Břehyně - Pecopala

Břehyně-Pecopala National Nature Reserve is one of the oldest and most valuable protected areas in northern Bohemia, lying northeast of the town of Doksy in the scenic Máchův kraj region. Covering almost 974 hectares, the reserve brings together two strikingly different landscapes: a waterlogged basin surrounding the Břehyňský Pond and a forested sandstone plateau known as Pecopala.

Where does the name come from and how old is the reserve?

The reserve takes its name from the two landscape features that define it — the village and pond of Břehyně, and the Pecopala hill. It is one of the pioneers of nature conservation in the region: protection first began back in 1933, and the area was formally registered as a state nature reserve on 26 September 1967. This early recognition made Břehyně-Pecopala one of the first Czech sites included in the Council of Europe's network of biogenetic reserves, a designation reserved for areas of exceptional importance for preserving species diversity across the continent.

What can visitors find within the reserve?

The centerpiece of the reserve's lower section is Břehyňský Pond, whose history dates back to 1287, making it one of the oldest artificial water bodies in the region. It is surrounded by extensive reed beds, peat bogs, and marshy meadows, forming a mosaic of habitats typical of lowland wetlands. The second, markedly different part of the reserve is the sandstone plateau of Pecopala, covered with pine and beech forest. Elevation within the reserve varies considerably, ranging from 273 to 451 meters above sea level, which contributes to a diversity of microclimates and vegetation across the area.

Which species live in the reserve?

The combination of open water, peatland, and forest makes Břehyně-Pecopala one of the most biologically rich sites in the region. The area serves as an important breeding ground for birds — among the rarest species associated with the wetland section are the black grouse, the lesser spotted eagle, and the white-tailed eagle. The extensive peat bogs are also home to one of Europe's smallest dragonflies, a damselfly species known as a sprite. This richness of plant and animal life makes the reserve a destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers, though, as with any strictly protected reserve, visits should stay on designated trails.

What international recognition has the site received?

The ecological importance of Břehyňský Pond and its surrounding wetlands has been acknowledged on an international level. In 1991 the area was registered as a wetland of international importance, and in 1994 the entire reserve was included in the global network of biosphere reserves under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme. These designations confirm that Břehyně-Pecopala is far more than a local curiosity — it is a site of recognized global significance for biodiversity conservation.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the reserve located? Northeast of the town of Doksy, in the Máchův kraj region of northern Bohemia.

How large is the reserve? It covers close to 974 hectares, with elevations ranging from 273 to 451 meters above sea level.

Since when has the area been protected? Protection dates back to 1933, and it was granted state nature reserve status in 1967.

What does the terrain consist of? A combination of Břehyňský Pond with its surrounding reed beds and peat bogs, and the forested sandstone plateau of Pecopala.

What international recognition does it hold? It has been listed as an internationally important wetland since 1991 and has belonged to the UNESCO biosphere reserve network since 1994.