Amerika

Amerika is a forest park and nature reserve on the southwestern edge of Františkovy Lázně, directly bordering the town's historic spa parks. At its heart lies a large fish-farming pond covering nearly 60 hectares, part of a wider pond system spread across the forest park of the same name. The pond averages about 3.5 metres in depth, and at its centre sits a sizeable island of roughly 8 hectares, overgrown with willows, birches, alders and reeds.

Why is Amerika ecologically valuable?

At first glance the area looks unassuming, but it is in fact a biologically remarkable pocket of wild nature at the edge of a spa town. The reserve serves as a significant breeding site and migration stopover for numerous bird species, some of them critically endangered on a European scale, which find shelter in the sedge beds, reed thickets and transitional peatlands. It is considered one of the most important bird-breeding sites in western Bohemia. Protection also extends to other animals, particularly amphibians, for which the reserve provides especially favourable conditions.

What can visitors do in the Amerika forest park?

Despite its protected status, the Amerika forest park primarily functions as a recreational area for spa guests and visitors to Františkovy Lázně. A network of maintained forest paths and rest spots winds around the pond and through the surrounding woods. Facilities include a bird-watching tower, an educational trail describing the local nature, a bathing area, boat rental, a playground, a campsite, a small zoo with raccoons, goats, horses and llamas, and a miniature train. Benches line the pond shore, and a small observation platform is set up specifically for birdwatching.

Where exactly is Amerika located?

The reserve lies in the cadastral territory of Františkovy Lázně–Klest, in the Cheb district of western Bohemia. It directly adjoins the town's historic spa parks, making it easily reachable on foot from the centre.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim at Amerika? Yes, the forest park has a bathing area on the pond, popular with spa guests and locals during the summer season.

Is it a good spot for birdwatching? Absolutely — it is one of the most important breeding and migration sites for birds in western Bohemia, with a dedicated tower and observation platform.

Is there anything for children? Yes, the park offers a playground, a small zoo with farm and exotic animals (including llamas), and a miniature train.

How big is the island on the pond? The island at the centre of the Amerika pond covers about 8 hectares and is overgrown with willows, birches, alders and reeds.

Is Amerika far from the centre of Františkovy Lázně? No, the forest park directly borders the town's historic spa parks, so it's only a short walk from the centre.