Ranšpurk

Ranšpurk is a former national nature reserve in the far south of Moravia, roughly 6 km south of the town of Lanžhot in the Břeclav district, within the so-called Lanžhot extension where the Morava and Dyje rivers meet. It ranks among the most valuable remnants of floodplain forest in Central Europe — a place where nature has been left largely to its own devices for well over a century.

What makes Ranšpurk special?

The reserve protects an old, well-preserved, forest-like stand of floodplain woodland that grew up on land regularly flooded by the Morava and Dyje rivers. These recurring floods shaped a distinctive ecosystem over the centuries — dense, mixed-species stands dominated by pedunculate oak, narrow-leaved ash, field maple, common hornbeam and small-leaved lime. Many of the trees here have reached considerable age and size, and dead wood is deliberately left to decay naturally, which further raises the ecological value of the site.

The area has been under protection since 1949, making it one of the oldest protected forest sites in South Moravia. No forestry management has taken place here since roughly the end of the 19th century — the forest has simply been left to develop on its own, which today allows scientists to observe ecological processes unfolding with almost no human interference.

Rich birdlife and a natural gene reserve

The main reason for protecting Ranšpurk was its rich bird fauna, closely tied to the structure of the old floodplain forest. Numerous hollow trees, fallen trunks and varied vegetation layers create excellent nesting conditions for many forest bird species. The site also functions as a model area for forestry and ecological research, giving scientists the chance to study how a floodplain forest develops over decades without human intervention.

Ranšpurk today — part of the Lanžhot Forests

As of 1 January 2025, the former Ranšpurk reserve ceased to exist as a standalone protected unit and was incorporated into the newly established, larger national nature reserve Lanžhotské pralesy (Lanžhot Forests). This administrative change does not diminish the value of the site itself — if anything, it confirms its importance as the core of one of the most valuable forest complexes in the Morava–Dyje confluence region.

Can you visit Ranšpurk?

This is one of the most common questions from travelers planning a trip near Lanžhot. The reserve area is fenced off and closed to visitors — it primarily serves as a strictly protected zone and a research model site for foresters and ecologists. That means you cannot walk directly into the forest interior, but the surrounding Lanžhot area offers a network of hiking and cycling trails running along the edges of the protected zones, from which visitors can admire the landscape of the Morava and Dyje river valley from a safe distance.

Where exactly is Ranšpurk located?

The site lies south of Lanžhot, close to the borders with Austria and Slovakia, at approximately 48.678°N, 16.947°E. The wider region, known as Pohansko, is renowned for its extensive, natural floodplain forests and is one of the most ecologically valuable corners of South Moravia, drawing nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers and landscape photographers alike.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ranšpurk still a separate reserve? No — since 2025 it has been part of the larger Lanžhotské pralesy reserve.

What trees grow in Ranšpurk? Mainly pedunculate oak, narrow-leaved ash, field maple, hornbeam and small-leaved lime.

Why was the reserve created? To protect an old floodplain forest and the rich bird life it supports.