Novodomské rašeliniště

Novodomské rašeliniště is one of the most valuable natural sites in the Krušné hory (Ore Mountains), stretching between the villages of Hora Svatého Šebestiána and Kalek in the Chomutov district of the Ústí nad Labem region. Established as a national nature reserve in 1967, it covers more than 500 hectares at an elevation of 810 to 830 metres above sea level, making it one of the best-preserved mountain peatland complexes in Europe.

What makes this place significant?

The reserve consists of two separate sections — the Načetín and Jezerní peatlands — linked by a waterlogged spruce forest that acts as a natural buffer zone. This forest shields the fragile peatland structure from rapid drying out and helps maintain a stable microclimate across the whole area. Geologically, the site is regarded as an important scientific location, documenting the processes behind the formation of high-altitude peat bogs in central Europe.

What kind of peatland is it?

Novodomské rašeliniště is a watershed mountain bog, fed by powerful underground springs. This type of ecosystem forms where excess moisture and low temperatures slow down the decomposition of organic matter, allowing thick layers of peat to accumulate over thousands of years. The result is a landscape strikingly different from the surrounding forests — open, waterlogged terrain interspersed with dwarf trees and distinctive bog vegetation.

What flora and fauna can be found here?

The area is home to flora and fauna typical of peatlands, adapted to an extremely acidic and nutrient-poor environment. The landscape is shaped by waterlogged and peaty spruce forests, peaty birch stands, and higher mountain sections covered with dwarf pine (Pinus mugo). This mosaic of habitats makes the reserve a refuge for plant and animal species rarely found outside high-altitude peatland areas, where constant moisture and the absence of human interference with the ground are essential for survival.

How can visitors explore the reserve?

Because of how fragile the peatland ecosystem is, access to the reserve itself is restricted to marked trails running along its perimeter. Nearly the entire circumference of the bog is lined with signposted hiking and cycling routes, allowing visitors to take in the bog landscape without risking damage to the sensitive vegetation and ground. This approach balances public access with the protection of one of the most valuable ecosystems in the Ore Mountains.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Novodomské rašeliniště located? The reserve lies in the Krušné hory (Ore Mountains), between the villages of Hora Svatého Šebestiána and Kalek, in the Chomutov district, at an elevation of 810–830 metres above sea level.

When was the reserve established? The national nature reserve was established in 1967 and covers an area of more than 500 hectares.

How many parts does the peatland consist of? Two — the Načetín and Jezerní peatlands — connected by a waterlogged spruce forest that serves as a protective buffer.

Can visitors walk freely onto the peatland? No — the area is accessible only along marked trails around its perimeter, which protects the fragile ecosystem from damage.

What type of peatland does this reserve represent? It is a watershed mountain bog fed by strong underground springs, with typical bog vegetation including spruce forests, birch thickets, and dwarf pine.