📜 Libický luh is the largest floodplain forest in Bohemia, protected as a National Nature Reserve since 1985.
🌿 Renowned for its rich biodiversity, including vast carpets of wild garlic in spring, rare endemic plants, and diverse bird and amphibian species.
🌳 Explore the largest complex of floodplain forest in Bohemia.
🌸 Witness stunning carpets of wild garlic in spring.
🐦 Observe rare nesting birds like black stork and northern goshawk.
🐸 Discover unique amphibians and crustaceans in natural pools.
🚶♀️ Enjoy a peaceful 2.5-hour visit amidst diverse forest communities and oxbow lakes.
⚠️ Primarily a nature reserve, limited facilities for active sports or entertainment.
🚫 Focus is on natural preservation, not commercial activities.
🆓 Admission to the reserve is free.
🚗 Free parking is available near the reserve entrance in Velký Osek.
Národní přírodní rezervace Libický luh (National Nature Reserve Libický luh) was established in 1985 to protect the largest complex of a floodplain forest in Bohemia. The reserve covers an area of 410 hectares and is located in the Central Bohemian Region near the village of Velký Osek, on the right bank of the Elbe River, at an elevation of only 190 meters above sea level. The area features a variety of natural forest communities, numerous pools and oxbow lakes in various stages of succession, and species-rich meadows. Historically, the area appeared on military maps as 'Libitzer Au' at the end of the 17th century. The forest is characterized by oak-hornbeam forests in drier areas and wetland alder groves elsewhere, with a significant presence of decaying and dead trees that contribute to biodiversity. In spring, the forest floor is covered with vast carpets of wild garlic (česnek medvědí). The reserve is home to rare flora, including an endemic species discovered in 1978, the Elbe helleborine (kruštík polabský), as well as white water lilies and marsh marigolds in the pools. The fauna includes crustaceans like the fairy shrimp and tadpole shrimp in spring pools, and it is a nesting site for rare birds such as the black stork, northern goshawk, and black woodpecker. Amphibians like the agile frog and fire-bellied toad can also be found.