Brazilka is a small but fascinating peatland nature reserve in the Lusatian Mountains, tucked right at the eastern foot of Mount Luž. It's a place where a wetland meadow shows how nature can reclaim ground lost to failed human intervention - and where you might spot a round-leaved sundew or even a common adder.

The landscape here is an open, gently rolling meadow with patches of heathland, framed by forests along the Czech-German border. In spring and summer the ground is dotted with wetland flowers, in autumn the heather turns rusty red, and in winter the whole area falls quiet under snow. It's a peaceful spot, perfect for a short, reflective walk away from the crowds, with views toward nearby Luž.

How to get there

• Dolní Světlá - hiking trails (green, blue, red) running along the state border and around Luž, easy route, suitable for walkers
• Waltersdorf (Saxony) - accessible from the German side via the Dolní Světlá - Waltersdorf border crossing

Practical information

• Protected as a natural monument since 2002
• Nature trail 'Obnova mokřadů na Brazilce' (Wetland Restoration at Brazilka) - a 300 m loop, easy, with four bilingual information panels
• Peat bog terrain - visitors are advised to stay on the marked path

The name Brazilka comes from the former Neubrasilien hotel that once stood at the foot of Luž - the building is long gone, but its name lives on as a curious piece of local history.