Milov

Milov is a small but ecologically remarkable nature monument on a hillside west of the village of Přimda, in the Tachov district of the Plzeň Region. The site is a waterlogged slope spring fen, fed by seeping groundwater, where nutrient-poor conditions favour rare and highly specialised plant species. It sits at an elevation of 625–635 metres above sea level, within the buffer zone of the Český les Protected Landscape Area, and the site also forms part of the GeoLoci geopark.

Why is this site protected?

The reason for protection is a slope spring-fed peat bog together with its rich wetland vegetation. The protected area was established on 15 October 1990 by decision of the former Tachov District National Committee, and it is now managed by the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic (AOPK ČR). Originally the monument covered just 0.73 hectares, but it has since been substantially enlarged: today it spans 3.56 hectares, after the agency extended protection to additional parts of the wet meadow that host numerous rare plant and animal species. Under the IUCN classification system, the site is listed as Category III.

What can you see here?

Around 200 plant species have been recorded within this relatively small area, many of them under species protection. Among the most valuable are common butterwort, a carnivorous plant typical of wet, nutrient-poor habitats, and round-leaved sundew, another insectivorous species associated with peat bogs. Orchids are also present, including the early marsh-orchid. Spring is by far the most spectacular time to visit Milov: dozens of orchids bloom across the wet meadow, forming a striking carpet of flowers. The habitat itself — a heavily waterlogged meadow on a spring-fed slope — creates conditions that are simply too harsh for most plants, which paradoxically shields the specialised, nutrient-poor-adapted species from competition.

How to get there and what to know before visiting

The reserve lies west of Přimda, close to the German border, in the scenic surroundings of the Český les (Bohemian Forest border range). Because the terrain consists of a waterlogged spring meadow, sturdy waterproof footwear is recommended, and spring is the best season to visit, when the orchids are in bloom. As a strictly protected site, Milov requires visitors to stay on marked paths and refrain from picking any plants — many of the species found within this small area are rare or endangered in the Czech Republic.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Milov located? West of the village of Přimda in the Tachov district, Plzeň Region, at an elevation of 625–635 metres above sea level.

When was this protected area established? The nature monument was designated on 15 October 1990, and its area was later significantly expanded, from 0.73 hectares to the current 3.56 hectares.

What is the main reason this site is protected? A slope spring-fed peat bog with rich, rare wetland vegetation, including orchids, butterwort, and sundew.

When is the best time to visit Milov? In spring, when the wet meadow is covered with blooming orchids.