The 'stinking' sulfur smell is caused by the hydrogen sulfide content of the gas vents.
The reserve is home to rare plant species including the round-leaved sundew, a carnivorous plant.
The boardwalk covers a section of a larger nature trail connecting to the Kladska peat bogs.
Mofettes here are cold gas vents, distinct from geothermal steam vents, as they emit CO2 at ambient temperatures.
The site is designated as a National Nature Monument to preserve its geological and botanical diversity.
Tectonic faults in the region allow deep-seated mineral gases to migrate to the surface at this specific location.
Smraďoch is a protected peat bog nature reserve characterized by mofettes, which are post-volcanic gas vents emitting carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. The name translates to 'stinker' in Czech, referencing the distinct sulfuric odor caused by these mineral-rich emissions. A wooden boardwalk trail traverses the fragile wetland habitat to protect the rare moss and plant communities. The site is a significant geological location within the Slavkov Forest protected landscape area. The area features a concentration of mineral springs and gas-bubbling mud pits typical of the Mariánské Lázně region's tectonic activity. The boardwalk provides access to observe these active geological phenomena without damaging the ecosystem.
The central viewing point on the boardwalk that overlooks the most active bubbling mofette mud pit.
Wear waterproof footwear as the surrounding forest terrain can be damp and muddy.
Stay strictly on the wooden boardwalk to avoid damaging the protected peat bog vegetation.
Combine this visit with a walk through the nearby Kladska peat bog complex for a longer nature outing.
Do not attempt to walk off the marked wooden paths; the bog surface is unstable and the flora is legally protected.
No smoking, no open fires, and no dogs off-leash to protect the sensitive bog wildlife.
