Untouched flora and fauna on more than 30,000 hectares
Get to know rare animals and plants in Upper Lusatia
The carnivorous small water hose is just as much at home here as the endangered bog violet, the rare fire-bellied toad and the majestic white-tailed eagle: the Upper Lusatian Heath and Pond Landscape Biosphere Reserve is the largest contiguous pond area in Central Europe and home to over 5,000 plant and animal species. Human activity has influenced the area for centuries - especially pond farming, which has its roots in the 13th century. Today, the UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve is characterized by a harmonious and sustainable coexistence of man and nature. The ponds, which are a maximum of one meter deep and up to 90 hectares in size, are still mainly used for carp farming. In the fall, the ponds remain without water unless they are intended for the overwintering of younger fish or must remain filled for species protection reasons.