Borovná – Ponds, Birdlife and History

Borovná combines local history with a variety of trails. The pond landscape near Borovná and the protected U Borovné locality add ponds and wetlands to these themes. The village lies 5 km southwest of Telč at the foot of Zdeňkov Hill. This makes Borovná an interesting choice if you want nature observation, cycling and cultural discoveries to be part of your stay.

Ponds, wetlands and endangered bird species

U Borovné is a Natura 2000 site of Community importance covering an area of 18.1995 hectares. The protected locality includes reed beds, wet meadows, wet willow scrub and pond habitats. This high-quality complex of ponds and wetlands protects a significant population of fire-bellied toads.

The pond landscape near Borovná is also remarkable for its birdlife: it provides a habitat for around two dozen endangered bird species. Some breed there, while others feed or rest during migration. These species include the osprey, kingfisher and black stork. If you are travelling with children, this example offers an engaging way to discover the difference between a permanent habitat and a stopover site during bird migration.

Trails for nature experiences and cycling

The Lipky nature trail runs for approximately 5 km and includes ten stations, including the Borovná Forest Society. Its layout connects the landscape with individual information points and gives a walk a clear thematic structure, without limiting you to simply viewing individual buildings.

For cyclists, Route 5261 runs from Dobrá Voda to Borovná and then continues to Telč. Another option is a 17 km route from Telč that runs via Stará Borovná and Borovná, as well as other places, before returning to Telč. This allows you to compare different starting points and route options. At Holiday House No. 15 in Borovná, the Koryto self-service bar offers refreshments from spring through autumn.

History in manageable stages

Borovná was first mentioned in written records in the mid-14th century. A more recent historic landmark in the village is the new chapel, which was consecrated to the Visitation of the Virgin Mary on 9 September 2001. Borovná also became permanently connected with Telč in 1721. These key dates give the village a sense of historical depth that combines well with the area's natural attractions.

Choosing the right location for your stay

If you want to focus your stay mainly on ponds, wetlands, birdwatching and the nature trail, you should consider Borovná and the U Borovné locality as separate points of reference. For combining your stay with a visit to Telč, the stated distance of 5 km southwest of the city is an important guide. Cyclists can also choose between Route 5261 from Dobrá Voda and the 17 km circular route from Telč. This allows you to select accommodation based on whether nature, local history or a combination of several types of excursions is your priority.

Other places in this selection

For further comparison, you can also visit Černíč, Záborná, Doupě, Bohuslavice, Zhor U Jihlavy, Dobroutov, Jihlava and Malý Beranov.

For the higher-level travel overview: Jihlava District.