Beeches and Maples at Gabrielka is a small yet remarkable nature reserve in the Ore Mountains (Krušné hory), home to ancient beech forests mixed with an unusually fine population of sycamore maple. It's a place for those seeking quiet old-growth woodland rather than crowded trails.

The reserve stretches along the left side of the Telčský stream valley, at an elevation of 570-750 metres. The heart of the area is formed by 150-180-year-old beech stands with a notable admixture of sycamore maple, creating a dense, moist forest with an almost primeval feel. In spring the forest floor bursts into fresh green and wildflowers, in summer the canopy offers deep shade, and in autumn the beech and maple leaves turn brilliant shades of gold and red. Winters here are cold and snowy, true to the region's harsh mountain climate.

How to get there

• Kalek — eastern approach, easy to moderate walk, about 1-1.5 hours
• Gabrielina Huť (locally called Gabrielka) — starting point right at the reserve's edge

Practical information

• The reserve lies within the Novodomské rašeliniště – Kovářská bird area
• More than 70 animal species have been recorded here, including protected ones such as the viviparous lizard, slow worm, black stork, stock dove, Eurasian pygmy owl and red-breasted flycatcher
• Protected since 2000 for its valuable old beech and maple stands

This is one of the few places in the Ore Mountains where near-natural beech-maple forest has survived almost untouched for over a century and a half.