Mydlovarský luh

Mydlovarský luh is a nature reserve set in a sharp bend of the Elbe (Labe) River, roughly one kilometer east of the village of Ostrá and two kilometers southwest of Kostomlaty nad Labem, in the Nymburk district of the Czech Republic. Covering nearly 155 hectares, it ranks among the last well-preserved complexes of floodplain forest in the Polabí lowlands along the middle Elbe.

How did this reserve come to be protected?

The site first gained protected status as a natural monument in June 1989, designated by the former Regional National Committee in Nymburk. In 1992 its protection was upgraded to that of a full nature reserve. The reasoning behind this stronger status lies in how intact the site's natural forest communities remain, shaped by the river's regular flooding — elsewhere in the Polabí region, comparable habitats have largely been altered by forestry and river regulation works.

What grows in Mydlovarský luh?

The core of the reserve consists of waterlogged alder forest growing right along the riverbed, together with older stands of oak-elm floodplain forest on the slightly higher terraces further from the water. This layout mirrors the natural moisture gradient typical of large lowland river valleys, with wetter-adapted trees dominating closest to the current. Among the herb-layer plants, early spring bulb species stand out: two-leaf squill (Scilla bifolia) and snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) both carpet the forest floor before the tree canopy leafs out. The reserve is also home to the rare Elbe helleborine (Epipactis albensis), an orchid with a narrow distribution tied specifically to riverine floodplain forests.

What animals live here?

A mosaic of old-growth trees, deadwood, and waterlogged hollows creates favorable conditions for a range of species linked to wetland-forest habitats. During the breeding season, the calls of the European tree frog (Hyla arborea) can be heard, while common nightingales (Luscinia megarhynchos) nest in the dense riverside thickets, their song most noticeable on spring evenings and at night. Along the river itself, common kingfishers (Alcedo atthis) can be spotted hunting from branches overhanging the water.

Can the reserve be explored on foot?

Along the reserve's southern edge, following the Elbe riverbank between Ostrá and Kostomlaty nad Labem, a three-kilometer educational trail with seven themed stops has been laid out. The route lets visitors get to know the reserve without venturing deep into the protected forest itself, which matters given how sensitive floodplain habitats are to trampling. Information panels at each stop cover the character of floodplain forests, the history of the area's protection, and the plant and animal species found near the trail.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Mydlovarský luh located? On the right bank of the Elbe River, in a sharp bend, between the village of Ostrá and Kostomlaty nad Labem, in the Nymburk district of the Czech Republic.

How large is the reserve? Almost 155 hectares (154.93 ha).

Since when has the area been protected? Since 1989 as a natural monument, and since 1992 with full nature reserve status.

Is there a trail for visitors? Yes, a three-kilometer educational trail with seven stops runs along the reserve's southern boundary.

Which species make this reserve particularly valuable? Among plants, the Elbe helleborine, two-leaf squill, and snowdrop; among animals, the European tree frog, common nightingale, and common kingfisher.