Malá Strana

Malá Strana is a nature reserve on the southern foothills of the Jizera Mountains, located at Horní Maxov within the administrative area of Lučany nad Nisou, in the Jablonec nad Nisou district. The protected area stretches through the valley of the Rábenka stream at an elevation of 705 to 755 metres above sea level, covering 26.62 hectares of core reserve plus an additional 7.76-hectare buffer zone.

Why was this reserve established?

The Malá Strana reserve was declared in 1994, making it the youngest nature reserve in the entire Jizera Mountains range. Its purpose is to protect the scientifically most valuable transitional peatland and meadow communities found anywhere in these mountains — wet, largely undisturbed habitats that have become increasingly rare against the backdrop of intensively managed surrounding land.

What can visitors find here?

For such a small area, the reserve's species richness is remarkable. Botanists have documented around 280 species of higher plants here, many of them rare or endangered on a national level. Of particular value is the reserve's population of marsh lousewort — this is the only site in the whole Jizera Mountains where the species grows, and only a handful of specimens are known.

The reserve also holds a small pond that serves as a breeding habitat for amphibians. Visitors familiar with the local wildlife may encounter the alpine newt, the common spadefoot toad, and the common toad — species tied closely to the damp conditions of peat bogs and wet meadows.

Getting there and what to know before visiting

The reserve sits right next to the village of Horní Maxov, a mountain settlement known for its timber architecture and scenic position on the southern slopes of the Jizera Mountains. It makes a natural stop on a walking route that combines a visit to the reserve with exploring the village itself.

Because the area is a protected nature reserve with fragile peatland habitats, visitors are advised to keep to marked paths and avoid stepping onto the wetter ground — both for their own safety and to protect the rare vegetation growing there.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the Malá Strana reserve located? On the southern foothills of the Jizera Mountains, in the valley of the Rábenka stream near the village of Horní Maxov (Lučany nad Nisou municipality, Jablonec nad Nisou district), at an elevation of 705–755 metres above sea level.

When was the reserve established? In 1994 — it is the youngest nature reserve in the Jizera Mountains.

How large is the protected area? 26.62 hectares of core reserve, plus an additional 7.76-hectare buffer zone.

What makes this site special? Transitional peatlands and meadows supporting around 280 species of higher plants, including the only Jizera Mountains population of marsh lousewort, along with alpine newts, common spadefoot toads, and common toads.