Vlkov – Nature between the Lužnice and Gravel Lakes

Vlkov between Riverbanks, Forests and Protected Landscapes

Vlkov lies on the right bank of the Lužnice River and in the Třeboňsko Protected Landscape Area. Deep forests surround the village; to the southeast lies Vlkovský Pond, which belongs to the Třeboňsko pond system. As a result, Vlkov combines a landscape of river, forest, ponds and former extraction lakes – an interesting setting for a stay where nature observation, walks and longer circular routes can all be enjoyed side by side.

Unique Nature around Vlkov

The Písečný přesyp u Vlkova Nature Reserve is located in the vicinity of Vlkov. It protects the best-preserved sand dune in the area. Rare fungi, sand-loving plants and numerous groups of invertebrates occur in the reserve; it is therefore considered a site of European importance. An important point for planning a visit is the clear restriction: the Písečný přesyp u Vlkova Nature Reserve is not open to the public. It is therefore a protected natural area whose importance derives from its habitats and species, not a freely accessible sightseeing spot.

Nature Trail through the Veselské pískovny

The Veselské pískovny nature trail offers a publicly accessible nature experience. The circular route is 7 km long and leads around the Vlkovská pískovna and Lake Jezero Veselí I. Fourteen information panels explain the landscape history and nature of the lake area. The panels are available in Czech, German and English, so German-speaking visitors can also immediately understand the trail's topics. The panels connect the visible lake landscape with its formation and the forms of life found there.

The Veselské pískovny area stretches between Veselí nad Lužnicí, the Horusice district and the municipality of Vlkov. Five separate gravel lakes lie there, created by gravel and sand extraction from 1952 to 1986. This history also makes the circular route interesting for travellers who want to see how a landscape shaped by extraction is perceived today as a space for nature and recreation. Extraction is therefore not merely a historical timeframe, but explains the distinctive form of today's lake landscape. The educational trail also features the learning game “PÍSEČNOU PLÁŽÍ DO LEDOVÝCH DOB”.

Swimming and Longer Routes

The Veselské pískovny offer opportunities for recreational swimming. At the same time, they are not officially operated outdoor swimming pools. This distinction is part of understanding the site: the gravel lakes are part of a landscape with a nature trail and recreational opportunities, not a visit to a classic outdoor pool with officially operated bathing facilities. The swimming experience therefore complements the nature trail rather than replacing it.

The Okolo Třeboně nature trail is a 39 km circular route with 22 information stops. In a direct comparison of the routes, it is therefore considerably longer than the 7 km Veselské pískovny nature trail.

To the higher-level travel overview: Tábor District.

More Destinations

More places under the same destination:

Svrabov, Košín, Dobronice U Chýnova, Drachov, Březnice, Porín, Zvěrotice, Budislav.