About this place
Karlické údolí (Karlík Valley) is a nature reserve in the Bohemian Karst, stretching along the Karlický Brook between the villages of Roblín, Vonoklasy, Karlík, Mořina and Mořinka, spanning the Beroun and Prague-West districts. The scenic valley combines steep, rocky slopes with patches of deciduous forest and dry, steppe-like grasslands, making it one of the most valuable natural areas near Prague.
When was the reserve established and how large is it?
The reserve was declared in 1972 and covers an area of 214.11 hectares. This makes it the third largest protected area within the Bohemian Karst Protected Landscape Area (Chráněná krajinná oblast Český kras), underlining just how significant this site is for nature conservation in the Central Bohemian region.
What does the landscape of the valley look like?
The character of Karlické údolí is shaped by limestone rock formations, steep slopes covered with deciduous forest, and sun-exposed rocky steppes. This combination of habitats packs remarkably different environments into a relatively small area — from moist, shaded forest along the valley floor to dry, heat-loving grasslands on the exposed slopes.
What plants and animals live in the reserve?
The valley is home to 395 species of seed plants, around thirty of which are rare and protected. Among the most notable are critically endangered orchids, including the bee orchid and lily-leaved bellflower. The fauna is equally rich: the reserve shelters the critically endangered green lizard, a heat-loving species tied to exactly this kind of rocky, steppe habitat.
What history is connected to this place?
In the cadastral territory of Mořinka, about two kilometers northwest of Dobřichovice, lie the ruins of the vanished Karlík Castle. According to the chronicler Václav Hájek of Libočany, the castle was founded by Emperor Charles IV as a temporary residence for the queen and her court, since women were not permitted at his main seat, Karlštejn Castle, during his reign. Although only modest remnants of the structure survive today, the story lends the valley an extra historical dimension.
Who is this place for?
Karlické údolí appeals to nature lovers, botanists, and anyone looking for a peaceful hike close to Prague. The trails winding through the valley reveal a striking contrast between shaded forest and open, rocky grassland, and with a bit of luck visitors may spot rare plant species or the green lizard. It's also a worthwhile stop for history enthusiasts, thanks to the nearby ruins of Karlík Castle and their connection to the legend of Emperor Charles IV.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Karlické údolí located? In Central Bohemia, within the Bohemian Karst, between the villages of Roblín, Vonoklasy, Karlík, Mořina and Mořinka, on the border of the Beroun and Prague-West districts.
How large is the reserve? It covers 214.11 hectares, making it the third largest protected area in the Bohemian Karst Protected Landscape Area.
What can visitors see in the valley? Rocky slopes, deciduous forest, steppe grasslands with rare orchids, and the ruins of Karlík Castle linked to Emperor Charles IV.
Are there protected animals in the reserve? Yes, including the critically endangered green lizard, typical of the valley's warm, rocky habitats.
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