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Soos Nature Reserve
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The Soos National Nature Reserve is a unique moor and fen landscape near Františkovy Lázně (Franzensbad). Often referred to as the 'Czech Yellowstone', the area is famous for its mofettas, natural exhalations of carbon dioxide that bubble to the surface in small craters. A 1.2-kilometer-long wooden boardwalk leads visitors dry-shod through this geologically active area. Here you can admire the landscape of a prehistoric salt lake that dried up over time, leaving behind a thick layer of mineral mud and diatomaceous earth. The surface is often covered with yellow and white crystals of precipitated mineral salts. The reserve is also an important refuge for many protected plant and animal species, especially halophytic (salt-loving) plants and a variety of birds. A geological park and a museum with dinosaur models complete the experience.
- Location: Czech Republic
- Nearby: Frantiskovy Lazne (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -3 | -2 | 2 | 7 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 13 | 8 | 3 | -2 |
| Rain mm | 58 | 44 | 49 | 42 | 72 | 74 | 81 | 77 | 61 | 54 | 58 | 62 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Traveling to this distinctive moorland area is often managed via local roads leading out of Františkovy Lázně towards the specifically marked nature reserve entrance gates.
Best season
The warmest months of summer provide the most comfortable conditions for exploring the bogs, though autumn brings striking colors to the surrounding sparse vegetation.
Terrain & paths
The walking environment relies entirely on constructed boardwalks that traverse the muddy and potentially hazardous peat surfaces without requiring significant exertion.
What to bring
Standard outdoor casual wear and closed-toe walking shoes are perfectly adequate for the maintained paths, while carrying a water bottle is always a sensible precaution.
Parking
Travelers typically utilize the public parking lots adjacent to the visitor center, making it highly convenient to leave vehicles nearby before embarking on the wooden trail.
Safety
Stepping off the boardwalks is strictly prohibited due to the unpredictable depth of the muddy marshland and the natural gaseous emissions scattered throughout the landscape.
Time needed
Most guests find that completing the circular route and taking time to observe the carbon dioxide bubbling phenomena takes anywhere from forty-five minutes to two hours.
Geography
Facts
- Area of 221 hectares
- Nature reserve since 1964
- 1.2 km nature trail on wooden piers
- Deposits of diatomaceous earth
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Soos reserve?
A unique bog and heath area with remnants of volcanic activity like mofettes.
What are mofettes?
Cold carbon dioxide gas vents that form small mud volcanoes in the bog.
Is there a circular trail?
Yes, a 1.2 km long boardwalk trail leads safely through the inhospitable terrain.
Where is Soos located?
In Western Bohemia, about 6 km from Františkovy Lázně.
Are there any museums in the reserve?
Yes, there is an exhibition on nature and geology, plus a dinosaur model museum.
Soos Nature Reserve: where is it located?
Soos Nature Reserve is located in Czech Republic.
Soos Nature Reserve: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Soos Nature Reserve: why is it worth visiting?
The Soos National Nature Reserve is a unique moor and fen landscape near Františkovy Lázně (Franzensbad).
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