Kněžičky: Protected Areas and Bird Sanctuary

Kněžičky: Nature, Water and Protected Habitats

Kněžičky is a destination for travellers who want to combine nature observation, water, and regional traditions. The Žehuňský rybník–Obora Kněžičky Bird Sanctuary protects the habitats of the Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) and the Spotted Crake (Porzana porzana). The area is significant as a breeding ground for 131 bird species (1996–2002) and as a migration area for waterfowl and birds of prey. This combination alone gives your travel planning a clear thematic direction: you can choose a landscape destination where protected habitats and birdlife are the main focus.

Another focal point is the Kněžičky National Nature Reserve. It covers 89 ha and protects thermophilous oak forests with a considerable proportion of old trees compared with other areas. The reserve is also home to thermophilous steppe and forest-steppe communities. For your orientation, the form of access is important: Kněžičky National Nature Reserve is accessible exclusively via public roads and forest paths. This makes the specific route network one of the details you can take into account when planning a nature excursion.

The municipality’s natural landscape also includes the Kopičácký rybník National Nature Monument. It contains wetland habitats with peat and purple moor-grass meadows, reed beds, and aquatic communities. Populations of rare and endangered plants and animals are also found there, particularly Sesleria uliginosa, Potamogeton gramineus, and Rana ridibunda. Kopičácký rybník lies in the cadastral area of the municipality of Kněžičky and complements the protected landscapes with a distinctly water-dominated habitat. In the reserve, old thermophilous oak forests as well as steppe and forest-steppe communities shape the landscape, while at Kopičácký rybník wet meadows, reeds, and aquatic communities take centre stage. Kněžičky thus combines a forest-dominated natural area with a water-dominated habitat; when planning your visit, you can choose between these different nature themes.

Obora Kněžičky comprises a complex of buildings from the former royal game reserve, set amid an 850-hectare enclosed forest complex. Forest ponds were restored in the game reserve and serve as retention basins. Within the Obora Kněžičky area, Dr Pio Kinský dal Borgo operates Hotel Obora with a restaurant. This specific accommodation option is therefore located in surroundings characterised by forest, bodies of water, and the historic designation of the former royal game reserve. The restored forest ponds complement the forest complex with retention basins as an additional water-related feature.

For a stay with a special connection to water, there is also the municipal water reservoir covering an area of 3,700 m². It is used for swimming and fishing. Another cultural facet is provided by the traditional pilgrimages that are still celebrated in Kněžičky. Nature observation, time by the water, and a regional tradition can thus be considered different focal points of the same trip.

Other Places for Orientation

If you would like to compare other destinations in addition to Kněžičky, you can also visit Senice, Kostomlátky, Kouty, Chrást, Dymokury, Všechlapy, Rozdalovice, and Chleby.

For the overarching travel overview: Nymburk District.