Borkovická Blata
The Borkovická Blata nature trail runs through wetlands that director Jan Svěrák chose as the home of the Swamp Witch (Bába z Mokřin), played by Jiří Lábus, in the fairy tale "Three Brothers" (Tři bratři). The entire route is about six kilometers long and partially follows boardwalks over the marshlands. There are 12 educational panels along the way.
Accessibility
Open year-round.
Entrance fee
Admission free.
How to get there
Local parking available.
Additional information
The trail introduces visitors to local flora and fauna, the history of peat extraction and usage, and traditional folk culture in the Blata region.
The Blata landscape developed under atypical conditions—in waterlogged areas, swamps, and bogs. Only water-loving plants such as mosses, reeds, rushes, and sedges could thrive here. Their remains could not decompose quickly in the oxygen-poor soil, leading to peat formation. The Borkovice peat bog began forming over 10,000 years ago. The peat layer in some areas reaches a depth of 4–8 meters.
The Borkovická Blata nature trail was established in 1979–1980 with the help of students from the Secondary Agricultural School in Tábor. The 5.5 km trail (approx. 2 hours) offers a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of the Blata region, its flora and fauna, the history of peat extraction, and land restoration efforts.
The Blata marshes are beautiful in all seasons. The spring bloom peaks in late May, when the white blossoms of Labrador tea (Ledum palustre) brighten the landscape and its intoxicating fragrance fills the air. In June, delicate cranberry flowers appear, and golden bladderwort blossoms emerge on the surface of ponds. In autumn, the landscape takes on warmer tones. Moss cushions are sprinkled with red cranberry berries, like tiny coral beads.
