Ostaš, Nature reserve in Žďár nad Metují, Czech Republic
Ostaš is a nature reserve near Žďár nad Metují featuring sandstone formations shaped by water and wind over millions of years. The landscape contains narrow canyons, sheer cliffs, and natural rock overhangs spread across several hiking routes.
The area received official protection status in 1956 to safeguard its distinctive geological formations and diverse ecosystems. The sandstone layers formed in an ancient sea and were later carved into a complex rock maze by natural erosion.
The place serves as a habitat for rare plant and animal species adapted to rocky environments found in the wider region. Visitors experience nature on its own terms, where wildlife and geological features coexist without heavy human modification.
Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and maintain basic fitness, as paths wind between rocks and through canyons. The marked trails require caution in wet conditions, as stone surfaces become slippery.
The area is known for natural rock passages that visitors can walk through, offering an almost underground exploration experience. These hidden passages were carved entirely by the slow work of water and time.
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