Nature Houses and Eco Centres in Czechia

Czechia is home to diverse landscapes, protected natural areas, and a dense network of hiking trails. One of the country’s most inspiring modern developments is its network of Nature Houses and eco centres, which offer visitors a deeper understanding of the natural world.

Nature House of the Litovelské Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area: A Gallery in Nature

Czechia has 4 national parks, 27 protected landscape areas, and one of the densest networks of marked hiking trails in the world.
Nature Houses combine contemporary architecture with the surrounding landscape and serve as gateways to protected areas, including attractions such as the Koněprusy Caves.

Among the most remarkable examples is the visitor centre of the Litovelské Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area. On the site of a former fishpond, leading Czech artists have created a unique designed landscape. The complex also includes one of the first low-energy buildings in Czechia, which serves as the home of the Sluňákov Eco Centre.

Nature Within Reach – Nature Houses in Czechia
The philosophy behind Czechia’s Nature Houses is simple: a visitor centre should be more than just a building with an exhibition. It should also serve as a gateway to a protected landscape area. Their architecture helps tell the story of each place, its history, natural processes, and the relationship between people and the environment.

More About Protected Nature in Czechia

Nature House of the Bohemian Karst: Gateway to the Koněprusy Caves

Just a few kilometres from Beroun and less than an hour from Prague stands the Nature House of the Bohemian Karst, a modern visitor centre serving as a gateway not only to the Bohemian Karst Protected Landscape Area but also to the renowned Koněprusy Caves, one of the most important natural monuments in Czechia. The Nature House is complemented by outdoor exhibitions and the Zlatý kůň educational trail.

Interesting Facts:

The Koněprusy Caves are the largest cave system in Bohemia
The site has been inhabited since prehistoric times.
On clear days, the surrounding viewpoints offer views as far as the skyline of Prague.

Krtek: A Building Hidden in the Landscape

Within the grounds of the monastery garden in Vrchlabí lies the Krtek Eco Centre, one of the most original ecological buildings in the Czech Republic. Much of the structure is built below ground level, while its green roof blends naturally into the surrounding parkland.

DOTEK: History and Sustainability Under One Roof

In the foothills of the Krkonoše Mountains, visitors will also find DOTEK, a centre that demonstrates how an ecological approach can be successfully combined with historic architecture. The building stands on stone foundations dating back to the late 16th century. DOTEK has been awarded the EU Ecolabel.

A New Life for Historic Buildings in Czechia

Not all Nature Houses in Czechia are newly built. On the contrary, many are located in historic buildings that have gained a new lease of life through a new purpose. One example is the Nature House of the Český les, which is housed in a protected heritage building. The Nature House of the Žďárské Hills, meanwhile, was created within a renovated agricultural building in the village of Krátká, a renowned rural heritage reserve.

Where Next to Discover Nature Houses?

How about these:

Information Centre of the Jizerské Mountains Protected Landscape Area – Mariánskohorské Boudy: Discover the landscape of the Jizerské Mountains, a region renowned for its forests, peat bogs, and one of the densest networks of cycling routes in Czechia.
Nature House of the Odra River Region: Explore the landscape of river floodplains, wetlands, and the meandering course of the Odra River.

Did You Know?

Czechia is a paradise for protected nature.

Czechia is home to 4 national parks and 27 protected landscape areas.

The Czech Republic has one of the densest networks of marked hiking trails in the world.