Pouzdřanská step - Kolby

Pouzdřanská step - Kolby is one of the most valuable natural areas in southern Moravia, combining a loess steppe with a forest-steppe oak woodland. The reserve lies northeast of the village of Pouzdřany in the Břeclav district and covers more than 180 hectares, making it one of the larger protected areas in the region.

How to get there?

Pouzdřany sits in the South Moravian Region, right in the heart of Moravia's wine country, not far from Brno. The reserve stretches directly along the edge of the village, so it is easy to reach on foot or by bike from the village center. The area belongs to the popular belt of vineyards and steppe hills between Brno and Mikulov, making it simple to combine a visit here with exploring nearby attractions in the region.

What will you see?

The reserve is built around a rounded hill covered with Pannonian loess steppe grassland, while the northern part of the area is forested with Pannonian oak-hornbeam woods and oak forest. This combination of two contrasting, warmth-loving habitats — open steppe and shaded woodland — makes the site exceptionally rich in biodiversity and a refuge for numerous rare and protected plant species.

In spring the steppe blooms in a distinctive sequence: dwarf iris flowers appear first, quickly followed by the large-flowered pasque flower, and then dwarf almond. The flowering season closes with hedgehog rose, also known as the Scotch rose. This succession of blooms draws botany enthusiasts from across Moravia, especially in April and May, when the hillside slopes turn vivid with color.

The loess steppe and the adjoining forest together form an extensive, well-preserved complex of warmth-loving plant communities, rarely found at this scale in Central Europe. For botanists and nature lovers, the site holds European-level significance and is regularly visited as part of floristic surveys.

Protection history

The steppe itself was placed under protection back in 1956, making it one of the oldest protected natural areas in the region. From 1992 it existed as the Pouzdřanská step – Kolby National Nature Reserve. In 2014 the area was significantly expanded and its status was changed to a national nature monument, reflecting the site's growing importance for regional biodiversity conservation.

When to visit?

The best time to visit is spring, particularly April and May, when the steppe is covered in successive waves of flowering plants — this is when the site's floristic richness is on full display. Summer is well suited to longer walks along the forest paths, which offer welcome shade on hot days, while autumn brings a quieter season for visitors who prefer fewer crowds. Bring water and sturdy footwear, since the terrain is uneven, with trails crossing both open, sun-exposed slopes and shaded stretches of forest.

Frequently asked questions

What is Pouzdřanská step - Kolby? It is a protected natural area in southern Moravia that combines a loess steppe with a forest-steppe oak woodland, covering more than 180 hectares.

What plants can be seen here? The steppe features species such as dwarf iris, large-flowered pasque flower, dwarf almond and hedgehog rose, forming a characteristic spring flowering sequence.

Since when has the area been protected? Protection of the steppe dates back to 1956; from 1992 it functioned as a national nature reserve, and in 2014 it was expanded and converted into a national nature monument.

When is the best time to visit the reserve? Spring is the most spectacular season, especially April and May when the steppe blooms most intensely, though summer and autumn also make for pleasant walks through the area.