Hrnčířské louky

Hrnčířské louky is a protected nature reserve on the southeastern edge of Prague, situated between the districts of Šeberov and Hrnčíře. The area covers 29.5 hectares and was granted protected status in 1988 due to its complex of meadows and ponds located in the headwater zone of streams feeding the Botič and Kunratický brooks.

What can visitors find here?

The site is a mosaic of seven water bodies surrounded by meadows with varying moisture levels, ranging from wet to dry ground. This variety of conditions allows several distinct habitats to coexist within a relatively small area, including reed beds, marshland, damp meadows, and patches of drier grassland.

Why is this site significant for Prague?

Hrnčířské louky is one of the few places within the city limits where populations of plants otherwise nearly absent from Prague have survived. Species growing here include narrow-leaved cottongrass along with several orchid and iris species, for which this is one of the last remaining sites in the capital. The water surfaces of the ponds also serve as an important bird sanctuary — grey partridge, northern lapwing, and meadow pipit all nest in the surrounding meadows and fields.

What is the history behind the site's protection?

The area received legal protection in 1988 specifically because of its unique combination of meadows and ponds in a stream headwater zone, together with its value as a bird nesting site. The current management plan for the reserve covers the period 2023–2032 and sets out the measures needed to preserve biodiversity, including meadow mowing at appropriate times and maintaining suitable water levels in the ponds.

What should visitors know before going?

Hrnčířské louky lies away from Prague's main tourist routes, which has helped it retain a quiet, natural character. It is a good choice for anyone interested in birdwatching or in meadow and wetland plant life rather than conventional city sightseeing. Because the site holds protected status, visitors should stick to marked paths and avoid entering wet ground that serves as habitat for rare species.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Hrnčířské louky located? On the southeastern edge of Prague, between Šeberov and Hrnčíře, in the headwater area of tributaries feeding the Botič and Kunratický streams.

How large is the protected area? The reserve covers 29.5 hectares and includes seven water bodies along with their surrounding meadows.

Since when has the area been protected? It was granted protected status in 1988.

What can visitors see there? Rare meadow and wetland plants, including orchids, irises, and cottongrass, as well as birds nesting in the meadows and around the ponds, such as the northern lapwing and grey partridge.