Bohemian-Moravian Highlands

The Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, often referred to as Vysočina, constitute a large undulating plateau and mountain range spanning the historical border between Bohemia and Moravia. Covering an area of over 11,000 square kilometers, it is a core part of the Bohemian Massif, primarily composed of ancient crystalline rocks like granite and gneiss. The highest point is Javořice, reaching an altitude of 837 meters in the southern Jihlava Hills. This region serves as a major European watershed, dividing the drainage basins of the Elbe and Vltava rivers (flowing into the North Sea) from the Morava and Danube tributaries (flowing into the Black Sea). The landscape is defined by its mosaic of dense forests, arable fields, and small ponds, maintaining a predominantly rural character. Several UNESCO World Heritage sites are located within the highlands, including the historic center of Telč and the Jewish Quarter in Třebíč. The climate is notably cooler and wetter than the surrounding lowlands, influencing local architecture and traditional agricultural practices such as potato and flax cultivation.

Nearby cities

Prague

Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic, situated on the Vltava River and famous for its historic center and Charles…

Prague

The Golden City on the Vltava River, famous for its historic Charles Bridge and the massive Prague Castle complex.

Brno

Brno is the historic center of Moravia and the second-largest city in the country, known for the Špilberk fortress and modernist architec…

České Budějovice

České Budějovice is the capital of South Bohemia, located at the confluence of the Vltava and Malše rivers, famous for its brewing tradit…

Máj

Máj is a large and significant housing estate in České Budějovice, known for its extensive panel building architecture and ongoing urban …

Hradec Králové

Hradec Králové is a city in eastern Bohemia at the confluence of the Elbe and Orlice rivers, known for its modern urban planning from the…

Pardubice

Pardubice is a major industrial and transport hub in eastern Bohemia, widely known for its traditional gingerbread and horse racing.

Lužiny Housing Estate

Lužiny is a large housing estate in the southwest of Prague, known for its modernist architecture and excellent connections to the city c…

Jihlava

Jihlava is the administrative center of the Vysočina Region and a former free mining town that grew wealthy in the Middle Ages from silve…

Prostějov

Prostějov is a city in the Olomouc Region, historically known for its textile and clothing industry as well as its Jewish history.

Tábor

Tábor was founded in the 15th century by the Hussites as a fortified settlement and is closely linked to the history of the Czech Reforma…

Třebíč Jewish Quarter

One of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Třebíč

Třebíč is a historic city in the Vysočina Region, known for its exceptionally well-preserved Jewish quarter and Romanesque basilica.

Kolín

Kolín is a city on the Elbe River in Central Bohemia, known for its significant historical heritage and as a major industrial and chemica…

Písek

Písek is a historic city in South Bohemia on the Otava River, famous for the oldest preserved stone bridge in the country.

History & landmarks

Znojmo

A historic royal town perched above the Dyje River, famous for its medieval fortification, vast underground labyrinth, and wine.

Cesky Krumlov

A medieval jewel in South Bohemia, embraced by a loop of the Vltava River and crowned by a magnificent castle.