Prameniště Pohořského potoka

Prameniště Pohořského potoka is a protected nature reserve in the Czech Republic, tucked into the Novohradské hory (Gratzen Mountains) near the village of Pohoří na Šumavě, in the Pohorská Ves municipality, Český Krumlov district. The reserve protects the headwaters of the Pohořský potok stream, formed by three source brooks that meet within a valley of wet meadows and peat bogs.

Why is this area protected?

The site was declared a protected natural monument in 1992. The reason for protection is its mosaic of boggy meadows, lowland peat bogs, and spring-fed wetlands, which developed on former mountain pastures. After grazing ceased, the land gradually reverted toward a more natural state, but it retained the characteristic wetland vegetation that has become increasingly rare in this part of the Šumava borderlands and the Novohradské hory.

What can you see here?

The wet meadows and bogs support plant species typical of moist habitats: marsh marigold, buttercup, sedges, and cotton-grass. The southwestern part of the reserve holds a notably large population of sneezewort, a plant characteristic of damp mountain meadows. Cranberry can also be found among the peat moss along the bog margins.

The area matters for wildlife too. The surrounding forests and wet meadows are among the last strongholds in the Novohradské hory where the western capercaillie still survives — one of the most endangered forest birds in Central Europe. Because this species depends on undisturbed conditions, movement within the reserve is restricted to marked trails.

How to get there?

The most convenient access is from Pohoří na Šumavě, following a tourist trail marked in green. The route crosses gently rolling terrain typical of the borderland stretches of the Novohradské hory. It's worth timing a visit outside the bird breeding season to avoid disturbing the protected species.

When is the best time to visit?

The bogs and wet meadows look their best in late spring and summer, when the marsh vegetation is in bloom. In autumn, the grasses and sedges take on muted, golden-brown tones, while winter can make the terrain hard to access due to snow and waterlogged ground. Because the habitat is fragile, visitors are advised to stay strictly on the marked paths.

Frequently asked questions

What is Prameniště Pohořského potoka? It's a protected natural monument in the Czech Republic that safeguards the spring area of the Pohořský potok stream, along with its wet meadows and peat bogs in the Novohradské hory.

Since when has the area been protected? It received protected status in 1992.

What species can be found here? Wetland plants such as marsh marigold, sedges, cotton-grass, and cranberry, along with the western capercaillie among the local bird species.

How do you reach the reserve? The easiest approach is from Pohoří na Šumavě, following the green-marked tourist trail.

Can you walk freely across the whole area? No — because of the sensitive habitats and the presence of endangered species, visitors should keep to the marked trails.