Věstonická nádrž

Věstonická nádrž is the middle of three interconnected reservoirs on the Dyje River, built as part of the Nové Mlýny hydroelectric waterworks between 1975 and 1988 in the Břeclav district of South Moravia. It takes its name from the nearby village of Dolní Věstonice, famous for prehistoric archaeological finds, though the reservoir itself is primarily a nature site rather than a historical landmark.

Why is this reservoir protected?

The area was declared a nature reserve in 1994 to preserve the wetland and aquatic ecosystems that formed after floodplain forests, marshes and meadows were flooded during construction between 1976 and 1980. In 2005, the site was also added to the Natura 2000 network as a bird area, reflecting its importance for protecting rare waterbird and wetland species.

What makes it worth visiting?

Věstonická nádrž is one of the most significant ornithological sites in Moravia. It serves as a breeding ground for numerous waterbirds, including several gull species, and — even more notably — as a key stopover and wintering site for waterfowl. In winter, tens of thousands of greylag geese and dozens of white-tailed eagles gather here, making it a prime destination for birdwatchers, particularly in autumn and winter when bird concentrations peak.

A trace of a drowned village

On one of the islands in the middle of the reservoir stands the church of Saint Linhart, the last remnant of the village of Mušov, which was submerged during the construction of the Nové Mlýny reservoir cascade. The church tower, visible from the shore, has become a symbol of the site, a quiet reminder of the landscape that disappeared beneath the water.

How to explore the area

The shores of the reservoir offer walking and cycling paths where visitors can observe birdlife without entering the protected reserve area itself, which is important for safeguarding breeding grounds. The Nové Mlýny region is a popular day-trip destination from nearby Mikulov or Brno, combining natural attractions with the vineyards of South Moravia close by. Bringing binoculars is worthwhile — observing birds from a distance is the best way to avoid disturbing their natural behavior.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Věstonická nádrž? The reservoir primarily serves ecological and hydroelectric purposes, and a large part of it falls under nature reserve protection, so swimming is not a typical activity here, unlike some of the other reservoirs in the Nové Mlýny cascade.

When is the best time to watch birds? The largest concentrations of waterbirds, including greylag geese and white-tailed eagles, appear in autumn and winter, when the reservoir functions as a wintering ground.

What is the tower visible on the water? It is the tower of the church of Saint Linhart, the only surviving remnant of the flooded village of Mušov.

Is the reserve open to visitors? The water area and islands themselves are protected due to bird breeding grounds, but the surrounding shoreline paths are accessible to visitors.