Přesličkový rybník

Přesličkový rybník is a small nature reserve tucked into the forests of the Novohradské hory (Nové Hrady Mountains) in South Bohemia, close to the Czech-Austrian border. It sits roughly a kilometer east of the hamlet of Veveří and just a few kilometers from the town of Nové Hrady — a quiet, rarely crowded spot for anyone drawn to wetlands and still water rather than busy trails.

What is this place, exactly?

The reserve takes its name from one of three connected ponds — Přesličkový, alongside Veveřský and Hejškův — all fed by the same left-bank tributary of the Novohradský stream, which itself flows into the Stropnice river basin. Together, the ponds and the marshy ground surrounding them form a single protected wetland ecosystem, valued for its role in the local water cycle and its rare plant and insect life.

Why does this reserve matter?

The standout feature here is the population of white water lilies (leknín bělostný) floating across the ponds' surface. These plants are picky about their habitat, thriving only in clean, calm, undisturbed water — their presence is essentially a health certificate for the wetland. The reed beds and marginal vegetation around the ponds also support insect species tied to aquatic habitats, some of which are recognized as significant on a European scale.

Management and protection of the area fall under the Regional Authority of the South Bohemian Region, reflecting the ecological weight this modest cluster of ponds carries despite its small footprint.

How do you actually get there?

Because the ponds lie deep in the forest, away from any main roads, reaching them means following a marked hiking trail rather than driving up. A useful landmark is the route of the former state-border signal line, which once ran through this stretch of the mountains — trails branching off it lead toward the hidden ponds: Kamenný, Přesličkový, and Hejškův. It's part of a broader network of walking paths around Nové Hrady, popular with hikers interested in both nature and the area's Cold War-era border history.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Přesličkový rybník? No — as a protected area safeguarding sensitive wetland habitats, it isn't set up for swimming or water recreation; the priority is preserving the plant and animal life that depends on undisturbed water.

How many ponds make up this reserve? Three: Veveřský, Hejškův, and Přesličkový, all linked by the same tributary stream.

What's the main natural feature to look out for? The white water lilies covering parts of the ponds, along with the wetland habitat that supports rare aquatic insects.

Is it suitable for a family walk? Yes, it connects to hiking trails through the Novohradské hory, though visitors should stick to marked paths given the site's protected status.

Where exactly is Přesličkový rybník located? About one kilometer east of the hamlet of Veveří, near the town of Nové Hrady, in the České Budějovice district of South Bohemia.