Deer Park Žehušice, Natural monument and protected area in Žehušice, Czech Republic
Deer Park Žehušice is a protected natural area near Kutná Hora comprising meadows, groves, and ancient oak trees across approximately 248 hectares. The grounds maintain a population of around 130 deer with various coat colors, including notably white specimens alongside standard brown and reddish varieties.
Count Matthias Thun-Hohenstein established the park in 1867 on the site of a former drained fish pond behind Žehušice Castle. White deer arrived in 1871 through a donation from Count Kinsky, establishing a permanent closed herd without external genetic additions.
The park served as a filming location for the television series The Territory of White Deer in 1990, bringing wider media attention to the site. The herds, especially the white specimens, shape the visual character of the reserve and draw immediate attention from visitors.
The grounds are privately owned and public access is restricted. Visitors should inquire in advance about whether guided tours or limited viewing opportunities may be available.
The white deer are descended entirely from animals introduced in 1871 and have maintained their line across generations with no external genetic additions. This rare color variant resulted from completely isolated breeding and surprises visitors with their unusual appearance amid the standard dark brown specimens.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
