Hey Discoverers,

My last three Sunday hikes went to interesting places in the north, west and east of Prague. So this one will take you to the southernmost reaches of the city and a bit beyond it as well.

I call this trip a Celtic Hike because we’re going to visit Zavist – the largest Celtic oppidum (fortified town) in the CZ. Today there’s not much to see because after finishing the excavations, archaeologists have covered the site to protected it for future research. Nevertheless, there is an educational trail fitted with informative panels with maps and pictures.

After a 25-minutes train ride, we will start hiking up the Brezanske Valley. Even though it forms the southern boundary of Prague, it feels miles away from any city or town.

It won’t take long before we reach the first point of interest. Zookoutek Brezanske udoli gives refuge to rescued wild animals which wouldn’t be able to survive on their own. You will see several specials of owls, for example eagle-owls, and larger animals like wild boars and mouflons.

A couple of snaps from the trail

Then the path starts to climb up to the plateau of the Hradiste hill, raising some 180 meters above the Vltava river valley. From the 6th to 2nd century BC it used to be the site of the largest Celtic oppidum (fortress) in the area of the Czech Republic.

After walking around the educational trail, we will descent back to Vltava via Károvske valley walking the last 2 km of the hike along Vltava to Zbraslav where we should arrive around 13:30.

As usual, we will have an optional after-the-hike lunch together.

Zbraslav has a very frequent bus connection to Smichovske nadrazi, so to get back to town is easy.

As a bonus, we will have a look into the park of Zbraslav Monastery, a burial place of some of the Přemyslid rulers and other VIPs of the medieval Bohemia. The monastery has been rebuilt into a palace which became home to the youngest noble family of Bohemia – the Bartons of Dobenin who own it to this day.

DIFFICULTY: Easy to medium

8 km long hike on unpaved, potentially muddy or frosty hiking trails. Around 200 meters of vertical gain.

LOGISTICS

We will meet on Sunday 2nd December at 9:30 AM in front of the ticket office at the Prague Main Railway Station.

Meeting point in the Prague Main Railway Station.

Please allow extra time to get there – public transport is less frequent on Sundays. Use the journey planner to plan your route. If you can not find the group, call me at +420 739 370 212.

We will travel within Prague city limits – you will need Lítačka or a validated 24 CZK ticket.

WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU

Good walking shoes (the trail is mostly uneven and very likely will be muddy or frosty), Litacka/monthly ticket/2×24 CZK ticket for the train, water, a small snack

Optional: Walking poles

PRICE

200 CZK or FREE with Discovery Pass! (includes the guiding, planning and organization)

This is dogs and children friendly event! (children under 16 go free!)

Use your employee benefits card or vouchers to pay for this trip! We accept Sodexo Flexi Pass Card and vouchers, Edenred Card and vouchers and Benefity.cz card!

I’m looking forward to hiking and discovering Prague with you!

Cheers,

Filip