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Parks

Prokop Valley

4.7 · 5,744 reviews
Serene and rugged natural wilderness
Prokop Valley, Prokopské údolí, Jinonice, 158 00 Praha 5, Czechia
Interesting facts
1

The valley contains fossil deposits from the Devonian period, including trilobites and crinoids.

2

Hlubočepy, a district within the valley, is known for the 'Barrandov Rock' formations documented by French paleontologist Joachim Barrande.

3

The valley features a former railway line that once connected Smíchov to Hostivice, now converted into walking paths.

4

Several caves within the reserve are protected, with the largest being the Prokop Cave, which has provided evidence of prehistoric human settlement.

5

The limestone cliffs are a primary habitat for the rare European eagle-owl.

6

The local 'Dalejské údolí' is an extension of the valley, forming a continuous nature park of significant ecological scale.

Overview

Prokop Valley is a karst nature reserve in southwestern Prague characterized by deep limestone canyons and a network of interconnected trails. The area contains significant geological formations, including caves and cliffs formed by the erosion of the Prokop Creek. It serves as a major biodiversity corridor, hosting diverse plant species and rare butterflies. Within the valley lie remnants of historical lime kilns and industrial-era quarrying infrastructure. The terrain varies from rocky outcrops to open meadows and dense deciduous woodlands. Several sections of the valley are designated as protected natural monuments due to their fossil-rich rock faces. Visitors can find remnants of the 19th-century railway tunnel, known as the Prokop Tunnel, integrated into the landscape. It functions as a recreational escape that remains largely sheltered from the surrounding urban density.

Photo spot

The elevated vantage points overlooking the Hlubočepy limestone quarry cliffs.

Insider tips

Wear sturdy footwear with good grip, as the limestone paths can be slippery and uneven after rain.

Bring a printed map or offline GPS, as deep canyon sections often cause poor mobile signal reception.

Pack water and snacks, as facilities are scarce once you leave the main entrance points.

What to avoid

Attempting to climb off-trail on the steep, unstable limestone scree slopes.

Etiquette

Stay on marked trails to protect the fragile karst ecosystem and fossil-rich terrain.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Late spring for wildflower blooms or autumn for clear visibility of the limestone geological formations.
Address
Prokop Valley, Prokopské údolí, Jinonice, 158 00 Praha 5, Czechia
50.042, 14.370
Get directions
Details
Terrain typeKarst limestone canyon
Trail accessibilityModerate to difficult depending on slope steepness

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late spring for wildflower blooms or autumn for clear visibility of the limestone geological formations..

The elevated vantage points overlooking the Hlubočepy limestone quarry cliffs.

Close by you'll find Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Vyšehrad.