- Address: Znojmo, South Moravian Region, Czech Republic
- Phone: +420 515 282 240
- Website: www.nppodyji.cz
- Date of foundation: 1991.
- Area: 63 square meters. km
- Average height: 372 m
- Managing organization: Czech Nature Protection Agency
The Czech Republic is a small European state, with 12% of its territory being protected areas. Moreover, the area of the country is only 80 thousand square meters. km, there are registered 1350 nature reserves and 4 national parks . Among them is Podium - the smallest Czech reserve.
History of Podya
In 1978, this part of the South Moravian region was granted the status of an environmentally protected area. In July 1991, the status of Podyi was changed to a "national park", which was caused by its historical, scientific and environmental value. In 2011, a film was shot about him, which was broadcast on Czech television.
In 2014, an application was made for the inclusion of Podyi in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The initiator was the company Znovín Znojmo, which owns most of the vineyard Shobs.
Geography and biodiversity of the Park Pody
As this natural reserve borders on the Austrian National Park Tayyat, together they are often called the international park Podyi-Tayatal. The area of Podyi is 63 square meters. km, 83% of which is forest. The difference in altitude in this nature protection zone is 207-536 m above sea level.
Across the whole territory of Podya flows the river of Dia, whose valley is its "heart". The length of the river is 40 km, but due to the fact that it strongly wriggles, all its channel fits into the 15-kilometer length of the park.
Currently in the National Park of Podyjia are registered:
- 77 plant species;
- 18 species of orchids;
- 152 species of birds;
- 65 species of mammals;
- 32 species of fish;
- 7 species of reptiles;
- 12 species of butterflies.
Biologists found here 30 holes of ground squirrels. This is surprising, because in the rest of the Czech Republic, small animals that cause significant damage to agricultural lands have been exterminated by local farmers.
Attractions Podyj
This national park is interesting not only for its pristine nature and biodiversity. In its territory there are many architectural and natural monuments of great historical value. So, upon arrival in Pody, it is necessary to make an appointment with the following objects:
- geological folds Hamers leaves, formed about 795 million years ago;
- the Lusthaus hunting palace of 1780, built in the form of an irregular hexagon and decorated in the style of classicism and late Baroque;
- Silsfield's stone is a rock wall hanging over the right bank of Dia;
- Shobs - one of the most famous and ancient vineyards of the Czech Republic, the area of which is 12 hectares;
- reservoir Znojmo with an area of 45 hectares;
- castle Vranov nad Diyi , built in 1100 and now open to visitors.
Visiting this national park is a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the beauty and natural wealth of the valley of the river Diye. Climbing to the top, you can enjoy stunning views of the sunny southern slopes, rocky lowlands, bends and turns of the meandering river.
How to get to Pody?
The national park is located in the southern part of the Czech Republic on the very border with Austria. From the capital of Podyi separate about 175 km, which can be overcome by rail or car. Every day a train FlixBus leaves Prague Florenc station, which arrives to the national park in 3.5 hours.
For tourists who want to get to Podium by car, you need to drive on roads Nos. 3, 38 or D1 / E65. From Prague to the reserve, you can drive in 2.5 hours.