Ostrava Maldives

To fishing bungalows and a unique pond

For romantic bungalows above the water, you don't have to go to the distant Maldives. Just walk through the Ostrava nature trail Heřmanický rybník! It is true that local cottages probably do not provide as much luxury as resorts on atolls (they only serve as a refuge for fishermen), but they still give the place a special, even South Asian atmosphere.

Heřmanický pond (116 ha) is unique due to the specific composition of strongly mineralized water containing boron and iodine, which is pumped into it from the depths of the Ostrava-Karviná mines. After all, the area of the former Heřmanice Mine (formerly Rudý říjen) with an impressive heap is within easy reach of the pond. Despite the high content of minerals, fish thrive here, which is utilized by many fishermen, who built about 70 cottages on the surface of the pond, connected to the shore by narrow footbridges, often equipped with drawbridges. In addition to fish and fishermen, birds also thrive here. Around the pond you can observe birds of up to 250 different species, including some very rare ones. The area around the pond is also a paradise for amphibians.

Length: 5.8 km (from the starting point there and back)

Difficulty: The easy route leads along asphalt roads and unpaved paths. After the rain, the trail may be less passable.

Our tips:

• Bring binoculars for watching waterfowl

Parking: at businesses along Orlovská Street

Accessibility by public transport: bus line 49 (Poruba, Opavská - Michálkovice, get off at the "U Dvora" stop, return a few tens of meters back to the intersection with Orlovská Street and continue to the left, then after about 150 m turn right and go through the underpass under the railway line. After another 150 m turn right, where the nature trail begins. Please note that Orlovská Street is relatively frequented and without a pavement.)