Věstonická nádrž
Věstonická nádrž is the middle reservoir of the Nové Mlýny waterworks on the Dyje river in the South Moravian Region, in the Břeclav district. The remaining two reservoirs, Mušovská and Novomlýnská, are used for recreation today, but Věstonická nádrž has been left to natural processes; swimming is prohibited, and thanks to this, it is now a rare ornithological site. The history of the creation of Věstonická nádrž is contradictory and sad, even though it is a unique nature reserve today.
The Novomlýnské nádrže reservoirs were built between 1975 and 1988. Věstonická nádrž was test-filled in 1981, but it was discovered that the dam was leaking in places, so it was only filled after necessary repairs in 1987. Due to the construction of the reservoirs, the historic village of Mušov, which had been mentioned since the 12th century, was demolished. The residents had to move out, and almost the entire village is now under the surface of the Věstonická přehrada. The only reminder of Mušov is an island in the middle of the reservoir, originally a hill, with the kostel sv. Linharta, probably the oldest Romanesque ecclesiastical building in the Břeclav area. However, it is beginning to fall into disrepair, as the island is difficult to access, the maintenance of the monument is complex, and entry to the reserve is restricted.
Věstonická nádrž was declared a nature reserve on 11 February 1994, and its area covers more than one thousand hectares. The reason for the protection is the nesting of rare bird species, especially tundra geese, but one can also see white-tailed eagles, some species of gulls, black and white storks flying over the surface, and peregrine falcons hunting here as well. However, Věstonická nádrž can only be observed from the path leading along the dam separating it from the lower Novomlýnská nádrž, i.e., the road connecting Strachotín and Dolní Věstonice. Via the second dam, which separates the upper Mušovská nádrž, one can reach Pohořelice and Mikulov.
Should you wish to learn more about Věstonická nádrž, set off along the educational trail of the same name around the reservoir, which begins in Pasohlávky, leads through several natural monuments on the way to the dam of the Strachotínský rybník pond, and further to Dolní Věstonice, where there is also a museum with the exhibition Věk lovců a mamutů, which will introduce visitors to the local archaeological finds. The route ends at Rybníkářství Pohořelice, where one can further supplement knowledge about the fish that live in the Novomlýnské nádrže reservoirs. The entire route measures 16 km and can be completed both on foot and by bike.
Are you planning to spend some time here, but are unsure where best to find accommodation near Věstonická nádrž? We are happy to advise. Try guesthouses in Strachotín or Pavlov. If you love accommodation by the water, then you cannot miss the campsites at Věstonická nádrž. If you would prefer to feel "at home", private accommodation in Perná or Pasohlávky will suit you well. Hotels at Věstonická nádrž then offer a higher standard of services.
Regardless of the accommodation chosen from the local offer, visitors may set out to explore the surroundings from anywhere. If you are a lover of castles and chateaux, then you should explore the Děvičky ruins and the remains of the Neuhaus castle. In Pavlov, visit the archeopark, and a nearby unique natural monument is also the Kalendář věků. However, Jižní Morava is not only about beautiful nature but also about fun on the water. In addition to the two mentioned Novomlýnské nádrže reservoirs, where visitors may enjoy various water sports, there is also Aqualand Moravia in Pasohlávky, where both adults and children will enjoy a full day of wet fun. And for fans of adrenaline sports, there is Wake Merkur, where water skiing and wakeboarding can be tried. You will therefore have plenty of fun and discovery provided in the vicinity of Věstonická nádrž.
