The Bzenec Military Training Ground is a striking natural reserve in South Moravia, where windswept sand dunes and scattered pines create a landscape more reminiscent of the steppe than central Europe. This unusual terrain survived unforested thanks to its former use as a military training area.

Walking here in summer, you'll feel the dry heat rising from the sand and hear the buzz of countless insects, the true stars of this reserve. Spring and autumn bring quiet, golden light across the dunes, with the sparse pines casting long shadows. The terrain is flat and easy to explore, making it perfect for a relaxed, contemplative walk away from crowds.

• Bzenec or Strážnice — along the road connecting both towns, easy route, about 20-30 minutes on foot from the main road
• Accessible on foot or by bike from either town, no marked trails of high difficulty

• Protected area due to rare and endangered insects and spiders
• Stick to existing paths to avoid damaging fragile sand-dwelling plant communities

This is one of the few places in Moravia where you can spot the praying mantis and other heat-loving species more typical of southern Europe than the Czech lands.