Velký Pařezitý rybník

Velký Pařezitý rybník is a nature reserve and historic fishpond near the village of Řásná, roughly 8 kilometers west of Telč, sitting at an elevation of 670–680 meters in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. Its unusual name refers to the tree stumps left on the pond's bottom when it was built — remnants that are still part of the site's character today.

Where does the name come from?

The pond was established in 1565 by Zachariáš z Hradce, then lord of the Telč estate. From the start it served as a drinking-water source for the town of Telč, collecting runoff from the surrounding, then heavily forested, terrain. When the area was flooded to create the reservoir, the trees standing on it were not cleared — their stumps remained on the bottom, giving the pond its name, "pařezitý," meaning roughly "stump-filled." This detail sets it apart from most other ponds in the region, which were typically built on cleared ground.

Why is it a protected area?

The site was declared a state nature reserve in 1984. The reason for protection is to preserve typical swamp forest communities found in the higher elevations of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, along with rare, protected plant species that thrive in the combination of an oligotrophic pond, waterlogged alder forest, and boggy birch woodland. This mix of habitats packed into a relatively small area gives the reserve significant ecological value.

What does the surrounding landscape look like?

The reserve and its boggy surroundings resemble a fragment of taiga — an unusual sight for this part of Central Europe. Among the undergrowth grow plant species with a subarctic and alpine character, including mountain clubmosses and ferns more commonly associated with entirely different climate zones. This contrast between cold-loving vegetation and the heart of Moravia is what makes the site especially interesting for nature lovers and botany enthusiasts.

What can visitors do here?

An educational nature trail runs around the reserve, letting visitors learn about the pond's history and the peculiarities of its flora without entering the strictly protected core zone. Along the section open to visitors, the shoreline is grassy or sandy with a gradual entry into the water, which makes the spot popular with families looking for a quiet swimming spot away from busier tourist centers.

How to get there?

Velký Pařezitý rybník lies right next to the village of Řásná, in the Jihlava district, about 8 kilometers from the historic center of Telč — a town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. That makes it a convenient stop for anyone visiting Telč and its surroundings who wants to add a short brush with the highlands' nature to their itinerary.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Velký Pařezitý rybník? Yes, the section of the pond open to visitors has grassy and sandy banks with a gradual entry into the water, suitable for families with children as well.

Since when has the pond been protected? It received state nature reserve status in 1984, due to its valuable swamp forest communities and rare plant species.

Where does the pond's name come from? The name refers to tree stumps ("pařezy") left on the bottom of the pond after it was built in 1565 by Zachariáš z Hradce.

How far is it from Telč? The reserve is located about 8 kilometers west of Telč's town center, a UNESCO World Heritage site.