Lednické rybníky

Lednické rybníky is a chain of five fishponds in South Moravia, spread across the cadastral areas of Lednice, Hlohovec, Sedlec, Valtice and Břeclav (the Charvátská Nová Ves part of the town). Together the ponds form a national nature reserve covering more than 550 hectares, ranking among the most important wetland bird sites in the Czech Republic.

Where did the ponds come from?

The pond system is not a natural feature — it dates back to the early 15th century, when water was dammed in the depression of the Včelínek stream and along the floodplain of the Dyje river to create fish-farming basins. Over time five separate ponds took shape: Nesyt, Hlohovecký, Prostřední, Mlýnský and the more isolated Zámecký. Nesyt, the largest of the five, lent its name to the wider depression in which the whole system lies.

Why is it a protected reserve?

The area was declared a national nature reserve on 9 January 1953, specifically to protect one of the country's most significant nesting sites for water birds. More than 140 bird species tied to fishpond ecosystems have been recorded here, making Lednické rybníky one of the key ornithological localities in all of Czechia. The open water and reed-lined shores also serve as a stopover and resting point during bird migration, which is why the site was added in 1990 to the list of internationally important wetlands.

What is there to see?

An 11-kilometre nature trail runs along the ponds, circling part of the water system and highlighting its natural features along the way. The route suits both birdwatchers with binoculars and visitors simply looking for a quiet walk among water, reed beds and floodplain meadows. The pond landscape connects directly to the rest of the Lednice–Valtice Cultural Landscape, the sprawling UNESCO-listed park and château complex nearby, so a nature outing to Lednické rybníky pairs easily with sightseeing at the surrounding historic sites.

Where exactly are the ponds located?

The whole system lies in the Břeclav district, spanning the cadastral territories of several neighbouring municipalities — Lednice, Hlohovec, Sedlec, Valtice and Břeclav. That places it right in the heart of South Moravia, a region known for its vineyards, flat river landscape and proximity to the Austrian border.

Frequently asked questions

How many ponds make up Lednické rybníky? Five: Nesyt, Hlohovecký, Prostřední, Mlýnský and Zámecký, with the last one sitting apart, on the floodplain of the Dyje river.

When was this pond system built? The network dates back to the early 15th century — a centuries-old, deliberately engineered water management system built for fish farming.

Since when has the area been protected? It gained national nature reserve status on 9 January 1953, and since 1990 it has also been listed among internationally important wetlands.

How many bird species can be found here? Over 140 species tied to fishpond ecosystems have been recorded, making it one of the most bird-rich locations in the Czech Republic.

Is there a marked route for visitors? Yes, an 11-kilometre nature trail runs along the ponds, suitable for walking or cycling, showcasing the reserve's natural features along the way.