Nature park Mikulčický luh

Mikulčický luh Nature Park is a protected landscape area in South Moravia, covering roughly 8 km² within the Lower Moravian Valley, southwest of the town of Hodonín and right next to the village of Mikulčice. It brings together three distinct layers in one small area: the wild floodplain of the Morava River, the remains of one of the most important power centers of early medieval Central Europe, and a quiet, farmland-and-forest landscape along the Czech-Slovak border.

What does the nature park contain?

The park splits clearly into two parts. The northwestern section is used mainly for farmland and meadows, while the southeastern part is dominated by extensive floodplain forest reaching all the way to the Morava River, which forms the border with the neighbouring country at this point. It is within this forested section, surrounded by old river branches and thickets, that the remains of an early medieval fortified settlement lie.

Floodplain forest covers close to half of the park's territory, dominated by pedunculate oak, ash, elm and field maple. The forest floor changes dramatically through the seasons — in spring, wide carpets of bear's garlic, snowdrops and lesser celandine spread across the ground before the tree canopy fully closes overhead, filling the forest with a distinctive scent.

Why does this place matter for wildlife?

The park contains the Skařiny nature reserve, one of the last remaining breeding colonies of grey herons and white storks along the Morava River. Open meadows, oxbow lakes and the damp margins of the floodplain forest provide favourable nesting and feeding conditions for these birds, and the constant interplay of water, meadow and forest habitats supports a much broader range of species than birdlife alone.

What is the historical significance of Mikulčický luh?

What sets this park apart from many other protected areas is its direct connection to the site of the former Mikulčice stronghold. More than 1,100 years ago, a powerful fortified settlement stood here, regarded as one of the principal centres of Great Moravia — the early medieval Slavic state that held major political and cultural importance in the region during the 9th century. The earthworks of the old fort still stand out clearly against the surrounding meadows today, and the area as a whole combines natural, landscape, historical and cultural values in a way rarely found within such a small territory.

Who is this place for?

Mikulčický luh Nature Park suits anyone looking for a relaxed outing that combines contact with nature and history. Flat terrain and paths running through the floodplain forest and along the meadows make it accessible for families with children and for visitors who prefer an easy, low-key walk. Birdwatchers can look forward to spotting herons and storks, history enthusiasts can trace the footsteps of one of the most significant sites of early medieval Central Europe, and every visitor can enjoy a moment of calm beneath old oaks and ash trees along the banks of the Morava.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Mikulčický luh Nature Park located? In the Lower Moravian Valley, southwest of Hodonín, directly bordering the village of Mikulčice, along the Slovak border formed by the Morava River.

How large is the protected area? The park covers approximately 7.97 km².

What can visitors see here besides nature? The remains of the early medieval Mikulčice stronghold, one of the centres of the Great Moravian state more than 1,100 years ago.

Which birds can be observed here? The Skařiny reserve hosts breeding colonies of grey herons and white storks, among the last such colonies along the Morava River.