Karlovské bučiny is a small but remarkable national nature reserve protecting one of the best-preserved beech forest complexes in the Ještěd ridge area. Old-growth beeches, limestone-loving vegetation and rare orchids make this a hidden favorite among nature lovers exploring the hills above Liberec.

The reserve stretches across the steep northern slopes of Rozsocha hill (767 m), between 360 and 580 metres above sea level. Rocky outcrops break through the forest cover here and there, and the terrain can be quite steep in places. In spring the forest floor bursts with wildflowers, summer brings cool shade beneath the beech canopy, and autumn turns the whole hillside golden. The historic railway tunnel running beneath the reserve adds an unusual touch to the landscape.

• Karlov pod Ještědem railway station - about 500 m to the reserve boundary, easy to moderate walk, roughly 30-40 minutes to reach the entrance
• A 3.5 km nature trail with 6 information stops runs through the heart of the reserve

• Parts of the reserve are fenced to protect ground vegetation and young trees from deer browsing - please stay on marked paths
• Boundaries are marked with red stripes on tree trunks and boundary posts bearing the state emblem
• This is the only known site of the small-leaved helleborine (Epipactis microphylla) in the entire Bohemian Massif

That rare orchid alone makes the reserve botanically significant far beyond the region, so a visit in late spring or early summer rewards patient nature spotters with a truly unique sight.