Dubno

Dubno is a nature and history reserve located a few kilometers northeast of the town of Česká Skalice, spanning the cadastral areas of Kleny, Česká Skalice, and Zlíč in the Náchod district of the Czech Republic. Here, an old, naturally growing floodplain forest borders damp meadows and the Zličský fishpond, forming one of the more remarkable natural corners of eastern Bohemia.

What makes this forest so special?

The reserve protects a stretch of primeval-type floodplain forest, home to oaks between 270 and 320 years old. It was precisely these ancient trees, together with a rich undergrowth of flowering plants, that led to the area being placed under protection on February 17, 1956. The reserve covers 86.19 hectares and is managed by the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic.

What species live here?

Dubno is renowned for its extraordinary diversity of mollusks — researchers have counted as many as 70 different species of snails and mussels, making it one of the richest malacological sites in eastern Bohemia. The forest, along with its adjoining meadows and fishpond, also serves as an important nesting ground for numerous bird species, drawn by the combination of water, old-growth trees, and wetland habitat.

What battle took place in this forest?

At the very heart of the reserve, among the old oaks, lies a preserved battlefield from the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. On June 28 of that year, a battle was fought here, known locally as the clash near Česká Skalice — one of the bloody episodes of that short but intense war. To this day, numerous graves and monuments commemorating the fallen soldiers remain scattered through the forest, including the regionally known "Sleeping Lion" monument dedicated to the victims of the conflict. Walking among the old oaks, visitors can come across these silent traces of history hidden within the dense woodland.

What is worth seeing at the Zličský fishpond?

The Zličský fishpond, bordering the forest, forms a natural complement to the reserve's landscape. Together with the surrounding wet meadows, it creates a mosaic of habitats that supports the area's biological diversity. This combination of forest, water, and meadow is what makes Dubno valuable not only to naturalists but also to residents of nearby villages, who come here for walks and a connection with nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the Dubno reserve located? The reserve lies about 3 km northeast of the town of Česká Skalice, spanning the cadastral areas of Kleny, Česká Skalice, and Zlíč in the Náchod district.

Since when has the area been protected? Dubno was declared a nature reserve on February 17, 1956.

How large is the protected area? The reserve covers 86.19 hectares.

Why is this place worth visiting? It combines a unique, old floodplain forest with oaks over 300 years old, a rich population of mollusks and birds, and a historical battlefield from 1866 with preserved monuments and graves.

Who manages the reserve? The area is cared for by the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic (AOPK ČR).