At Na Špičáku in Supíkovice, protected natural features meet a rich history of stone. Visitors planning a trip will find several different focuses: karst and caves, marble quarrying and industrial history, as well as local traditions.
The Na Špičáku Natural Area
Na Špičáku in Supíkovice is designated both a National Natural Monument (ÚSOP code CZ07137305576) and a Natura 2000 site (N2000 code CZ0713730). The protected area includes remnants of yew and juniper stands on a rocky ridge, up to 33 m high, at the summit of the 482 m Velký Špičák. The landscape also features a sea of white crystalline limestone boulders, surface karst formations and an underground limestone cave system. The natural setting thus encompasses vegetation, visible rock formations and structures beneath the ground.
The passages in the Na Špičáku Caves have a characteristic heart-shaped profile, formed by meltwater from a glacier. The current visitor route is 220 m long and accessible to people with limited mobility. The six-kilometre “In the Footsteps of the Ice Age” educational trail also leads to the cave. The lengths refer to different sections: 220 m is the visitor route inside the cave, while six kilometres is the educational trail leading to it. This distinction is useful when planning to visit the cave itself and walk the route to it as separate parts of your trip.
Marble and Industrial History
In the second half of the 19th century, Supíkovice became a leading centre for marble quarrying and processing. Because of this industry, the village acquired the symbolic nickname “Silesian Carrara”. The marble tradition gives the village a distinctive cultural and historical focus: you can explore the development of an important local industry alongside its natural and geological features.
The Vápenka is a separate example of industrial heritage: a listed technical monument dating from 1856. The structure is an oval stone shaft kiln used for burning lime. It therefore tells a different story from marble quarrying. The municipality maintains the Vápenka, which is accessible via a local road. As conditions on site may change, check them before your visit.
Visits and Planning Your Timing
The Supíkovice woodcarving event takes place every year during the summer holidays near the Vápenka. The exact dates vary from year to year. If you would like to combine your trip with the woodcarving event, check the dates for the relevant year. Tourists can visit the Church of St. Hedwig in the centre of Supíkovice; check the specific visiting hours in advance.
The Czech-Polish Way of St. James also passes through Supíkovice and is another point of interest for planning your trip. The local attractions offer different experiences: the cave visitor route is accessible and 220 m long, while the educational trail is six kilometres long. When planning, you can weigh these details alongside the historical attractions and the date of the annual event. This allows you to tailor your trip to your interests, whether you are primarily drawn to the cave and geological features, the history of marble and technology, or local traditions.
Discover more destinations: Vlčice, Rejvíz, Žulová, Písečná, Stará Červená Voda, Česká Ves, Bílá Voda, Velká Kraš.
For the wider travel overview: Jeseník District.
