Deep in the heart of Northern Bohemia, nestled within the Šluknov Hills, lies Velký rybník. This “Large Pond,” as its name translates, is more than just a body of water. It’s a haven for wildlife, a historical landmark, and a story waiting to be told. Velký rybník holds the distinction of being the largest standing water body in the Děčín district. Its impressive 35.8 hectares shimmer under the Czech sky, holding a volume of 390,000 cubic meters.
Velký rybník’s history stretches back to at least 1571. It appeared on a map by Saxon land surveyor Georg Oeder, marked as “Pelmensdorffer Teich.” This name reflects the area’s historical ties to the nearby village, formerly known as Pelmensdorff (present-day Horní Podluží). Later records from 1573, referencing the sale of the Šlejnice estate, name the pond as “Belmsdorfer Teich.” Velký rybník continued to grace maps, notably appearing on Müller’s Map of Bohemia in 1720. The pond played a vital role in the region, even providing ice for Czech and Saxon towns during cold winters in the 19th century. Records show ice harvesting in 1884 and 1898.
The 20th century brought change. In the 1960s, Velký rybník transformed into a duck farm. By 1972, it changed hands from the State Fisheries to the national enterprise Velveta Varnsdorf. However, its purpose remained aquaculture, managed by the State Fisheries in Chlumec nad Cidlinou. A tragic event unfolded in 1994: a mass fish die-off. The culprit? High water temperatures (around 29°C), compounded by low oxygen levels consumed by microorganisms. Today, Velký rybník serves as a technological water source for Velveta Varnsdorf a.s. and Teplárna Varnsdorf a.s. It’s also designated as a non-trout fishing area (“441 065 – Velký rybník”), overseen by the Czech Fishing Union. In the 1990s, water sports were permitted on the lake.
Velký rybník is now a vital part of a nature reserve, established in 1984 and expanded in 1995 and again in 2007 to encompass 103.72 hectares. This protected status highlights the area’s importance for migrating birds and breeding grounds, as well as the wetland ecosystems along the pond’s edge. It’s also a key location for birdwatchers, with nearly 200 bird species recorded in the area. Here, you might spot the grey crane, white-tailed eagle, and the red-necked grebe. The vast reed beds provide shelter for the Savi’s warbler and water rail. Keep an eye out for the Eurasian penduline tit and, in the damp meadows, the meadow pipit, whinchat, common snipe, and common rosefinch. Velký rybník truly is a testament to the beauty and biodiversity of the Czech Republic, a place where history and nature intertwine.