Bejčkův mlýn – Domestic ZOO and Botanic Garden
Bejčkův mlýn is a great place for everyone who loves the countryside and nature. Here you can find a rich variety of plant and animal species with their sounds, colors and aromas. Domestic ZOO with it’s collection of 23 species of animals is situated close to the pension Bejčkův mlýn. You will see a wide variety of farm animals and well-kept pets in addition to some rare and exotic animal species from the wilderness. You are able to feed them, pet them, take them for walk or even take them home if you want. The Botanic Garden showcases plants from the natural park Česká Kanada including 17 species of deciduous trees and 6 species of coniferous trees. There are also many more shrubs, herbs, perennials, plants and flowers to admire.
The natural park in Maříž
The natural park in Maříž and the village of Maříž were neglected for a long time. Recently, a large revitalization effort was launched to preserve the remaining character of this place. This area used to be part of a neo-gothic castle. The remnants of this castle are now part of the romantic composition of the park. Another part of the composition is a 320 meters long alley of 160 larch (Larix decidua), approximately 110 years old. Then you can see 4 oak trees (Quercus robur), 400-500 years old with a trunk diameter of about 100cm. There are also other valuable trees in the park including groupings of red-beech (Fagus sylvatica) and chestnut trees (Aesculus hipocastanum).
Barn in Rudolz
The Barn is a part of an eco-farm close to Rudolz with a herd of approximately 30 cattle. Their farming is based on green-meadow grazing that promotes the health of the cattle, improves milk quality and reduces the environmental footprint of farming.
Dobersberg Nature Park
Dobersberg Nature Park has 200 hectares (494 ac) and is located in the Northern Waldviertel. This park offers excellent opportunities to experience nature with numerous outdoor recreation activities. The natural floodplain forests, wet meadows, fertile fields and meanders of the river Thaya characterize this landscape. The entire area of the park is interlaced with a network of hiking trails and adventure paths.
The most popular paths are the forest educational trail, twig educational trail, fern path, ant path and hunting path. You will find different preserves and parks on each of the paths. There are fallow deer, wild boar and goat preserves, bird aviaries, bee houses and a water animal park “Alte Thaya”. For those interested in meditation, there is a special “power point” where many come to feel the earth´s energy. For those interested in relaxation, there is a picnic area with barbecue and playgrounds for the children. A ski resort is also available for your sporting interests.
Deer and mouflon (wild sheep) preserve in Klein-Taxen
The preserve is located on the left side of the road between Gross-Taxen and Klein-Taxen in the direction of Klein-Taxen. The area is approximately 10 hectares (24,7 ac) and visitors can see more than 80 deer and mouflon.
Buffalo farm
The buffalo farm, close village Veclov, is reminiscent of North America’s vast open landscape. Approximately 50 American buffalo, known to some Native Americans as Tatanka, graze on 20 hectares (49,4 ac) of pasture. Since 2004, the local company Landštejn Ltd. Staré Město pod Landštejnem has bred and managed this buffalo herd.
The vicinity of Staré Město
Staré Město pod Landštejnem and its surroundings offer visitors a wide variety of sports and outdoor activities. The favorite attraction is the rope park Landštejn with a variety of high and low obstacles. A 160 meter trail through the forest is a real sporting challenge in the wilds of Česká Kanada (Czech Canada). There are also trails for in-line skaters, roller skis, cross-country skiing, and a biathlon area. In the heat of summer you can enjoy the natural outdoor swimming hole on the north side of town.
Velký Troubný Pond
This pond is also known as Rákosník (reed pond). It was identified as a natural monument in 1995. It is a mesotrophic pond with great diversity of phytoplankton and zooplankton. The area around the pond is a place where all of the beauty of Česká Kanada is waiting for you to enjoy and admire. Swamps, rich forests and scattered rocky “cities” create the
natural character of the landscape so popular for summer camping.
Deer preserve near the village
The preserve is located on the right side of the road between Stoječínem and Vlaskovce, on the way to Vlastkovec. A herd of 70-80 deer and fallow deer wander and graze on 20 hectares (49,4 ac) of pasture.
Mutišov - Village of herbs
Mutišov is the first herb village in Czech Republic. It was established as a community project called “Natural Gardens without Borders”. Czechs and Austrians partnered in creating this fragrant, tasty and beautiful village. Throughout the village more than 100 species of herbs are identified and described. You can see them in the village green and private front yards as well, all made possible by a community of 65 residents working together toward a community vision. All of the herbs, wild shrubs, flowers, grasses, vegetable-beds and fruit-beds are grown without pesticides, chemical fertilizers and peat. They are watered only by rain. Mutišov is rich with thriving gardens where plants, animals and humans live in harmony.
Horses in Mutišov
The herd of horses in green pastures is the typical picture of Mutišov today. The local Hafling club is a hobby club with a great interest in horse farming, horse training and horse riding. The members of this club participate at a variety of competitive levels.