Stržená hráz

Stržená hráz is a nature reserve and historical site in the Mnich municipality, on the Pacov Highlands in the Pelhřimov district of the Czech Republic. Protected as a nature monument (přírodní památka), it lies close to the hamlet of Nový Mnich, at coordinates 49.286° N, 14.988° E.

What is this place?

The name "Stržená hráz" literally means "broken dam" and refers to a former dam that once controlled the flow of the meandering Hladovský stream. After the dam gave way, the stream reshaped the surrounding land into an extensive, water-logged floodplain. That natural process created a distinctive wetland microhabitat that, over time, became one of the region's most valuable natural sites, combining marshy meadows, streamside thickets, and pockets of older woodland along the watercourse.

Why is it protected?

The wetland around Stržená hráz is considered one of the richest known sites for the spring snowflake (Leucojum vernum) in the entire Pelhřimov district. This protected, early-spring bulb flower blooms here in dense numbers around late March and early April, carpeting the damp undergrowth in white blossoms. The presence of such a large population of this endangered species was the principal reason the area was designated a nature monument.

The site's wartime history

Beyond its ecological value, Stržená hráz also carries historical weight. Near Nový Mnich, this was the location of the first meeting between Soviet and local Czech partisans during the Second World War. The site served as one of the drop zones ("ploščadky") where Soviet aircraft were expected to parachute weapons and supplies to partisan units operating in the area. A modest memorial now stands here, commemorating the partisans who were active across the Pacov Highlands during the occupation.

Getting there and what to know before visiting

Stržená hráz is best reached on foot or by bicycle from the villages of Rosička or Nový Mnich; the area forms part of the local network of hiking and cycling routes connecting settlements within the Deštná municipality. Because the terrain is genuinely wetland, sturdy waterproof footwear is strongly recommended, especially in spring or after rainfall, when water levels in the floodplain rise noticeably.

Frequently asked questions

What does the name "Stržená hráz" mean? It literally translates as "broken dam," referring to the collapse of a former dam that let the Hladovský stream reshape the area into a wetland.

Which protected plant species grows here? The spring snowflake (Leucojum vernum) — Stržená hráz is regarded as one of its richest sites in the Pelhřimov district.

Does the site have historical significance? Yes, it was the location of the first contact between Soviet and local Czech partisans during World War II, marked today by a memorial.

What is the best way to reach the site? On foot or by bike from Rosička or Nový Mnich; waterproof footwear is advisable due to the wet ground.