Údolí Říčky is one of the most valuable spots in the Moravian Karst - a wild stream valley framed by limestone rock, caves and richly diverse forest. Here the landscape shifts constantly, from shady oak-hornbeam woods to sun-baked, warmth-loving grasslands on the south-facing slopes.

The reserve stretches along both banks of the Říčka stream across more than 141 hectares. In spring it delights with a lush forest floor and birdsong, in summer with cool shaded ravines beneath old beech trees, and in autumn with colourful leaves mirrored in the crystal-clear stream. This is classic karst country, riddled with caves, sinkholes and mysterious underground phenomena.

How to get there

• Ochoz u Brna - trail through the valley, approx. 1.5-2 hours one way, easy to moderate difficulty
• Kaprálův mlýn - alternative starting point, following the stream upstream

Practical information

• This is a protected nature reserve - stay on marked trails and the educational path
• Numerous caves (including Ochozská Cave) serve as bat hibernation sites - entry is prohibited or restricted
• Pekárna Cave, a famous archaeological site, is protected separately as a national natural monument
• A nature trail with information panels runs through the reserve

One curiosity worth knowing is the estavela below Hádek - a rare karst feature where water can either emerge or disappear underground depending on water levels. The Říčka stream itself vanishes underground several times within the reserve before finally resurfacing near Kaprálův mlýn.