Pláničský rybník

Pláničský rybník is a nature reserve in the municipality of Černá v Pošumaví, in the Český Krumlov district in southern Bohemia, not far from the Austrian border. The protected area covers two ponds — the larger Pláničský (also known as Velký Kozí) and the smaller Malý Kozí — together with the surrounding meadow, situated in the upper part of the Lukavický stream valley, about 1.5 km east of the hamlet of Plánička and roughly 4 km southeast of the center of Černá v Pošumaví. The reserve sits at an altitude of around 750–757 m above sea level and covers just over 15 hectares.

Why was this area protected?

The reserve was established in the mid-1990s to preserve the valuable aquatic and shoreline vegetation of both ponds along with the wetland fauna associated with them. The primary conservation priority is a population of a critically endangered aquatic plant from the water-lily family, a species with very narrow habitat requirements — clean, still water and minimal human disturbance. It was precisely the presence of this rare plant that led to the legal protection of both ponds.

What can visitors see around the ponds?

Along the shores of Pláničský rybník grows wild calla (bog arum), a wetland plant with a distinctive white spathe typical of well-preserved peat bogs and waterlogged pond edges. The surrounding landscape forms a mosaic of reed beds, wet meadows, and patches of forest characteristic of the upland parts of the Šumava region. Thanks to minimal human interference and the calm character of the water, the area provides favorable conditions for waterfowl and amphibians associated with this type of habitat.

How to get there and what to expect

Pláničský rybník lies off the main tourist routes of the Šumava region, in a quiet, sparsely developed area near Černá v Pošumaví — a village best known as a gateway to Lipno, the largest artificial lake in the Czech Republic. Because of its status as a nature reserve, the site calls for respectful behavior: staying on marked paths and avoiding disturbance to wildlife is advised, and the purpose of a visit should be nature observation rather than swimming or fishing, which are practiced on other, unprotected ponds in the surrounding area.

What to combine with a visit

The area around Černá v Pošumaví offers plenty for nature lovers and active travelers alike — cycling and hiking trails along Lake Lipno, boat trips on the lake, and longer hikes further into the Šumava mountains. Pláničský rybník makes an interesting addition to such a trip for anyone interested in peat-bog flora and quiet, less-visited corners of the region.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim at Pláničský rybník? No — as a nature reserve, the area is protected specifically to preserve rare aquatic vegetation, not for water recreation.

How far is it from Černá v Pošumaví? The reserve lies about 4 km southeast of the village center, in the upper part of the Lukavický stream valley.

What is the main reason this site is protected? The presence of a critically endangered aquatic plant from the water-lily family, along with valuable shoreline vegetation including wild calla.