Velký rybník (nature reserve)

Velký rybník is a nature reserve near the village of Rybniště in the Šluknov Hills of northern Czechia, protecting the largest pond in Děčín district together with the wetlands around it. The reserve sits close to Nová Chřibská, a historic settlement that was administratively merged with Rybniště back in 1805.

What exactly is protected here?

The reserve covers the pond itself plus an extensive surrounding area of wetlands, reed beds, waterlogged meadows and wet forest. Velký rybník is the largest standing body of water in Děčín district, spanning 35.8 hectares and holding around 390,000 cubic meters of water. Following an expansion in 2007, the whole protected area now covers 103.72 hectares across the cadastral territories of Rybniště and Krásná Lípa.

When was the reserve established?

Protection status was first granted in 1984, with the boundaries extended in 1995. The most significant expansion came in 2007, when the protected zone was enlarged to its current size to include additional wetland habitat important for local wildlife.

Why is it worth bringing binoculars?

Velký rybník ranks among the region's most important birdwatching sites — more than 170 bird species have been recorded in the immediate vicinity of the pond. The reed beds provide habitat for Eurasian cranes, great crested grebes and great reed warblers, while visitors can also spot white storks, white-tailed eagles and red-necked grebes. This diversity comes from the mosaic of habitats on site: open water, dense reeds, wet meadows and waterlogged forest, each supporting different groups of species.

What is the connection to Nová Chřibská?

Nová Chřibská is a historic part of Rybniště, the municipality within whose territory the reserve lies. The two settlements were merged administratively in 1805, which is why the reserve is associated with both Rybniště and this older settlement name today. For visitors, this means the reserve can be approached either from the center of Rybniště or from the area of former Nová Chřibská, which borders the pond directly.

Frequently asked questions

How large is Velký rybník? The pond itself covers 35.8 hectares and holds about 390,000 cubic meters of water, making it the largest body of water in Děčín district.

How many bird species can be seen here? More than 170 bird species have been recorded near the pond, including Eurasian cranes, great crested grebes, great reed warblers, white storks, white-tailed eagles and red-necked grebes.

How big is the protected area overall? After the 2007 expansion, the reserve covers 103.72 hectares across the cadastral areas of Rybniště and Krásná Lípa.

When was the reserve created? It was established in 1984, expanded in 1995, and enlarged again — most significantly — in 2007.

Where exactly is the reserve located? Velký rybník lies in the southwestern part of the Šluknov Hills in Děčín district, close to Krásná Lípa and the historic settlement of Nová Chřibská.