Břehy between pond nature and water engineering history

Břehy offers a stay immersed in pond nature and water engineering history. At Černý Nadýmač, a significant fire-bellied toad site and a highly endangered plant are in the spotlight; a nature trail, mill complex, canals and a memorial complement the natural attractions with opportunities for activity and local history.

Břehy at a glance

• The current KČT list identifies the K Černému Nadýmači route from Břehy as a red, 7-kilometre wheelchair-accessible route.
• Created in 2015, the nature trail at Buňkov Pond goes all the way around the pond; cycling is possible, but the circular route is better suited to walking.
• Černý Nadýmač is a significant site for the fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina); a historical population estimate cites several thousand animals.
• The pond is bordered by wet alder woods and wet, acid-loving oak woods. Coleanthus subtilis, a highly endangered plant species, grows on exposed pond beds.
• The Sopřečský vodní kanál is part of the water network of the Opatovický Canal, which was completed by Vilém z Pernštejna in 1513.
• The hydropower plant established at Výrovský mlýn in 1914 is still operational. The mill serves as a cultural, sports and community centre for Břehy.
• The memorial to the victims of both world wars was unveiled on 17 October 1920 and still stands near Březinka.

Pond nature and trails

At Černý Nadýmač, Břehy’s natural attractions can be explored through specific habitats and species. The pond is a significant site for the fire-bellied toad; the estimate of several thousand animals is historical. The adjoining wet woodland habitats include alder woods and acid-loving oak woods. The highly endangered species Coleanthus subtilis also grows on exposed pond beds. The pond bed, water and wet woods give nature enthusiasts different features to focus on.

Two different starting points are mentioned for planning a route. The red KČT route K Černému Nadýmači starts in Břehy and is designated as a 7-kilometre wheelchair route. The nature trail at Buňkov, by contrast, goes all the way around the pond. It was created in 2015 and can also be cycled, though it is better suited to a walk. This lets you distinguish the length and designation of one route from the described trail and mode of travel at the other pond.

Water engineering and local history

The history of water engineering offers another way to explore Břehy and its surroundings. The Opatovický Canal was completed by Vilém z Pernštejna in 1513. The Sopřečský vodní kanál is part of its water network. This connection brings the two canal names together under the shared theme of water engineering, without conflating them with the walking and cycling routes.

At Výrovský mlýn, technical history meets a present-day community role: the hydropower plant established in 1914 remains operational, and the restored mill serves as a cultural, sports and community centre for Břehy. Its restoration is continuing. The memorial near Březinka marks a different historical theme. It commemorates the victims of the First and Second World Wars and was unveiled on 17 October 1920.

Choose the focus of your stay

If you are primarily interested in nature and trails, Černý Nadýmač and the nature trail at Buňkov offer specific topics to help you plan. If you are interested in technology and local history, the canals and Výrovský mlýn take centre stage; the memorial adds a tribute to the victims of both world wars. When choosing accommodation in Břehy, you can first consider which of these interests you want to shape your stay.

A route description updated in 2021 identifies a car park in the Výrov district of Břehy, between a restaurant and an industrial mill, as a starting point for trips to Černý Nadýmač Pond. It is worth checking this information again before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Horní Roveň, Jezbořice, Vysoke Chvojno, Poběžovice U Přelouče, Podůlšany, Stéblová, Litošice, Chýšť.

FAQ / Frequently asked questions about Břehy

What is the best way to explore the nature trail at Buňkov?

Created in 2015, the nature trail goes all the way around the pond. You can cycle along it, but the circular route is better suited to walking.

Go to the main travel overview: Okres Pardubice.