Cukl a Rozsečské rašeliniště

Cukl a Rozsečské rašeliniště is a small nature reserve right by the village of Rozseč nad Kunštátem, in the Blansko district of the South Moravian Region. Covering roughly 17.5 hectares on the Bobrová Highlands, it protects a mosaic of calcareous wetlands and damp meadows built around two ponds — one of the more valuable wetland habitats in this part of Moravia.

Why is this site protected?

The reserve exists to safeguard a rare combination of lime-rich fen and wet meadow, a habitat type that has largely disappeared elsewhere in the region due to drainage and intensive farming. Here the ponds, peat-forming ground and surrounding meadows have survived largely intact, making the area an important refuge for amphibians in particular.

What lives here?

The reserve is best known for its amphibian population. Common toads breed in the ponds, brown frogs are present, and the alpine newt also occurs in the area. The site additionally supports a healthy population of the noble crayfish, a species highly sensitive to water quality — its presence is a good indicator of the reserve's ecological condition. The calcareous fen supports plant communities that are increasingly rare across the wider region, adding botanical value on top of the site's importance for wildlife.

What can you see on site?

The two ponds, framed by reed beds and wet meadow vegetation, are the main draw — spring is the best time to observe amphibians during their breeding season. Because much of the terrain is genuinely boggy, visitors are advised to stick to marked paths, especially after rain. The surrounding meadows and small stands of trees give the reserve a quiet, intimate character typical of the borderland between the Bobrová Highlands and the Boskovice region.

How do you get there?

The reserve sits directly next to the village of Rozseč nad Kunštátem, just a few kilometers from the town of Kunštát. By car, it is reached via local roads from Kunštát or Boskovice, with the reserve itself a short walk from the village. The area is crossed by hiking trails linking Rozseč to neighboring villages, so a visit can easily be combined with a longer walk through the countryside.

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors walk through the reserve? Yes, but because it is a protected natural area, visitors should stay on marked paths and avoid entering the ponds or the peat-forming ground directly.

When is the best time to visit? Spring, when amphibians are breeding in the ponds, and summer, when the meadows are in full bloom, are the most rewarding times for nature observation.

Are there other attractions nearby? The town of Kunštát, with its well-known castle, lies just a few kilometers away, making it easy to pair a reserve visit with some local history and sightseeing.

Is there tourist infrastructure on site? No — this is a strictly nature-focused reserve without visitor facilities, better suited to travelers looking for a quiet, well-preserved wetland than a conventional tourist attraction.