Vyšný: Nature Trails and Graphite History

Vyšný combines nature trails with protected landscapes and traces of graphite mining. During your stay, you can choose between walking routes of different lengths and difficulty levels, a paved circular cycling route and a nature carriage ride. The educational trail in the Vyšenské kopce National Nature Reserve starts in Vyšný, in front of the administration building of the Blanský les Protected Landscape Area. The activities offer different experiences: walking, cycling or learning about the history of graphite mining.

Nature and Protected Habitats

The Vyšenské kopce National 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. The area includes meadows, shrubs and forests with a naturally composed range of species. Protection therefore extends to communities and a variety of habitats.

The Cvičák Natural Monument is located in the cadastral areas of Vyšný and Český Krumlov. It includes dry and mesic meadows as well as scattered trees and shrubs. A former motocross track within the natural monument is still used by cyclocross enthusiasts. The description of the area thus brings together protected meadows and a track that remains in use, without suggesting that they have to be combined into a single visitor activity.

Educational Trails and Cycling Route

The educational trail in the Vyšenské kopce National Nature Reserve is 2.5 km long, of moderate difficulty and intended exclusively for pedestrians. Another option is the Granátník educational trail, which can be started in Český Krumlov, particularly in the Vyšný district. You can reach its starting point on foot or by car; parking is available at the Nový Dvůr car park. The trail is 8.5 km long in total and has a low level of physical difficulty. When comparing the routes, it is important to consider both their distances and their respective difficulty ratings.

The Malý lazecko-vyšenský circuit is a 14 km paved circular cycling route. It is rated easy. From the Vyšný district, it descends along new hairpin bends to the sports complex. Alongside the two educational trails, you can therefore also choose an option explicitly designated as a cycling circuit, with its own route.

Graphite History in Vyšný

The first written record of the village of Vyšný dates from 1272. A later chapter in the village’s history is connected with the exploration of a graphite deposit: after 1945, an 11 m deep exploration adit, shaft No. 42, was created on the western slope of Liščí hora in the Cvičák Natural Monument. It has since been filled in; the area is secured with a wooden fence and information boards.

These are distinct from the graphite-mining pits, which can be seen at the end of the walk to the Vyšenské kopce. They lie on the outskirts of Český Krumlov, near the Vyšný residential area. When planning your visit, you can therefore distinguish between the filled-in exploration shaft on Liščí hora and the visible pits at the end of the walk. The historical landmarks span the period from the village’s first written record to the work carried out after 1945.

More Things to Do Nearby

The nature carriage ride passes through Lazec, Vyšný, Český Krumlov and Dobrkovice. Refreshments in the carriage or a stop for a picnic are possible. As service information may change, check the latest details about the ride before making plans.

Vyšný also has a local children’s playground, where you can stop before setting off on the educational trail. Together with educational trails of different lengths, the cycling circuit and traces of graphite mining, Vyšný offers several specific themes to help you plan your stay.

Discover more destinations: Wettern, Neudorf B. Berlau, Krems, Malsching, Lippen, Groß Umlowitz, Krumau, Oberhaid

Back to the main travel overview: Český Krumlov District.