Žebračka

Žebračka is a national nature reserve on the northeastern edge of Přerov, protecting one of the last large remnants of natural floodplain forest in the Bečva River valley. Established in 1949, it ranks among the oldest protected areas of its kind in Moravia and today covers roughly 230 hectares.

What makes this forest special?

The woodland at Žebračka is a surviving fragment of the once-extensive floodplain forests that lined the entire Bečva valley before the river was regulated and most of the surrounding land turned into farmland and built-up areas. It remains a rare example of an ecosystem where periodic flooding still shapes the composition of the trees and undergrowth. Oak, hornbeam, ash and elm dominate the canopy, and in spring the forest floor turns into a white carpet of blooming wild garlic, its strong scent noticeable well before you reach the trees.

Why is the reserve ecologically significant?

Žebračka is part of the Natura 2000 network and is considered valuable from both a botanical and zoological standpoint, hosting plant communities with Central European and Carpathian character. The forest also functions as an important ecological corridor linking the Bečva valley with the surrounding green areas. Its location at a crossroads of bird migration routes gives it particular ornithological weight — dozens of bird species use the reserve for nesting or as a stopover during migration. The forest and its adjoining pools also support notable populations of molluscs, amphibians and reptiles, making Žebračka one of the region's key biodiversity sites.

How can visitors explore Žebračka?

A roughly five-kilometre circular educational trail with information panels runs through the reserve. It forms part of the wider "Přerov Meadows" nature trail, which connects Žebračka with Michalov Park and nearby oxbow lakes and ponds. The walk suits both Přerov residents looking for nature close to the city and visitors interested in birdwatching or floodplain flora. The reserve effectively serves as Přerov's town forest, open year-round and free to enter.

When is the best time to visit?

Early spring is the most dramatic season, when wild garlic covers the forest floor in white blossoms and returning migratory birds can be spotted along the trail. Summer offers cool shade on hot days, while autumn brings the colourful foliage typical of deciduous floodplain woodland.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Žebračka located? The reserve lies on the northeastern edge of the town of Přerov, in the Bečva River valley, in the Olomouc Region of the Czech Republic.

How large is the reserve? Žebračka covers approximately 230 hectares of floodplain forest.

Can visitors walk through it freely? Yes, a marked circular educational trail of about five kilometres runs through the reserve and is open to pedestrians.

Why is the area protected? It preserves a unique surviving fragment of the Bečva valley's natural floodplain forest and supports a rich variety of birds, amphibians, reptiles and molluscs.

Is it a good spot for birdwatching? Yes, the reserve lies on a major bird migration route and serves as a nesting site for many species.