Malé laguny

Malé laguny (Small Lagoons) is a protected natural monument right at the edge of Přerov, formed on the site of a former gravel and sand quarry. Once extraction stopped, the flooded pits gradually turned into a mosaic of water bodies and wet meadows that today form one of the more valuable wetland ecosystems in Central Moravia. The site sits close to the Bečva River and the Žebračka nature reserve, together forming a continuous ecological corridor along the river valley.

Why is this place protected?

The main reason for protection is the wetland character of a site located directly on the edge of a city — an increasingly rare combination in the region. Wet habitats this close to urban development are hard to find, and Malé laguny serve as a refuge for specially protected animal species. Its conservation status corresponds to IUCN category III, a designation used for areas that protect a single, distinctive natural feature — in this case, the aquatic biotope.

What can visitors see on site?

The Small Lagoons offer more than reeds and open water. Visitors can climb a bird-watching tower that makes it easier to spot species tied to the water and shoreline habitats. Nearby stands a modern ornithological exhibition called ORNIS, which introduces the birdlife of Moravia and helps put field observations into a broader context.

A roughly 10-kilometer educational trail called "Přerovským luhem" runs through the entire lagoon complex. The trail lets visitors experience not just the reserve itself but the wider natural setting of the Bečva river valley, from floodplain forest to wetlands.

Is there room for active recreation here?

Yes — part of the area has been developed into a natural swimming area of about 27,500 square meters, with capacity for roughly 1,500 people at a time. This is an unusual pairing: strictly protected nature on one side, recreational space open to residents and visitors during the summer season on the other. It means Malé laguny combines nature conservation with everyday leisure for the local community.

Frequently asked questions

How did Malé laguny come into being? The water bodies formed as a result of gravel and sand extraction. Once mining stopped, the pits gradually filled with water and became overgrown with wetland vegetation, creating the landscape seen today.

Can you swim at Malé laguny? Yes, part of the site operates as a natural swimming area with a designated zone for several hundred people, kept separate from the most ecologically sensitive parts of the reserve.

What else is worth seeing besides the lagoons themselves? It's worth visiting the bird-watching tower and the nearby ORNIS ornithological exhibition, as well as walking a stretch of the "Přerovským luhem" educational trail.

How do you get to Malé laguny? The reserve lies right at the edge of Přerov, close to the Bečva River and the Žebračka reserve, making it easily accessible from the city center.