The educational trail of the Vyšenské kopce National Nature Reserve starts in Vyšný, beside the administration building of the Blanský les Protected Landscape Area. The area around the village offers several options for a stay: a trail through the nature reserve, another educational trail, a cycling loop and traces of graphite mining. The routes differ in length, activity and difficulty, providing a useful basis for choosing excursions to suit your plans.

Nature Reserve and Educational Trails

The Vyšenské kopce educational trail is 2.5 kilometres long, has a moderate difficulty level and is for pedestrians only. The nature reserve is considered the most valuable natural area in the Blanský les Protected Landscape Area. On limestone bedrock, it protects communities of warmth-loving plants and animals; its habitats include meadows, shrubs and forests with naturally composed species communities.

A longer educational trail option is Granátník, which can also be started in Vyšný. The trail is 8.5 kilometres long and has a low physical difficulty level. You can reach the starting point on foot or by car; parking is available at Nový Dvůr car park. This gives you two distinct options to consider when planning: the shorter route of moderate difficulty in the nature reserve, and the longer Granátník trail with a low physical difficulty level.

Protected Area and Mining History

The Cvičák Natural Monument lies within the cadastral territories of Vyšný and Český Krumlov. Its landscape includes dry and mesic meadows, as well as scattered trees and shrubs. A former motocross track is still used by cyclocross fans—an example of how the area’s use has changed while its former name has remained.

The history of graphite mining can also be seen at Cvičák. After 1945, an 11-metre-deep exploratory adit, shaft No. 42, was created on the western slope of Liščí hora within the natural monument to investigate a graphite deposit. It has since been filled in; a wooden fence and information boards secure the area. These are distinct from the graphite mine workings that remain visible at the end of the walk to Vyšenské kopce, on the edge of Český Krumlov near the Vyšný residential area.

The village itself also has a long history: its first written mention dates from 1272. Vyšný also has a local children’s playground to visit before setting off on the educational trail. It is a separate stop before the trail and should not be confused with facilities along the entire route.

Cycling Loop and Nature Ride

If you prefer to get around by bike, try the Malý lazecko-vyšenský loop: an easy, 14-kilometre cycling circuit on paved roads. From the Vyšný district, it descends on new hairpin bends to the sports complex. This makes it clearly distinct from the two educational trails: it is described as a cycling loop and has its own route.

Another option is a nature ride by horse-drawn carriage through Lazec, Vyšný, Český Krumlov and Dobrkovice. Refreshments in the carriage or a stop for a picnic are possible. As service details may change, it is best to check the option you want in advance for your chosen date.

Vyšný thus remains a starting point for your search, linked to specific interests in excursions without treating the different routes and their requirements as interchangeable.

Discover more destinations: Netrobitz, Unterhaid, Oemau, Rosenthal, Sirnin, Krumau, Moyne, Oberplan.

Go to the regional travel overview: Okres Český Krumlov.