Urwald Hojná Voda im Freiwald

It still exists: the real primeval forest! The primeval forest Hojná Voda, also known as Heilbrunn, lies directly on the Austrian-Czech border next to its "big brother" Žofínsky prales. The two forests are among the last untouched remnants of primeval forest in Central Europe. Hiking and cycling trails lead through giant beeches, fir trees and moss-covered deadwood, embedded in the hilly landscape of the Gratzener Bergland, not far from the Harbach moor spa.

In the Hojná Voda primeval forest, the trees reach an age of over 300 years, whereas in commercial forests they are often felled after 80 to 120 years. Old trees and dead wood provide a habitat for rare beetles, endangered species of moss and fungi and many animal species such as the black stork, three-toed woodpecker and stock dove. The natural forest structure is preserved here, and even the seemingly inconspicuous plays an important ecological role.

This protected area, which has existed since 1838 and is one of the oldest nature reserves in Europe, covers around 8.5 hectares. A marked nature trail leads through Hojná Voda, but only in Czech. It is forbidden to walk off the paths so as not to damage the valuable primeval forest. Žofínsky prales is even more strictly protected: Accessible only with special permission for research purposes and completely fenced off.

The Hojná Voda primeval forest is easily accessible via the cross-border Via Verde cycle path from Hirschenwies or Moorbad Harbach. If you want to experience the tranquillity and originality of a genuine Central European primeval forest, you will find a unique natural experience here.