Pístovské mokřady

Pístovské mokřady (the Pístov Wetlands) is a marshy nature site located between the villages of Pístov and Rančířov, roughly 3 km southwest of Jihlava, on the grounds of a former military training area. It's one of the more unusual natural spots in the Vysočina (Highlands) region, valued for its wildlife and its unlikely origin story.

How did the wetlands form?

The area owes its present-day character to decades of military use — the constant movement of heavy military vehicles broke up and compacted the soil, leading to severe waterlogging across the site. Because of these conditions, the land is unsuitable for farming or other economic use, which allowed it to develop into a rich habitat for local flora and fauna instead. Today, with the military function long gone, the unique wetland character is deliberately maintained through controlled off-road vehicle passes, carried out under the supervision of conservationists to keep the original biotope open and prevent it from overgrowing.

Wildlife to look out for

The wetlands support a notably rich population of amphibians, including common frogs, great crested newts, marsh frogs, European tree frogs, and pool frogs. Beyond amphibians, the site is also home to lizards, snakes, and a wide range of birds and insects. This biodiversity is what draws birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts to the site from across the Vysočina region.

The land itself belongs to the city of Jihlava, which has granted free use of the plots to the Czech Society for Ornithology's regional branch in Vysočina — the organization responsible for monitoring and protecting the local wildlife.

Getting there and exploring

A green-marked hiking trail runs through the wetlands, connecting the points Větrník and Okrouhlík, making it easy to walk through the area on foot while staying clear of the more sensitive parts of the ecosystem. Given the consistently damp, boggy ground, sturdy waterproof footwear is a good idea, especially after rain.

The annual off-road event

Pístovské mokřady is also known for something quite different — every year it hosts a large off-road motorsport event, considered one of the biggest of its kind in the Czech Republic and part of a wider trial racing series. The event draws both competitors and spectators from across the region, and the vehicle passes double as a form of habitat maintenance, keeping the wetland open rather than letting it naturally revert to woodland.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Pístovské mokřady located? Between the villages of Pístov and Rančířov, about 3 km southwest of central Jihlava, on the site of a former military training ground.

Can you walk through the area freely? Yes — a marked green hiking trail runs from Větrník to Okrouhlík, allowing visitors to cross the site safely on foot.

What animals can be seen here? Mostly amphibians (frogs, newts, tree frogs), along with lizards, snakes, and numerous bird and insect species.

Are there any events held here? Yes, a large annual off-road event takes place at the site, one of the biggest of its kind in the Czech Republic, tied to a trial racing series.

Who manages the site? The land belongs to the city of Jihlava and is cared for by the regional branch of the Czech Society for Ornithology.