Jezerka (national nature reserve)

Jezerka is a national nature reserve straddling the border of the Chomutov and Most districts in the Ústí nad Labem region, right next to the village of Horní Jiřetín. The reserve sits in the Krušné hory (Ore Mountains), at elevations between 348 and 707 metres, covering the valley of the Vesnický stream and the south-eastern to eastern slopes of the Jezeří peak. With an area of almost 142 hectares, it is the largest protected nature reserve in the Most district.

Why was this particular area protected?

Jezerka safeguards one of the most natural and best-preserved stretches of forest on the southern slopes of the eastern Krušné hory. It was precisely this exceptional state of preservation — forest that has seen minimal human interference over the decades — that led to the area being declared a national nature reserve back in 1969, by decision of the then Ministry of Culture of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic. That date makes Jezerka one of the older protected areas of its kind in the region.

What can visitors see here?

The reserve's forest floor is notable for a number of rare and interesting plant species. Among them are the green hellebore, a plant typical of fertile, moist deciduous woodland; the Martagon lily, recognisable by its distinctive orange-red, turned-back petals; and the daphne mezereum, a toxic shrub prized by botanists for flowering early in spring, before the surrounding trees even come into leaf. The presence of these species is a good indicator of a well-preserved, largely natural forest habitat.

How is the reserve laid out?

The protected area is split between two administrative parts. The smaller one, covering roughly 48 hectares, lies within the cadastral territories of Kundratice u Chomutova and Podhůří u Vysoké Pece, belonging to the Chomutov district. The larger part, around 89 hectares, falls within the Jiřetín cadastral area and is administratively part of the Most district. This split makes Jezerka a meeting point between two neighbouring administrative regions.

Is Jezerka worth a visit?

For nature lovers and hikers exploring the Krušné hory, the reserve is a worthwhile stop, mainly for the chance to see forest in a near-natural state — an increasingly rare sight in a region that has long been shaped by dense settlement and historic mining activity along the Czech-German border. Its proximity to Jezeří Castle and the Vesnický stream valley makes it easy to combine a visit here with other attractions in this part of the Ore Mountains.

Frequently asked questions

When was Jezerka declared a nature reserve? On 20 January 1969, by decision of the Ministry of Culture of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic.

How large is the reserve? Almost 142 hectares, making it the largest nature reserve in the Most district.

At what elevation does the reserve lie? Between 348 and 707 metres above sea level.

What rare plants grow here? Green hellebore, the Martagon lily, and daphne mezereum.

Which districts does Jezerka span? The Chomutov district (western part) and the Most district (eastern part, near Horní Jiřetín).