Milešický prales

Milešický prales is a nature reserve in the Šumava region containing an intact forest of beech, sycamore, fir, and spruce trees that reach heights over 30 meters. The woodland covers approximately 10 hectares of continuous forest.

The reserve was established by the Czech government in 1948 as a formally protected natural area. This designation marked the beginning of systematic conservation efforts in the region.

The forest functions as an outdoor research laboratory where scientists study ecological processes and natural recovery in Central European woodlands. Visitors can observe how nature regenerates when left undisturbed.

The area is accessible via marked hiking trails starting from Vimperk at about 15 kilometers away or from Volary at about 12 kilometers away. Good footwear is important since the trails pass through forested terrain.

Roughly two-thirds of the reserve consists of fallen logs and decomposing wood that provide essential habitats for rare woodpeckers and specialized moss species. These dead-wood structures are vital for the forest's biodiversity.

Location: cadastral municipality

Inception: January 23, 1948

GPS coordinates: 48.98480,13.83810

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:41