Soos Nature Reserve – a journey into the Quaternary
A vast peat bog with numerous mineral springs, dubbed the Czech Yellowstone, is located north of the spa town Františkovy Lázně. It is home to a vast number of protected animal species as well as wetland and halophytes.
The Soos Nature Reserve is located in a former salt-water lake, which was transformed into peat bogs and salt marshes over the centuries. As late as the end of the Quaternary period, there were active volcanoes on Czech territory.
To this day, you may find traces of volcanic activity, namely the so-called moffettes or mud volcanoes, as well as mineral springs. These bubbling mud volcanoes emitting carbon dioxide provide a unique backdrop of sounds and smells.
The one-of-a-kind nature trail in Central Europe covers an area of more than two hectares of land. A planked nature trail runs through the area and on weekends visitors can take a ride on a narrow-gauge train.
