Na Dlouhé stráni

Na Dlouhé stráni is a small but ecologically valuable protected area in the Czech Republic, situated on the left bank of the Mšenský stream, about 1.5 km north of the village of Mšené-lázně, in the Litoměřice district of the Ústí nad Labem region. Registered under evidence number 5750, the site covers 12.605 hectares.

What kind of site is this?

Na Dlouhé stráni holds the status of a natural monument and is also included in the European Natura 2000 network as a site of Community importance. Protection was formally established on 14 August 2012. The purpose of the designation is to safeguard the habitat of valuable, warmth-loving plant species that thrive on this modest hillside.

What plant species grow here?

The site is known for populations of St Bernard's lily (Anthericum liliago) and the aster Aster sedifolius, both typical of dry, sun-exposed slopes and xerothermic grasslands. In addition, three species of rock rose (Helianthemum) grow on the site; like the species above, they require a warm microclimate and poor, well-drained soil. This combination of species marks Na Dlouhé stráni as a textbook example of a xerothermic grassland — a habitat type that has become increasingly rare in Central Europe due to overgrowth and changing land use.

Why was this particular site protected?

The decisive factor was the presence, within a small area, of a cluster of plant species considered significant at the EU level, which led to the site's inclusion in the Natura 2000 network. Xerothermic grasslands like this one serve as refuges for plants and insects tied to warm, dry conditions, and their extent within the surrounding agricultural and forested landscape keeps shrinking. Protecting an area of just over 12 hectares helps preserve the local population of rare species and the ecological processes that allow them to persist.

What does the surrounding area look like?

The reserve lies in the valley of the Mšenský stream, close to the well-known spa town of Mšené-lázně, which makes it an easily reachable stop on walking and cycling routes through the area. Its proximity to the spa means visitors can combine a nature walk with a stay in Mšené-lázně.

What should you know before visiting?

Na Dlouhé stráni is a destination for people interested in flora and the ecology of xerothermic grasslands, rather than a classic scenic viewpoint or conventional tourist attraction. The best time to see the plants in bloom is spring and summer, when warmth-loving species such as the rock roses and St Bernard's lily flower. Because of its protected status, visitors should stick to marked paths and avoid picking any plants.

Frequently asked questions

What is Na Dlouhé stráni? It is a Czech natural monument and Natura 2000 site covering 12.605 hectares, protecting a xerothermic grassland with rare plant species.

Where is it located? On the left bank of the Mšenský stream, about 1.5 km north of Mšené-lázně, in the Litoměřice district.

Since when has it been protected? The area was granted protected status on 14 August 2012.

What plants can be found there? Among others, St Bernard's lily, the aster Aster sedifolius, and three species of rock rose.

Can it be visited during a stay in Mšené-lázně? Yes — its proximity to the spa town makes the reserve a convenient destination for a short walk or bike ride.