Šimanov: Moorland and Wide-Ranging Views

Šimanov combines a hilly, largely forested setting with wide-ranging views and two distinct natural areas. The surroundings are well suited to hikes and walks in nature. The Šimanovské rašeliniště nature reserve lies within the municipality; Hajnice is about 500 metres northwest of the village. This creates a clear contrast for planning your trip: a small spring-fed peat bog here, a larger area with several wetland habitats there.

Location and landscape

Šimanov lies at the foot of the 713-metre-high Strážník; the village is situated at an elevation of 620 to 660 metres. The European watershed between the Elbe and Danube runs along its edge. The elevation figures refer to different points: 713 metres is the height of Strážník, while the range of 620 to 660 metres applies to Šimanov. This distinction helps prevent confusing the mountain’s elevation with that of the village. The watershed adds a large-scale landscape feature to this orientation.

Peat bog and wetland

The Šimanovské rašeliniště nature reserve lies about 500 metres south of Šimanov, within the municipality. It covers about four hectares and is located at an altitude of approximately 605 metres above sea level. As a valley and slope spring-fed peat bog, it combines a specific type of peatland with details about its location and spring-fed nature. The highly endangered moss species Meesia triquetra grows in the bog; its local population consists of only a few dozen shoots. Both the habitat and the species’ distinctive local occurrence are important to understanding its ecological significance.

Hajnice lies about 500 metres northwest of Šimanov, below Strážník. The nature area covers about 18 hectares and lies at an altitude of approximately 660 metres above sea level. Its landscape includes wet meadows, pastures, wetlands and a pond in the upper reaches of the Hejnický potok. Protected animal and plant species found in Hajnice include the noble crayfish, common snipe and broad-leaved marsh orchid. Comparing it with the roughly four-hectare spring-fed peat bog reveals two distinct natural profiles: Hajnice comprises several habitat types, while the bog is defined by its specific peatland type and local moss population.

Hiking and route orientation

The hilly, largely forested surroundings, with their wide-ranging views, are well suited to hikes and walks in nature. One specific road route is called “Bukovými lesy do Větrného Jeníkova” (“Through the beech forests to Větrný Jeníkov”): it follows the road towards Bílý Kámen and Šimanov, continuing to Větrný Jeníkov. For planning purposes, you can distinguish between two things: the landscape provides the general setting for walks and hikes, while the route gives a named road itinerary passing through the places listed.

Discover more destinations: Puklice, Suchá, Vysoké Studnice, Malý Beranov, Mirošov, Záborná, Hojkov, Luka Nad Jihlavou.

See the wider travel overview: Jihlava District.