European rarity – 1400 ant-hills with one billion ants in Natural Park Šebeň, Czech Republic
Updated June 10, 2026 by europeexplored
Every tree in Natural Park Seben seems to have its own ant city built at its base. These mounds, some reaching over a metre in height, are the work of wood ants that have colonised this corner of the Czech Republic for centuries. The park protects what is believed to be the largest concentration of ant hills in Europe, with over fourteen hundred active mounds and an estimated one billion ants living beneath the forest canopy. Walking through this protected area requires careful foot placement. The paths weave between the mounds, and stepping off the trail would damage a structure that took years to build.
Every tree in Natural Park Seben seems to have its own ant city built at its base. These mounds, some reaching over a metre in height, are the work of wood ants that have colonised this corner of the Czech Republic for centuries. The park protects what is believed to be the largest concentration of ant hills in Europe, with over fourteen hundred active mounds and an estimated one billion ants living beneath the forest canopy. Walking through this protected area requires careful foot placement. The paths weave between the mounds, and stepping off the trail would damage a structure that took years to build.
While there are many places to see in around the Czech Republic, nothing can quite compare to spending a day at the Natural Park Šebeň. This natural park is truly a unique rarity in Europe. It is said that there are thousands of ant hills located under every single tree in the park; and as result, the Natural Park Šebeň is home to the largest ant colonies in Europe. There are also countless orchids that can be found throughout the natural Park; many of which are extremely rare.
Ant-hill in Natural Park Šebeň, The Czech Republic by Huhulenik
The Natural Park Šebeň is composed entirely of forest land. And although there are a number of villages located throughout the park, they are scattered throughout the 133 hectare parcel. These villages include the Jívoví, Dobrá Voda, Radenice as well as Cyrilov.
According to the scientists and naturalists in charge of operating the Natural Park Šebeň and observing the ant population, there is more than 900 million ants that live within the park boundaries. Likewise, at any given time there are more than 1400 anthills; roughly 10 per hectare. There are so many ants, that it is possible for a new hill to be created in a single day’s time. To make things even more interesting, it is not uncommon to see hundreds of Queen ants in a single anthill.
And while there is much more to the Natural Park Šebeň than just the ant population, the vast majority of visitors to the region specifically make their way to the park for the ant experience. So popular is the ant tourism industry in the region, that a specialized ant trail has been opened in the park, which provides you with up close and personal access to the ant population, as well as offers a smorgasbord of information about the different types of ant species that populate the Park.
Did you know ant hills could reach over a metre tall? Would you visit a park dedicated to protecting them?
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The Wood Ant Colonies of Seben
The wood ant species responsible for the Seben ant hills is Formica rufa, the red wood ant, which is found across European forests but reaches exceptional densities in this protected area. A single colony can contain several hundred thousand workers and one or more queens. The mounds are constructed from pine needles, twigs, leaves, and soil, bound together by ant saliva and fungal mycelium that acts as a natural cement. The conical shape and southern orientation of the mounds help regulate internal temperature, which remains constant at approximately 25 degrees Celsius regardless of outside conditions. The mounds extend deep underground, with tunnels reaching down to the water table to maintain humidity levels. The ants play a vital ecological role by preying on forest pests such as caterpillars and beetles, and by dispersing seeds and aerating the soil. A single large colony can consume up to 100,000 insects per day, making them essential to the health of the forest ecosystem. The ant hills are protected under Czech law, and visitors are strictly prohibited from disturbing the mounds or removing any material. The park management has installed wooden walkways and viewing platforms that allow close observation without causing damage. Informational panels in Czech and English explain the life cycle and behaviour of the wood ants.
The Rare Orchids of the Park
Natural Park Seben is also famous for its population of rare orchids, which thrive in the nutrient-poor soil and open woodland conditions that the ant colonies help maintain. Over 20 species of orchid have been recorded in the park, including the lady slipper orchid, the early purple orchid, and the rare marsh helleborine. The most spectacular display occurs in May and June, when the forest floor is dotted with pink, purple, and white flowers. The presence of these orchids is closely linked to the ant activity. The ants disperse orchid seeds, which are tiny and dust-like, by carrying them into their tunnels where they germinate in the stable conditions. The relationship is mutually beneficial: the orchids provide nectar for the ants, while the ants provide seed dispersal and soil aeration. Guided botanical walks are offered by the park administration on Saturday mornings during the flowering season. The surrounding landscape of the Nizky Jesenik foothills offers hiking trails that pass through mixed beech and spruce forest, with viewpoints overlooking the Moravian plain. The nearest town, Sternberk, is 15 kilometres away and offers accommodation and restaurants. Entry to the park is free, though donations are encouraged to support conservation efforts.
Planning Your Visit
The park is open year-round, though the best time to observe the ant colonies in full activity is between April and September. The ants are most active during warm, dry weather when they forage intensely. Spring and early summer offer the additional reward of the orchid bloom, while autumn brings rich colour to the beech forest. The park entrance is accessible by car, with parking available at the trailhead. A circular walking route of approximately 5 kilometres takes about two hours at a leisurely pace and passes the densest concentration of ant hills. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended, as the trails can become muddy after rain. There are no facilities within the park itself, so bring water and snacks. The visitor centre at the nearby village of Horni Lodencice provides maps, information, and a small exhibition about the park ecology. Photography is permitted, but flash photography near the ant hills is discouraged as it disturbs the insects. Guided group visits can be arranged in advance through the Czech Nature Conservation Agency.
Did you know ant hills could reach over a metre tall? Would you visit a park dedicated to protecting them?
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Getting to Natural Park Seben
Natural Park Seben is located in the Olomouc Region of the Czech Republic, approximately 30 kilometres northeast of the city of Olomouc. The easiest access point is the village of Horni Lodencice, where a signposted road leads to the park entrance. The site is accessible by car, with limited parking at the trailhead. Public transport options include a bus from Olomouc to the town of Unicov, followed by a local connection to Horni Lodencice, though services are infrequent and checking the schedule in advance is essential. The nearest railway station is in the town of Unicov, on the line between Olomouc and Sumperk. The park is free to enter and open throughout the year, though the visitor centre has limited winter hours. The surrounding area offers additional attractions, including the Bouzov Castle, a 14th-century Gothic castle open to the public, and the Javoricko Caves, part of the extensive Moravian Karst cave system. Both are within a 30-minute drive of the park and can be combined for a full day of exploration in this underappreciated corner of Moravia.
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