The Božídar Peat Bog is the largest peatland in the Ore Mountains and a place that feels like stepping into a lost world — dwarf pines, sphagnum moss and carnivorous sundews cover a landscape that has been forming for over 11,000 years since the end of the Ice Age.

Sitting on a ridge of the Krušné hory at 940-1116 m above sea level, the reserve has its own harsh mountain climate: dense fog, long winters and heavy snow cover shape a habitat where dwarf birch, bog pine and heather thrive against the odds. In summer the bog buzzes with rare insects and birds, autumn paints the heathland in warm colours, and winter blankets everything in deep silence and snow. The highest point is Božídarský Špičák, a striking volcanic hill visible from afar.

How to get there

• Boží Dar — nature trail runs through the reserve, about 3.2 km, wooden boardwalk, easy
• Ježíškova cesta loop around the reserve — two options: 12.9 km or 5.6 km, moderate
• Trail through Boží Dar, Hřebečná to Horní Blatná — 23 stops including the Blatenský příkop, moderate

Good to know

• Stay on the wooden boardwalk at all times — this is a strictly protected peat bog
• Home to the protected carnivorous plant round-leaved sundew
• Part of the Natura 2000 network and recognised as a Ramsar wetland of international importance
• The Boží Dar Infocentre sells a booklet with tasks for the Ježíškova cesta trail

Some of the dwarf pines and mosses here may be several thousand years old — they die from below into peat while continuing to grow from above each year.