Lázeňský mokřad

Lázeňský mokřad (Spa Wetland) is a small but ecologically valuable nature reserve located about one kilometer north of the village of Ostrožská Nová Ves, in the Uherské Hradiště district of the Zlín Region in Moravia, Czech Republic. The protected area covers roughly 9.2 hectares of waterlogged meadows and willow thickets, sitting at an altitude of around 175 meters above sea level.

Why is this site protected?

Lázeňský mokřad represents the last surviving fragment of the original wet meadows that once naturally covered a large part of the Morava River floodplain. River regulation, land drainage, and intensive agriculture eliminated most such habitats across the region over the past century, leaving this small patch as a rare reservoir of native wetland vegetation. The site was granted legal protection as a nature reserve in 2001, precisely because of how unusual and well-preserved this remaining ecosystem is.

What can visitors see here?

Nearly 100 species of higher plants have been recorded within the reserve. From a botanical standpoint, the site has no equivalent among the floodplain areas of the Morava River within the Uherské Hradiště district — the concentration of species typical of wet meadows and willow stands here is exceptionally high. The landscape is characterized by dense willow thickets interspersed with open, waterlogged meadows that burst into flowering wetland vegetation during the summer months.

Where does the name "Lázeňský" (Spa) come from?

The reserve's name directly references the neighboring spa town of Ostrožská Nová Ves. Natural sulfur water springs rise within and around the wetland, and their healing properties have long been used by the nearby spa facilities. This sulfur-rich geological base is responsible for the distinctive character of the local water and, indirectly, for the unique microclimate that supports the wetland's specialized plant life.

How to get to Lázeňský mokřad?

The reserve sits on easily accessible lowland terrain near the Baťův kanál (Bata Canal), a popular tourist and waterway route connecting towns across southeastern Moravia. The area is frequently visited by cyclists and hikers using the network of trails along the Morava River, as well as by guests of the nearby spa resorts.

Can visitors explore the wetland freely?

Because of its status as a protected nature reserve, the site is subject to conservation rules, and movement through it should respect the boundaries in place — typically limited to marked paths along the edges of the protected area. Visitors can observe and appreciate the wetland from a safe distance without disturbing the fragile ecosystem of the wet meadows.

Frequently asked questions

How large is the Lázeňský mokřad reserve? The protected area covers approximately 9.2 hectares.

When was the site granted protected status? It was designated a nature reserve in 2001.

What is the main reason for protecting this site? It preserves the last remaining fragment of natural wet meadows with willow stands in the Morava River floodplain, home to nearly 100 species of higher plants.

Where does the wetland's name come from? The name comes from the neighboring spa town of Ostrožská Nová Ves, whose healing sulfur waters rise from the same geological area as the wetland.