Žermanický lom

Žermanický lom is a small but ecologically remarkable nature reserve on the northeastern edge of the Žermanice reservoir, in the Frýdek-Místek district of the Moravian-Silesian Region, within the municipality of Žermanice. The site is a former quarry that once produced teschenite, a rock used in the 1950s to build the dam that created the nearby reservoir. The protected area covers just under two hectares (1.95 ha) and was declared a natural monument in 1992.

What does the former quarry look like today?

Since quarrying stopped, the floor of the excavation has gradually filled with water, forming a mosaic of wetlands and open water surfaces. The site sits at an elevation of 297 to 322 metres above sea level, and its modest size means the whole area can be explored on foot in well under an hour, offering a close look at how nature has reclaimed a former industrial site.

Why is this site protected?

The main reason for protection is the rich and unusual vegetation that has developed in the humid microclimate of the abandoned quarry. Its water bodies support a large population of the critically endangered variegated scouring-rush (Hippochaete variegata), a plant for which such habitats have become increasingly rare across Moravia and Silesia. The presence of this species was one of the key arguments for establishing the natural monument.

What wildlife can be seen here?

Žermanický lom is also a valuable habitat for insects and birds. Researchers have recorded 19 species of dragonflies at the site, including a notably rare dark-coloured species among them. Among birds, in addition to species common throughout the region, the area is visited by green woodpecker, river warbler, meadow pipit, and white stork, which finds good feeding opportunities in the flooded quarry floor.

How can visitors reach Žermanický lom?

The reserve lies right next to the Žermanice dam, making it an easy stop for anyone visiting the reservoir. It is a good spot for a short, quiet break for those interested in nature, macro photography, or birdwatching, and a striking example of how former industrial land can evolve into a valuable ecosystem over time.

Frequently asked questions

Is Žermanický lom open to visitors? Yes, the small area can be explored on foot; as a protected natural monument, visitors should respect the habitats of the plants and animals living there.

Why was this former quarry protected? Mainly because of its population of the critically endangered variegated scouring-rush and the rich dragonfly and bird life that has colonised the flooded quarry floor.

How large is the protected area? The reserve covers just under two hectares (1.95 ha), so it can be visited in a short amount of time.

Where does the site's name and history come from? The name comes from the nearby village of Žermanice and the teschenite rock quarried here, which was used to build the dam of the Žermanice reservoir in the 1950s.