The Mountain Meadow near Háj is one of the last preserved traditional mountain meadows in the Ore Mountains (Krušné hory) - a peaceful, rarely crowded nature reserve where rare orchids and carnivorous plants thrive in peaty soil. It's a rewarding stop for anyone who loves botany, quiet trails, and untouched highland scenery.

The reserve is a mosaic of three habitats: mat-grass meadows cover about half the area, wetlands and peaty ground take up a third, and the southern part is covered by mountain spruce forest. Scattered throughout are the ruins of the vanished settlement of Königsmühle, an overgrown mill race, and a deeply eroded sunken path. In spring and summer the meadow bursts into bloom with delicate wildflowers, while autumn brings golden grasses, and winter blankets the whole area in the deep snow typical of the Ore Mountains.

• From the village of Háj - a field path branches off near the small chapel, easy walk, crosses a low ridge marked by a cross and descends to the ruined settlement
• Alternatively, via forest paths from the Selský les signpost, along the green-marked trail between Kovářská and Stráž nad Ohří

• This is a protected nature reserve - stay on marked paths and do not pick plants
• Home to strictly protected species such as the small white orchid, marsh felwort, and common butterwort
• The area also serves as a drinking water catchment for nearby villages

Interestingly, failed attempts in the 1970s and 80s to plant blue spruce and dwarf pine here, combined with drainage works on the local stream, nearly dried out the meadow - today careful mowing and restoration work keep this rare habitat alive.