Kralovické louky

Kralovické louky is a small but botanically remarkable nature reserve in the Prachatice District of southern Czechia, right next to the village of Kralovice, part of the municipality of Nebahovy. The protected area is made up of two separate meadow sections on the west-facing slopes of the Zlatý potok stream valley, sitting at an elevation of roughly 566 to 640 metres above sea level. The larger section, covering around four-fifths of the total area, stretches from the lower edge of Kralovice down to the stream itself, while the smaller section lies about 200 metres further south.

Why was this area protected?

Kralovické louky was declared a protected nature monument by a decision of the Prachatice District Office in 1992. The reason for protection is its waterlogged, peat-forming slope meadows, home to an unusually rich and well-preserved plant community. It is considered one of the last places in Czechia where this particular type of moor meadow survives in such a characteristic and intact form.

What plants grow here?

The star botanical attraction of Kralovické louky is Scottish asphodel (Tofieldia calyculata) — this is the only known site for the species in the whole of southern Bohemia. The reserve is also one of the last strongholds for the early gentian, Bohemian subspecies (Gentianella praecox subsp. bohemica), a critically endangered plant on a national scale. Other notable species found on these slopes include Laserpitium prutenicum, a member of the carrot family; common butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris), an insect-eating plant typical of nutrient-poor wetland habitats; Siberian iris (Iris sibirica), recognisable by its blue-violet flowers; and marsh grass-of-Parnassus (Parnassia palustris), which blooms white in late summer.

What should visitors know before going?

Given its modest size and the fragility of its habitats, Kralovické louky is a destination for nature lovers and botany enthusiasts rather than a conventional tourist attraction with visitor infrastructure. The best time to visit is during the flowering season, from late spring through late summer, when the meadow's plant species bloom in succession — from the iris early on to the gentian and grass-of-Parnassus later in the season. As a protected natural area, the reserve calls for respectful behaviour: staying on marked paths and leaving the plants undisturbed.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Kralovické louky located? In the Prachatice District of Czechia, next to the village of Kralovice, part of the municipality of Nebahovy, on the west-facing slopes of the Zlatý potok valley.

When was the reserve established? In 1992, by decision of the then Prachatice District Office.

What is the site's most notable natural feature? It is the only site in southern Bohemia for Scottish asphodel (Tofieldia calyculata) and one of the last national refuges for the Bohemian early gentian.

Is the reserve set up for tourism? It is a small protected area centred on unique meadow habitats, visited mainly by nature and botany enthusiasts rather than equipped with tourist infrastructure.

At what elevation does the reserve lie? Between roughly 566 and 640 metres above sea level.