The Lednice–Valtice Area is a unique cultural landscape in the Czech Republic, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Covering nearly 300 square kilometers, it was shaped by the Liechtenstein family from the 17th to the 20th century.
Spanning forests, meadows, rivers, and lakes, the landscape is carefully designed to enhance the harmony between nature and man-made elements. The area features a rich variety of plant and animal species, making it valuable not only culturally but also ecologically
Overview of Lednice–Valtice Area
- Location: The Lednice–Valtice Area is located in the Břeclav Districkt , South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic, near the border with Austria. It lies between the towns of Lednice and Valtice, approximately 10 kilometers west of the city of Břeclav and about 60 kilometers south of Brno. This strategic location places it within the fertile lowlands of the Lower Morava Valley, known for its mild climate, vineyards, and scenic countryside. The area is easily accessible by road and rail, making it a popular destination for both local and international visitors.
- Area: Established on 1990,(UNESCO), the monument covers approximately ca 28,300 hectares. (GPS)
Geography and Landscape
- Elevation: Ranges from 160 to 220 meters above sea level.
- Diverse Landscapes: The Lednice–Valtice Area boasts a remarkably diverse natural landscape that spans over 28,300 hectares of carefully composed terrain. The region includes a mosaic of ecosystems such as riparian forests along the Dyje River, meadows, wetlands, and man-made lakes and canals. These habitats are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including rare orchid species, white-tailed eagles, herons, and numerous amphibians and fish. The area’s low elevation and its warm, temperate climate support lush vegetation and make it ideal for both conservation and recreational use. The region also contains centuries-old oak and hornbeam trees, and is part of the Lower Morava Biosphere Reserve designated by UNESCO. The landscape’s diversity is further enhanced by ornamental gardens and parklands designed in the English landscape style, seamlessly blending natural beauty with cultural heritage
Climate
- Weather Conditions: The Lednice-Valtice area is characterized by a mild, warm climate with warm summers and relatively mild winters, which is characteristic of the South Moravian Lowland. Average summer temperatures range from 22 °C to 27 °C, while winter temperatures usually range between -2 °C and 3 °C. The area has an average annual precipitation of 500–600 mm, with most of the precipitation falling in late spring and summer.
Biodiversity (Flora and Fauna)
- Flora:
The flora of the Lednice–Valtice Area is rich and diverse, shaped by both natural conditions and centuries of landscape design. The region is home to floodplain forests dominated by oak, hornbeam, ash, and alder trees, especially along the Dyje River. In the drier parts, you can find thermophilous (heat-loving) grasslands with a variety of wildflowers, including orchids, pasque flowers, and salvia species. Carefully maintained gardens and park areas feature a wide selection of exotic and ornamental plants, introduced during the 18th and 19th centuries by the Liechtenstein family. These include ginkgo trees, cedars of Lebanon, and rhododendrons, which were often planted to enhance the romantic character of the landscape. The combination of native and non-native species creates a biologically rich environment that supports not only unique plant communities but also a wide range of animal species.
- Fauna:
The Lednice–Valtice Area supports a rich and varied fauna, thanks to its diverse habitats such as wetlands, forests, meadows, and water bodies. The region is an important site for birdlife, especially in the floodplain areas and around fishponds and lakes. Species such as the white-tailed eagle, grey heron, great egret, and common kingfisher are frequently observed, making the area a popular destination for birdwatching. Amphibians like the European tree frog and fire-bellied toad thrive in the wetland zones, while otters, beavers, and various species of bats inhabit the riverine and forest environments. The meadows and forest edges provide suitable conditions for insects, including rare butterflies, dragonflies, and beetles, some of which are protected. The overall biodiversity of the area reflects its ecological value and the success of conservation efforts within the Lower Morava Biosphere Reserve.
Interesting Beetles
Meloe (Meloe) proscarabaeus Linnaeus, 1758
Meloe (Meloe) violaceus Marsham, 1802
Meloe (Eurymeloe) scabriusculus Brandt & Erichson, 1832
Meloe (Eurymeloe) rugosus Marsham, 1802
Meloe (Micromeloe) decorus Brandt & Erichson, 1832
