Its terrain is a world away from any of the other Prague parks, with steep hills, rugged cliffs, rocky scrambles and a feel of wilderness
Centuries before Prague came into being, Divoká Šárka was also the site of an early Slavic settlement, with some fortification on the highest hill in the reserve.
Here’s our Divoká Šárka guide, with information on things to do there, how to get there and places to eat while you’re there.
What Is Divoká Šárka Prague?
Divoká Šárka – which means ‘Wild Šárka’ – is a largely wild national nature reserve in the western outskirts of Prague, little more than a mile from Prague airport as the crow flies
It’s also the name of the street / road which runs through the reserve
Šárka is the name of a (possibly mythical) early Bohemian female warrior who threw herself to her death, punishing herself for having betrayed her lover Ctirad
Šárka is a popular Czech girl’s name to this day
A fortified settlement was built by Slavs on the Džbán hill in the 8th or 9th century – most likely around 150 years before Prague Castle or Vyšehrad were founded
The gorge of the Šárecký brook runs through the site
Divoká Šárka park and reserve is located downhill from the tram stop, so you have to descend into the valley to begin the various hikes and cycle rides
Things To Do In Divoká Šárka Prague
Divoká Šárka has probably the best hiking in Prague. We’ve described the hike up to the Džbán plateau in the following section. The Divoká Šárka hiking routes aren’t particularly long, but give you a great short, sharp workout and being in this mini-wilderness so close to the centre of a metropolis is a wonderful experience.
Divoká Šárka is also a great place to take a picnic, with plenty of tables in the woods, or you could just find a spot in one of the meadows.
Divoká Šárka is also popular with swimmers in Prague. There are two swimming pools in the main valley, fed by water from one of the streams, and during the hot summer months Džbán lake is also open to swimmers. The water there is famously rather cold, hence the limited time it’s open.
Part of the north shore of Džbán lake is given over to naturist bathing. It’s usually pretty cold in Prague in winter, and the lake often freezes over, so many local ice skaters head there to make the most of the conditions.
Some of the Divoká Šárka Prague cliffs also offer challenging climbs,and are a great place to develop your skills.
Despite the proximity of Prague Airport, the only sound we heard in a few hours in Divoká Šárka was that of birdsong. We spoke with a birdwatching couple who were convinced they had heard a nightingale close by, and on our way back down into the valley my son was convinced he could hear a woodpecker. And I think he may have been right.
A Divoká Šárka Hike
Divoká Šárka is mixed terrain, with gently sloping meadows as well as the Džbán hill and rocky Šárecký gorge. On arrival, my son and I decided to head straight for the highest point, the Džbán hill. It looks quite forbidding from below, but can be reached by paths up the right-had (east) side.
We followed the red trail markers, reaching a sign directing us towards a ‘’vyhlidka’ (viewpoint) after around 300 metres. This led to a short winding scramble, with a climb up the last metre or two of rock onto the summit plateau.
There is an easier alternative route up, which you’ll find if you ignore the sign firecting you to the viewpoint.
The grassy plateau offers some of the best Divoká Šárka views. From the lower level, you can see the pointed roof of the letohradek – Summer Palace – of Obora Hvezda Prague, a forest park around a mile south of Divoká Šárka.
As you climb towards the higher level of the plateau, views of the Divoká Šárka valley develop, and you can see across to the Nebusicka cliff and viewpoint to the north.
From there, a pathway leads downhill and then up a rise to Divci skok, a rocky outcrop and viewpoint from where Šárka is said to have jumped.
Backtrack from there, turning left and then following the base of Džbán hill before heading downhill and back towards the Šárecký stream. Then you can retrace your steps back uphill to the tram stop or continue your exploration of the valley.
Places To Eat And Drink In Divoká Šárka
There are a couple of places where you can get a bite to eat in the valley close to the swimming pools. Divči skok (its name means ‘The Girl’s Jump’) serves simple fare including sausages or cheese with bread, and they also have Svijany beer.
There is also a small snack bar, Občerstveni Šárka, very close to the swimming pool. There is also a McDonald’s next to the tram stop.
Where Is Divoká Šárka Prague
Divoká Šárka is in the north-west of Prague, little more than a mile (2 km) from Vaclav Havel Airport Prague. It’s in the Prague 6 administrative district.
Getting To Divoká Šárka Prague
Two trams make the journey out to Divoká Šárka from Prague city centre. The 20 runs on the left bank (west side) of the Vltava River in Prague, running through Smichov, Anděl and Malostranská before climbing the Castle Hill.
The 26 runs from the other (east) side of the river, via Hlavní nádraží (Prague main train station) and Náměstí Republiky, before crossing the river to Holešovice, turning up the hill at Strossmayerovo náměstí.
Until recently the 20 and 26 trams used to terminate at Divoká Šárka. In October 2023 the routes were extended four stops to Dědina, which is closer to Prague Airport.
See Also: 55 Amazing Things To Do In Prague (By A Local)
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