Libouchec Ponds is a small but ecologically significant nature reserve located just a kilometre from the village of Libouchec, tucked within the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. It's one of the most important amphibian breeding sites in the entire Labské pískovce protected landscape area, and a peaceful spot well worth a short detour.

The scenery is modest yet charming - a small pond surrounded by wet meadows, sedges and rushes, sitting at an elevation of 320-330 metres. In spring the area comes alive with amphibian breeding activity, summer brings lush greenery and rare wetland plants, while autumn and winter wrap the reserve in the quiet, misty stillness typical of foothill wetlands.

How to get there

• From Libouchec village - about one kilometre northeast, easy walk, roughly 15-20 minutes

Practical information

• The area has been protected as a nature reserve since 1996 and is managed by the Bohemian Switzerland National Park Administration
• Please stay out of the water and avoid disturbing vegetation - this is a breeding ground for rare and endangered amphibians

Here you might spot the fire-bellied toad, common spadefoot or agile frog - species becoming increasingly rare elsewhere. Interestingly, the pond was desilted and revitalised in the early 21st century, and Eurasian minnows were later reintroduced into its refreshed waters.