Stráně Hlubokého dolu is a small but botanically remarkable nature reserve near the village of Tupadly in the Central Bohemian Region. Its sun-baked rocky slopes shelter a surprising number of rare and protected plant species rarely found together elsewhere in the Czech Republic.

The landscape here is dry and warm, with steep rocky edges overlooking the valley. In spring, the slopes come alive with the purple blooms of pulsatilla and other steppe-loving flowers, creating a striking contrast against the pale rock. Summer brings a parched, almost Mediterranean feel to the grassy edges, while autumn and winter reveal the bare stone character of the terrain. It's a peaceful spot, better suited to quiet nature walks than to strenuous hiking.

How to get there

• From the village of Tupadly — on foot to the reserve, uneven rocky terrain, easy to moderate difficulty
• Accessible from nearby trails in the Kokořínsko region

Practical information

• Protected since 2001, managed by the Nature and Landscape Protection Agency of the Czech Republic
• Home to rare and protected plants — please stay on paths and do not pick flowers
• Rocky ground — sturdy footwear recommended

This is one of the few places in Bohemia where the rare Bohemian meadow pulsatilla still grows, alongside several unusual spider species discovered during early surveys of the area.