Nosislavská zátočina

Nosislavská zátočina is a small nature reserve south of Brno, northwest of the village of Nosislav in the Brno-venkov district of the Czech Republic. The site protects the last natural meander on the lower course of the Svratka River and covers just 4.55 hectares, making it one of the smaller protected areas in South Moravia.

Why is this stretch of river so unusual?

Over the decades, the Svratka has been straightened and channelized along much of its course to make farming easier and reduce flood risk in the surrounding lowlands. Near Nosislav, however, one stretch escaped this treatment — the river forms a double bend here (giving the site its name, "zátočina," meaning a river bend or backwater), keeping its winding, natural course intact. It is precisely this rarity — a living, unaltered riverbed surrounded by intensively farmed land — that led to the site being placed under protection.

When and why was it protected?

The area was designated a nature monument (přírodní památka) in 1991. The goal was to preserve the natural character of the riverbed together with the adjoining riparian land. Protection covers both the river channel and bed itself and the neighboring land, where riparian plant communities typical of Moravian river valleys have developed.

What kind of nature can be found here?

The unaltered shape of the channel supports a variety of riverside habitats. Riparian vegetation has grown up along the meander, and the river and its banks provide a refuge for numerous species tied to water and waterside environments. A naturally meandering stretch of river creates a mosaic of microhabitats — from slower-flowing pools to sandy and muddy bars and banks lined with riverside vegetation — resulting in greater biological diversity than is typical of channelized river sections.

How to get there, and what to avoid

Nosislavská zátočina lies at the 25th river kilometer of the Svratka, close to road II/425 connecting Židlochovice and Nosislav. The site can only be reached on foot, via a narrow path leading from the road. Because it is a protected area, camping and lighting fires are prohibited — visitors should limit themselves to quiet observation of the surroundings without disturbing the delicate balance of this small but valuable ecosystem.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Nosislavská zátočina located? Northwest of the village of Nosislav, in the Brno-venkov district, at the 25th river kilometer of the Svratka, near road II/425 between Židlochovice and Nosislav.

Since when has the area been protected? Since 1991, as a nature monument (přírodní památka).

How large is the reserve? 4.55 hectares.

What exactly is being protected here? The last natural, unaltered meander on the lower course of the Svratka River, together with its associated riparian plant communities.

Is camping or lighting fires allowed? No, both camping and lighting fires are prohibited within the protected area.

How can visitors reach the site? Only on foot, via a narrow path leading from road II/425.