20 tips for places that smell of bear garlic
Where to find the best bear garlic places in the Czech Republic
Do you also love the unmistakable aroma of garlic that drifts through floodplain forests in the spring? Bear garlic fills the air in these magical landscapes. It usually thrives in moist, shady spots around streams and at the foot of slopes, where it forms dense and sometimes remarkably rich clusters. Although it might be tempting to pick it, foraging wild bear garlic is not advised because it can easily be confused with the dangerously poisonous lily of the valley. Instead, you can purchase it at local farmers’ markets or find seedlings in garden shops. If you still wish to forage, please be considerate and only pick in areas that are not protected. Our tips will guide you to the best spots for bear garlic.
Natural Monument Trnovec u Uherského Hradiště
The Trnovec Nature Reserve, located between Napajedly and Uherské Hradiště, features a floodplain forest and an ancient orchard situated about 1 km northwest of the village of Kněžpole. This site is an excellent example of a “hard meadow,” where a varied mix of trees creates the ideal environment for many endangered plant and animal species.
Nature Trail Bažantnice-Obora
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Bažantnice-Obora nature trail, which stretches for 2.5 kilometers. The trail begins in Letohrad, in the Ústí nad Orlicí district, and follows a yellow path all the way to Obora, offering beautiful natural views along the way.
Litovelské Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area
This protected area runs along the upper, unregulated reaches of the Morava River between the towns of Olomouc, Litovel, and Mohelnice. It is a complex of floodplain forests and wet meadows, complete with natural pools, making it a haven for a variety of wildlife and plant species.
Žebračka National Nature Reserve
Declared in 1949, the Žebračka National Nature Reserve is located on the right bank of the Bečva River at the northeastern edge of Přerov. The area is renowned for its rich floodplain forest, where bear garlic—known for its distinctive aroma—dominates the spring landscape.
Nature Reserve Království u Grygov
Nestled in the Olomouc district, the Království Nature Reserve offers a glimpse into nearly untouched floodplain forest ecosystems. Visitors can witness both common and rare plant and animal species, and in spring, the forest is filled with the inviting scent of bear garlic.
Mikulčice Meadow Nature Park
Covering an area of 8 km², this nature park showcases a preserved floodplain landscape along the Morava River southeast of Mikulčice. Within its boundaries lies the Skařiny Nature Reserve, one of the last remaining breeding colonies of herons and egrets along the river.
Vršovská Olšina – Thousands of Pale Woodpeckers in the Iron Mountains
Between the villages of Vršov and Krásné, this site is renowned as the largest habitat for spring mallow in the protected Iron Mountains area. Declared a natural monument in 1990, it spans 18.65 hectares and offers a unique glimpse of local flora and fauna.
National Nature Reserve Velký Špičák
Located on a rocky peak and its adjacent slopes, the Velký Špičák National Nature Reserve extends along a ridge leading to Velké Javoří (679 m) approximately three kilometers from the town of Třešt’. The reserve covers 46 hectares and is notable for its rugged terrain and diverse natural features.
Zbytka Nature Reserve near Český Meziříčí
Found in eastern Bohemia near Český Meziříčí and close to Opočno, the Zbytka Nature Reserve features marshy meadows and floodplain forests along the Dědina River. A hornbeam forest thrives here, supporting numerous protected plant species, while bear garlic forms dense carpets among huckleberries and undergrowth.
Habrová Seč Nature Reserve
Situated in the Novosyrovice Forest area near Moravské Budějovice, the Habrová Seč Nature Reserve is a quiet natural haven that offers visitors a closer look at the region’s native ecosystems.
Historical Water Reservoir and Pools in Jablonský les near Letohrad
In the popular Jablonský les (Jablonský Forest) near Letohrad in the Pardubice Region, a historic water reservoir and two pools have been restored by the Forestry Agency of the Czech Republic. These improvements help retain water in the landscape, protect local residents from Orlice River flooding, and provide a thriving habitat for local flora and fauna.
Rokytná Nature Park and Rokytná Valley
The Rokytná Valley, formed by the meandering Rokytná River, is known for its well-preserved landscape. The area features river bends with ancient bank vegetation, striking rock formations, and densely wooded, secluded slopes that invite exploration and relaxation.
The Pňovský Luh Nature Trail
Located near Poděbrady, the Pňovský Luh Nature Trail, together with the adjacent Veltrubský and Libický Luh, forms the largest and best-preserved floodplain forest complex in Bohemia. This trail offers an immersive experience in one of the region’s most important natural habitats.
Pístecký Forest Nature Reserve near Budyně nad Ohří
This nature reserve covers a lowland section of the Ohře River near Břežany na Ohří. Declared in 2006, it is protected due to its complex network of floodplain forests, which are crucial for the conservation of local biodiversity.
Libický Luh v Polabí – The Largest Floodplain Forest in Bohemia
Declared a national nature reserve in 1985, Libický Luh is located in Central Bohemia near Velký Osek on the right bank of the Elbe River. Situated just 190 meters above sea level, it spans 410 hectares. In spring, its landscape is carpeted with bear garlic, creating a breathtaking natural display.
Veltruby Meadow
The Veltrubský Luh nature reserve lies between the village of Veltruby and the right bank of the Elbe River in the Kolín district. It is a well-preserved floodplain forest featuring mostly deciduous trees, wetlands, floodplains, and pools, including the largest pool found in the Elbe Lakes.
Divoká Šárka – An Oasis in the City
Divoká Šárka is a romantic, rocky valley steeped in legend—said to be the setting of the tale of Šárka and Ctirad. Located within Prague’s vast forest area, it offers an oasis of natural beauty amid the urban hustle and bustle, continually surprising visitors with its unexpected scenery.
Kákov Nature Park – Plánický Hřeben
The Kákov – Plánický Hřeben Nature Park forms the upper part of the Plánice Upland, serving as a migratory crossroads between Šumava, Brdy, and the Blatná Mountains. Visitors here might be fortunate enough to spot lynx tracks or observe a rare black stork in its natural habitat.
The Ostrava Jungle – A Walk Through the Poodrie
Discover a surprising wildlife oasis amid urban surroundings on the Rezavka nature trail in the Ostrava area. This 5.4-kilometer walk takes you through a green corridor between busy roads and railways, revealing nature in the midst of the city.
Šance Nature Reserve in Prague
Part of the Modřanská Rokle – Cholupice Nature Park, the Šance Nature Reserve is protected for its rocky slopes in the Břežanský Brook valley, mature oak forests, and lime maples. It also provides shelter for endangered species, including the elusive nocturnal costivale butterfly.
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FAQ
What characterizes the habitats where bear garlic grows?
Bear garlic typically grows in moist, shady locations around streams and at the base of slopes, forming dense and sometimes surprisingly abundant stands.
Why is it not recommended to pick bear garlic in the wild?
It is not recommended to pick wild bear garlic because it closely resembles the poisonous lily of the valley, which can pose a serious risk if mistaken.
Where can visitors buy bear garlic?
You can purchase bear garlic at farmers’ markets or as seedlings in garden shops, providing a safe alternative to wild foraging.
What attractions can visitors see in the Beggar’s Head National Nature Reserve?
At the Žebračka National Nature Reserve, you can explore floodplain forests dominated by bear garlic, offering a unique natural spectacle and a rich tapestry of local flora.
What is special about the Nature Reserve Království u Grygov?
The Nature Reserve Království u Grygov showcases enchanting forest ecosystems, featuring both common and rare species of plants and animals. In spring, the air is infused with the delightful scent of bear garlic, enhancing the reserve’s magical atmosphere.
