TranslateOverview
Litovelské Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area (CHKO Litovelské Pomoraví) is a roughly 96 km² nature reserve straddling the Morava River and its braided system of side channels, oxbow lakes, and alluvial forests roughly 10–20 km north-west of Olomouc in the Olomouc Region of Moravia. Designated in 1990, it is one of the best-preserved floodplain forest complexes in Central Europe.
The landscape is shaped by the Morava's natural flooding cycle. Ancient stands of floodplain alder, ash, and white willow line the riverbanks, while sedge meadows, wet grasslands, and former fish ponds fill the open areas between. The town of Litovel, sitting at the heart of the reserve, gives the area its name and serves as the most practical base for visitors.
Beyond its ecological value, the area offers quiet cycling and walking trails, canoeing on calm river stretches, and a glimpse into the flat, unhurried character of the Haná lowlands — a region historically known for its fertile black soils and strong folk traditions. It draws mainly Czech visitors, birdwatchers, and cyclists rather than mass tourism, which preserves much of its appeal.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Czechia is a Schengen Area member. For entry requirements specific to your nationality, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official website of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your nearest Czech embassy before travel.
What to Pack
- Waterproof footwear is strongly recommended; trails in the floodplain can be muddy even in dry spells.
- Insect repellent is essential from May through August — mosquitoes are abundant near the oxbows and forest margins.
- Binoculars significantly improve wildlife watching, particularly for waterbirds.
- Weather changes quickly in the river valley; a light rain layer is useful year-round.
Health and Insurance
No vaccinations are specifically required for this destination, but standard European travel health insurance covering outdoor activities is advisable. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is present in Central European forests; consult a travel health professional about vaccination if you plan extended time in woodland. Always carry a tick-removal tool when walking in long grass or undergrowth.
Getting There
By Train or Bus from Olomouc
Litovel is served by regional bus and train connections from Olomouc, which is itself well connected to Prague and Brno by fast rail. Journey time from Olomouc to Litovel is roughly 20–30 minutes by bus or train; verify current schedules and booking at the Czech national transport portal (idos.cz) or at the Olomouc bus/train station.
By Car
Litovel sits just off Road 35 (R35 expressway corridor) north-west of Olomouc. Parking is available in Litovel town centre and at several informal pull-offs along the main cycling and nature trails. A car gives the most flexibility for reaching outlying trailheads.
Nearest Airport
Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is the largest international gateway, roughly 280 km away by road. Brno–Tuřany Airport (BRQ) is closer at approximately 90 km and handles a smaller number of international routes. Verify current airline connections before booking.
Getting Around
Cycling
The area's flat topography makes it ideal for cycling. A well-maintained network of marked cycle routes runs through the floodplain forest and alongside the Morava and its channels. Bicycles can be hired in Litovel (verify current providers locally); bringing your own is also straightforward from Olomouc by train.
Walking
Several marked hiking trails cross the protected landscape. The riverside paths between Litovel and the village of Mladeč, and through the Doubrava forest, are among the most popular. Trails are generally flat but may be temporarily closed or rerouted after flooding events — check locally.
Canoeing and Kayaking
The calm, braided channels of the Morava are suitable for canoe and kayak touring. Local outfitters operate seasonal rental and shuttle services; confirm availability in advance, particularly outside the peak May–August season.
On Foot in Town
Litovel itself is easily walkable. The old town retains a medieval street plan with the town walls partly intact, and most visitor services are within a short walk of the main square.
Things to See & Do
Wildlife and Birdwatching
The reserve supports more than 200 recorded bird species. White storks nest on rooftops in surrounding villages. The oxbow lakes and sedge meadows attract great white egrets, grey herons, kingfishers, black kites, and during migration, large gatherings of waders and wildfowl. Dawn and dusk are most rewarding. There are no formal hides as at major reserves, but open riverbanks and forest edges provide good observation points.
Mladeč Caves
At the north-eastern edge of the protected area, the Mladeč Caves (Mladečské jeskyně) are open to visitors seasonally and contain significant Paleolithic archaeological finds as well as stalactite formations. Admission and opening hours vary by season — verify on the official Czech cave system website (jeskyne.ochranaprirody.cz) before visiting.
Litovel Old Town
Litovel is sometimes called the "Venice of Hanácká Moravia" because several arms of the Morava flow directly around and through its historic core. The Church of St. Mark, fragments of the medieval town walls, and the main square (náměstí Přemysla Otakara) are worth a short walking tour.
Cycling Routes
The main cycling circuit around the floodplain forest takes approximately 3–5 hours at a relaxed pace and passes through characteristic Morava river scenery, small villages, and quiet meadows. Route signage is generally reliable; pick up a local cycling map in Litovel.
Mushroom Foraging
Autumn foraging for wild mushrooms is a deeply embedded Czech custom, and the floodplain forests here are productive in September and October. Respect protected-area rules on quantities collected and stay on paths to avoid damaging ground flora.
Food & Drink
Litovel town has a modest selection of restaurants, pubs, and cafés clustered around the main square and the adjacent streets. Expect hearty Moravian cooking: roast pork, svíčková (beef sirloin in cream sauce), freshwater fish dishes reflecting the river setting, and local game in autumn. Portions are typically generous and prices are lower than in Prague or Brno.
Litovel is also home to a well-known regional brewery, Pivovar Litovel, established in the 19th century. Its lager is widely available locally and in parts of Moravia. Brewery tours may be available — verify directly with the brewery.
Outside the town, food options are sparse. If cycling or walking through the floodplain for a full day, carry sufficient food and water. Village shops in Unčovice or Červenka can resupply basics but may have limited hours.
Practical Information
Money
The Czech Republic uses the Czech Koruna (CZK), not the Euro. ATMs are available in Litovel town centre. Card payment is increasingly accepted in restaurants and shops but carry some cash for smaller establishments and trail-side stalls.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage (4G) is generally reliable in Litovel town and on the main roads. In dense floodplain forest and more remote trail sections, coverage can be patchy. Download offline maps (e.g., Mapy.cz, which has excellent Czech trail data) before heading out.
Emergency Numbers
- General emergency (EU standard): 112
- Police: 158
- Ambulance: 155
- Fire: 150
Protected Landscape Rules
As a designated CHKO (Chráněná krajinná oblast), the area has zoned land-use rules. Stay on marked paths in core zones, do not disturb nesting birds, keep dogs under control, and do not light fires except in designated areas. Picking plants and collecting animals is prohibited. The administration authority is the Agency for Nature Conservation and Landscape Protection of the Czech Republic (AOPK ČR) — verify current regulations on their official website.
Safety
Litovelské Pomoraví is a low-risk destination for visitors. The main practical hazards are environmental rather than security-related.
Flooding: The Morava is subject to seasonal flooding, most likely in spring (March–May) and after heavy summer rain. Riverside trails can become impassable or dangerous quickly. Check river level forecasts (available via the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, chmi.cz) if visiting during or after wet periods, and heed any trail closure signs.
Ticks and insects: As noted in the before-you-go section, ticks carrying Lyme disease and TBE are present. Conduct a full body check after any time in long grass or woodland. Mosquitoes near oxbow lakes can be intense in summer but pose no disease risk in this region.
Navigation: Mobile signal gaps in forested sections mean pre-downloaded maps are advisable. The trail network is well marked but can be confusing at river junctions; a physical cycling or hiking map purchased in Litovel is a worthwhile backup.
