Kněžpole: Nature along the Morava River and Cycle Route 47B

Kněžpole lies in the extensive plain of the Dolnomoravský úval on the left bank of the Morava River. The river also forms the natural western boundary of the cadastral area. Thus, the village brings together the open plain and a clearly defined river landscape. The Morava is not only a geographical boundary, but also the reference point for the floodplain forest and the protected habitats in the surrounding area.

The Morava, Floodplain Forest and Protected Habitats

Between Kněžpole and the Morava lies the Kněžpolský les floodplain forest. It covers 333 hectares and shapes a landscape in which proximity to the river is an immediate part of the area’s character. The Trnovec Nature Reserve is also located in the cadastral area of Kněžpole. It is intended to preserve a structurally diverse hardwood floodplain forest and species-rich floodplain meadows. These habitats provide favorable conditions for endangered plant and animal species. The forest and open meadows give Trnovec a distinct character defined by different floodplain structures.

The Kanada Nature Reserve has a different focus. It is a separated arm of the Morava, located approximately 1.3 kilometers west of Kněžpole in the cadastral area of Kněžpole. Kanada was formed in the 1930s through the regulation of the Morava and covers 18.7303 hectares. It protects endangered aquatic and wetland flora and fauna typical of this habitat. Unlike Trnovec, the focus here is not a floodplain forest with floodplain meadows, but a body of water separated from the river channel. Its location, origin, and subject of protection clearly distinguish Kanada from the forest and meadow areas of the other nature reserve.

Early spring is considered the best time to visit Trnovec. At that time, the herbs of the forest undergrowth bloom while grey herons are nesting. In the reserve, the blooming of ground plants and the birds’ nesting activity therefore occur during the same season. This seasonal distinctive feature results from the simultaneous occurrence of these two natural phenomena.

St. Anne’s Church and Sports Complex

The history of the village is also reflected in St. Anne’s Church. It was built in 1856 as a new chapel dedicated to Saint Anne. In 1996–1997, it was expanded and consecrated as a church in October 1997. The original chapel therefore dates from the 19th century, while the expansion and consecration took place in the late 20th century.

For sporting activities, Kněžpole has a sports complex with two illuminated tennis courts with synthetic surfaces and a practice tennis wall. The complex also includes an illuminated multifunctional synthetic-surface area for various sports activities and an adjacent beach volleyball court. The grass training area is shared with volunteer firefighters, who regularly hold firefighting sport competitions there. Thus, the complex brings tennis, other sports, and firefighting sport together in one location.

Cycling through Kněžpole

A specific point of reference for cycling travelers is Cycle Route 47B from Napajedla to Uherské Hradiště. It passes through Kněžpole, making the village part of this connection. Kněžpole therefore lies directly along the route between the two towns. The cycling connection complements the village’s location on the Morava with another specific link within the surrounding area.

More Destinations

For further travel planning, you can also choose Uherský Brod, Lopenik, Újezdec, Vyškovec, Strání, Stříbrnice, Bystřice Pod Lopeníkem, and Ostrožská Nová Ves:

For the higher-level travel overview: Uherské Hradiště District.