Údolí Klíčavy

Údolí Klíčavy (Klíčava Valley) is a nature reserve in the northern part of the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area, in the Rakovník district near the town of Lány. It protects a stretch of the valley of the Klíčava stream — a left-bank tributary of the Berounka river — running from the Pilský rybník pond to a spot known as Kobylí hlava. The reserve covers roughly 32 hectares and was established in 2008.

What does the reserve protect?

The core purpose of protection is a well-preserved, largely natural mix of floodplain meadows, forest stands and the stream channel itself. The Klíčava runs through a narrow, sharply shaped valley here, where steep slopes sit right next to flatter ground that floods periodically. This contrast — rugged terrain interlaced with gentle meadows and patches of woodland — makes the reserve unusually varied for such a small area.

The stream itself carries real ecological weight. It is home to fish species typical of clean, forest-shaded watercourses, as well as the thick shelled river mussel (Unio crassus), a freshwater mollusc protected under the Natura 2000 network that depends on clean, well-oxygenated water and a stable streambed. Its presence is a strong indicator of the overall health of the valley's aquatic ecosystem.

Why are the meadows here so significant?

Floodplain meadows like those along the Klíčava are a habitat type disappearing quickly across the Czech Republic due to land drainage and agricultural intensification. Here they have survived in a condition natural enough to support one of the country's more substantial populations of marsh lousewort, a plant that depends on damp, extensively managed meadows. Even more notable is the presence of the Baltic marsh gentian, a species on the verge of extinction in the Czech Republic — the population recorded in the reserve is described as very sparse, making this one of the species' last refuges in the region.

What does the valley landscape look like?

The terrain inside the reserve is markedly varied. The stream cuts between steep slopes that locally give way to dense forest, while the valley floor and gentler stretches are occupied by meadows. This layout creates a mosaic of habitats — from damp meadows right along the streambed, through riverside scrub, to drier, forested slopes — which supports diversity among both plants and the animals tied to the watercourse.

Who is this place for?

Údolí Klíčavy suits visitors looking for quiet, low-key nature away from crowds — the reserve sits in the shadow of Křivoklátsko's better-known attractions, yet offers an authentic, little-altered stream valley landscape. It's a good spot for walking through meadows and forest and for watching birds tied to the wetland environment, along with a chance to encounter rare plant species — provided visitors respect the reserve's protection regime and stay on marked paths so as not to damage the sensitive meadow habitats.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Údolí Klíčavy reserve established? The reserve was declared in 2008.

How large is the protected area? It covers about 32 hectares, spanning the valley stretch from Pilský rybník to Kobylí hlava.

Which species make this reserve especially valuable? Among plants, the marsh lousewort and the critically rare Baltic marsh gentian stand out; among aquatic fauna, the thick shelled river mussel, a species protected under Natura 2000.

Where exactly is the reserve located? In the northern part of the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area, in the Rakovník district, near the town of Lány.