EN > Trip tips > Saint Vitus Guild

The St. Vitus Guild educational trail presents one of the finest spots of nature within the greater Marienbad area. The trail was made accessible to the public in 2011, and leads through a former military training ground, which, paradoxically though it may seem at first, created uniquely advantageous conditions for nature to thrive and is today protected as a temporary preserve.

Nine info panels tell visitors about rare and endangered local plant and animal species, as well as about more common species. If you visit the St. Vitsalmus Guild from May to June, you will be able to witness the great diversity of orchids that grow here. One of the rarest European butterflies - the Marsh Fritillary - has taken a liking to this site, which is why mowing takes place under what is known as 'mosaic management', along with careful pruning of shrubs and trees that propagate through windborne seeds. The route of the educational trail, which was built by the ČSOP with the kind support of the NET4GAS Closer to Nature programme, leads along a wooden footpath, replete with covered seating areas, and offers views onto the pond.

Bivouacking in a log cabin at the Guild is possible upon prior arrangement over the phone or via e-mail. The keys can be picked up at the municipal office of Trstěnice or at the Bečov botanical garden.