Pod Dračí skálou is a small nature reserve tucked into the northern slope of Dračí vrch hill in the Jizera Mountains, protecting one of the richest natural populations of yew trees in Bohemia. It's a quiet, almost secretive spot for anyone who enjoys slow walks among ancient trees rather than sweeping panoramas.

Covering just 0.82 hectares, the reserve is home to over 500 yew trees, some of them up to 400 years old. The fenced-off grove has a hushed, timeless atmosphere - dark evergreen needles against the brighter deciduous forest around make for a striking contrast, especially in winter when snow settles on the branches. A nature trail winds through the site, making it easy to explore at a relaxed pace and learn about the trees along the way.

How to get there

• Fojtka - nature trail, a walk of a few dozen minutes, easy difficulty
• Can be combined with a hike up to the summit of Dračí vrch (676 m)

Practical information

• Protected since 1967, managed by the Jizera Mountains Protected Landscape Area Administration
• The yew grove is fenced - visitors should stick to the marked nature trail
• A full renovation of the trail infrastructure (fencing, information panels, steps) took place in 1998

Interestingly, back in 1850 nearly all the young yews growing around Fojtka were wiped out by deer enclosed in a newly created game park by the Clam-Gallas family - the old trees standing here today are true survivors of that era.