Josefov – pevnost, Special Area of Conservation in Jaroměř, Czech Republic

Josefov is a military fortress in Jaroměř whose protected area is formed by a large system of underground brick-lined corridors beneath the fort. The European Union important site protects the lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros), which winters here in numbers reaching hundreds of individuals. Other bats recorded in the corridors include Geoffroy's bat, the greater mouse-eared bat, the barbastelle, the brown long-eared bat, Daubenton's bat and the grey long-eared bat.

Josefov fortress was founded by Emperor Joseph II in 1780 and completed in 1787, named after him. It formed part of the Habsburg northern border defenses against Prussia, and its brick-lined underground corridors now serve as a winter roost for hundreds of lesser horseshoe bats.

The protected area covers the brick-lined underground corridors beneath the fortress, where lesser horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus hipposideros) winter in numbers reaching several hundred individuals. Surveys have also recorded Geoffroy's bat, the greater mouse-eared bat, the barbastelle, the brown long-eared bat, Daubenton's bat and the grey long-eared bat. The site is managed by the regional authority of the Hradec Králové Region.

The underground corridors are best visited during spring and autumn when temperatures and humidity are most comfortable. Sturdy footwear and a jacket are advisable since conditions underground remain cool and damp year-round.

The protected area covers the brick-lined tunnels beneath Josefov Fortress, where hundreds of lesser horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus hipposideros) hibernate each winter. Surveys here also recorded Geoffroy's bat, the greater mouse-eared bat, the barbastelle, the brown long-eared bat, Daubenton's bat and the grey long-eared bat. The site is managed by the regional authority of the Hradec Králové Region.