The elevated walkways provide a unique perspective that allows for unobstructed views of animals interacting in their natural habitat without fences blocking the camera lens.
The site features the ruins of a Romanesque-Gothic church from the 13th century, which was once the center of the vanished village of Obora.
The preserve is specifically managed to keep wildlife populations stable while allowing for scientific observation and public education.
The walkway system is designed to be accessible to various skill levels, integrating seamlessly into the natural topography of the Karlovy Vary spa forests.
There are designated feeding stations located strategically throughout the preserve to monitor animal health and behavior.
Obora Svatý Linhart is a game preserve in Karlovy Vary spanning 78 hectares that houses fallow deer, sika deer, and wild boar. The facility is uniquely designed with a system of elevated wooden footbridges that allow visitors to observe the animals from above the terrain. These walkways extend over the forest canopy, providing a vantage point that minimizes human disturbance to the wildlife. The area includes the archaeological remains of a medieval church dedicated to St. Linhart. Visitors traverse a network of marked forest trails within the surrounding municipal forests. The preserve functions as a nature education site with permanent information displays regarding local fauna and flora. The site is maintained by the municipal forest management organization, Lázeňské lesy a parky Karlovy Vary.
The highest point of the elevated bridge system provides a panoramic view of the forest floor and the deer feeding areas below.
Bring binoculars to get a closer look at the deer, as they often stay in the denser parts of the woods.
Stay quiet while on the elevated bridges, as loud noises will cause the animals to retreat into the thicker forest cover.
Combine your visit with a hike on the surrounding forest trails, which are well-marked and connected to the main spa town paths.
Do not attempt to climb off the bridges or enter the fenced enclosures, as wild boars can be protective and dangerous.
The footbridges may be restricted during severe weather conditions or ice; the preserve is open year-round but wildlife activity varies by season.
Do not feed the animals, as this is strictly prohibited to maintain their natural diet and health; stay on marked paths and bridges.
