Pařezov: Nature Trail, Views and Nature

Pařezov brings together local history and a variety of natural features. The Pařezovský kopec nature trail is located within the municipality; the area is associated with scenic views, protected species and recreation in nature. Nearby, in Nový Pařezov, the Postřekovské rybníky Nature Reserve adds wet meadows and ponds. This gives you a clear choice when planning your holiday: the trail on the hill or the wetland, which is important for birds.

A historical landmark

Nový Pařezov was first mentioned in writing in 1757, alongside Starý Pařezov. This joint mention provides a specific date for the local history and places both settlement names in the same historical context. If you would like to discover a place’s history as well as its landscape while travelling, this historical perspective complements the municipality’s natural attractions.

The trail on Pařezovský kopec

The Pařezovský kopec nature trail is about 850 m long and is intended for a short break in nature. Information boards at the beginning and end describe the area in more detail. The trail starts at the southern edge of Pařezov and is directly accessible from there. Its length gives the nature experience a specific spatial scale, while the boards add information about the area along the way. The route itself and the landscape it passes through are thus two distinct aspects of the visit.

Views and protected species

Climbing Pařezovský kopec offers views over Chodsko. The view also takes in the main ridge of the Český les, the Hoher Bogen massif in Bavaria, the highest peaks of the Šumava Mountains and Brandžovský hvozd, with the ruins of Rýzmberk and Nový Herštejn castles. The panorama therefore encompasses both named landscapes and historic ruins.

Several protected plant and animal species occur on Pařezovský kopec, including the lesser butterfly-orchid and the scarce swallowtail. A visitor update dated 14 August 2024 also reports that yaks graze around the trail and that visitors may encounter them. The views, protected species and reported grazing give the hill several distinct connections with nature.

Wetlands and land use

The northern part of the Postřekovské rybníky Nature Reserve lies near Nový Pařezov. It has wet meadows and small, extensively managed ponds. The reserve is an important breeding and migratory stopover area for birds; rare and protected plant species are also found there. The wet meadows and ponds give this natural area a different character from the trail and views on Pařezovský kopec.

Another landscape feature is the Ždánov open-pit mine between the municipalities of Pařezov and Ždánov. Pegmatites are extracted there; the site measures approximately 200 × 150 m. This adds the use of the landscape for mineral extraction to the perspectives of nature and scenic views.

Choose the focus of your holiday

When looking for a holiday rental in Pařezov, let the kind of holiday you want guide your choice. The nature trail and hill with its views are within the municipality of Pařezov, while the northern part of Postřekovské rybníky lies near Nový Pařezov. Consider whether you would prefer to connect your stay more with the trail and views from the hill, or with the wetlands and their importance for birds. This way, you can focus your accommodation search on the landscapes that interest you most.

Discover more destinations: Poděvousy, Osvračín, Pivon, Tlumačov, Všeruby U Kdyně, Kolovec, Trhanov, Mířkov

For the wider travel guide: Domažlice District.