Litovelské luhy

Litovelské luhy is a nature reserve located just east of the town of Litovel, in the Olomouc district of the Czech Republic, spanning the cadastral areas of Litovel, Březová and Pňovice. Covering more than 344 hectares, it forms part of the Litovelské Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area and ranks among the most significant tracts of floodplain forest in Moravia.

What makes this place special?

The reserve is built around the Morava River and its tributary, the Třídvorka (also known as Čerinka), which together form the backbone of the entire protected area. To the south, Litovelské luhy borders the Ramena řeky Moravy National Nature Reserve, and the two areas combine into a large, largely undisturbed river-landscape complex. It is this closeness to flowing water, and the river's regular flooding, that has shaped the character of the forest here.

What kind of forest grows in Litovelské luhy?

The reserve protects a continuous complex of floodplain forest — both softwood and hardwood types — with a rich herbaceous understory. The tree layer is dominated by pedunculate oak, common ash and small-leaved lime, together with field elm and sycamore maple, forming the classic oak-elm-ash forest typical of river valleys. This kind of woodland develops under conditions of periodic flooding, which favours moist, fertile habitats with a high diversity of ground-layer plant species.

What wildlife can be found here?

A defining feature of the landscape is the network of temporary pools and puddles left behind after the Morava overflows its banks. These seasonal water bodies are home to rare crustaceans such as fairy shrimp and spring tadpole shrimp — species adapted to living in pools that dry out for part of the year. The damp habitats also serve as important breeding grounds for amphibians, including the common toad, agile frog and European tree frog. This mosaic of microhabitats, ranging from drier forest patches to waterlogged depressions, makes the reserve an important ecological corridor along the Morava valley.

How can you explore Litovelské luhy?

An educational trail, the Litovelské luhy Nature Trail, runs through the reserve for about 18 kilometres, following the Mlýnský stream through much of the floodplain forest. The route lets visitors experience both the diversity of the tree stands and the distinctive character of periodically flooded terrain, while keeping to marked paths — an important consideration in a protected nature area. The flat, lowland terrain makes the trail accessible to most visitors, including families with children.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Litovelské luhy located? The reserve lies directly east of the town of Litovel, in the Olomouc region, within the Hornomoravský úval lowland.

Is Litovelské luhy part of a larger protected area? Yes, the reserve is part of the Litovelské Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area and borders the Ramena řeky Moravy National Nature Reserve.

Why is this area protected? Because of its continuous complex of floodplain forest along the Morava River, its rich herbaceous undergrowth, and the presence of rare crustacean and amphibian species.

Is there a marked trail through the reserve? Yes, the roughly 18-kilometre Litovelské luhy Nature Trail, which runs mainly along the Mlýnský stream through the forested parts of the reserve.