Amerika, Nature reserve in Klest, Czech Republic

Amerika is a nature reserve located near Klest that protects diverse habitats across its grounds. The area provides space for native plants and animals to live under conservation measures.

The reserve was established in 1990 under registration number 1266, protecting the shallow pond basin of the Amerika pond, formerly called Městský rybník. Its main purpose was to safeguard the nesting colony of black-headed gulls, probably the last in the Karlovy Vary region. From 1793, when Františkovy Lázně was founded, the site served as an excursion spot for spa guests.

The pond was called Městský rybník (Town Pond) before taking the name Amerika. From the founding of Františkovy Lázně in 1793 the spot served as an excursion destination for spa guests, and in 1898 a half-timbered romantic restaurant was built on the bank, later rebuilt.

The grounds are easy to find using coordinates and offer access for visitors who want to explore nature. Conditions are best during daylight when paths are clearly visible.

The wooden footbridge built to the pond's island for birdwatching was later removed; today a small viewing platform and benches on the shore serve the same purpose. The island itself covers about 8 hectares of reeds, willows, alders and birches.