Švařec II

Švařec II is a protected natural monument (přírodní památka) located near the village of Koroužné, in the Žďár nad Sázavou district of the Vysočina Region in the eastern part of the Czech Republic. Sitting at an elevation of 415 to 490 metres above sea level, the site preserves a valuable slice of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands landscape, safeguarded for its unusual meadow habitats and the rare plant and animal life they support.

Where is it and how to get there?

Švařec II lies in the central part of the Vysočina Region, an area characterized by rolling hills, forests, and a patchwork of meadows typical of this highland part of the country. The nearest landmark is the village of Koroužné, close to which the protected area extends. Administratively, the site falls within the Žďár nad Sázavou district, a part of the Czech Republic known for retaining relatively undisturbed sub-mountain ecosystems. The area is managed by the Regional Authority of the Vysočina Region (Krajský úřad Kraje Vysočina), which sets it apart from some nearby protected sites that fall under the direct management of the national nature conservation agency.

What does the reserve protect?

The primary purpose of protection at Švařec II is to preserve a scientifically valuable landscape supporting numerous plant and animal species that are legally protected or considered endangered. The site is particularly notable for its damp meadows and dry grasslands, home to orchids (Orchidaceae) and juniper shrubs (Juniperus). Among the most significant plant species is autumn lady's-tresses, known scientifically as Spiranthes spiralis — a small orchid that blooms in autumn and whose presence signals well-preserved meadow habitats.

Equally important is the fauna associated with the wetlands and small water bodies found within the reserve. Visitors with a naturalist's eye may encounter the edible frog (Pelophylax esculentus), the common toad (Bufo bufo), and the smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) — amphibian species that depend on clean, small bodies of water for breeding. Their presence points to the good ecological condition of the surface waters within the protected area. The site is additionally valued for mineral occurrences found here, which makes Švařec II a place of interest not only to botanists and zoologists, but also to those curious about local geology.

Who is it for?

Švařec II is a destination better suited to nature enthusiasts than to conventional sightseeing — there is no extensive tourist infrastructure or architectural heritage to visit here. It is, however, a rewarding stop for wildlife watchers, amateur botanists, and anyone looking for a quiet walk through the meadows and damp corners of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. Its proximity to other protected natural areas within the Žďár nad Sázavou district makes it easy to combine a visit to Švařec II with a longer exploration of the region's nature reserves.

When to visit?

The best time to visit is during the summer and early autumn months, when the orchids bloom — including the site's signature autumn-flowering species, Spiranthes spiralis. Spring and early summer, on the other hand, are ideal for observing amphibians during their breeding season in the reserve's water bodies. As a protected natural area, Švařec II calls for responsible visiting: staying on marked paths and avoiding disturbance to the habitats of the wild plants and animals that live there.

Frequently asked questions

What is Švařec II? It is a protected natural monument (přírodní památka) in the Žďár nad Sázavou district of the Vysočina Region, safeguarding valuable meadow and wetland habitats along with rare plant and animal species.

What plant species can be found here? The most notable are orchids, including autumn lady's-tresses (Spiranthes spiralis), as well as juniper shrubs.

What animals live in Švařec II? The area is home to species such as the edible frog, the common toad, and the smooth newt, all associated with the site's water bodies.

Who manages this protected area? Švařec II is administered by the Regional Authority of the Vysočina Region (Krajský úřad Kraje Vysočina).