoring of the knight’s retinue. An exhibition full of interactive elements can be found near Krasovice. You can continue your exploration if you follow the Blaník nature trail, which winds along the slopes of the mountain to the observation tower at the top.

What’s next?

It will certainly not be a mistake to extend your trip by visiting nearby Vlašim. A portion of history telling us about the first lords of the Gothic settlement, up to the stories of the princes of Auersperg, is served in the exhibitions of the local chateau, whose park is perfect for a romantic walk. Juicy hamburgers and other honest delicacies will be served to you at the Kancl bistro & burger. You can sit here with good food and drinks every day, except Mondays.