Kozojedský vodopád

Kozojedský vodopád (Kozojedy Waterfall) is a small yet scenic waterfall located right by the village of Kozojedy in the Plzeň-North district of western Czechia. The cascade drops over 2.5 meters along an unnamed stream that feeds into the Berounka River as its left tributary. Few travelers outside the region have heard of it, but it makes for a rewarding stop for anyone looking for a quiet, natural spot away from the crowds.

How do you get there?

Kozojedský vodopád sits directly next to the village of Kozojedy, making it an easy short-walk destination. The simplest way to reach it is to follow the streambed that flows below the village. The route isn't officially marked, so it's worth having the GPS coordinates (49.927583, 13.553089) or a hiking map covering the Kozojedy area ready beforehand. The lack of a signposted trail gives the place more of an exploratory feel than a typical well-trodden tourist spot — reaching it takes a bit of attention, but it isn't physically demanding for anyone with average fitness.

What will you see there?

The waterfall itself, while modest in height, is striking thanks to the layered rock formation the water flows over. The cascade formed where alternating layers of siltstone and shale meet — layers that differ in resistance to erosion. The harder rock forms a step, while the softer layers wear away faster, and over time this created the waterfall's distinctive drop. Walking along the stream toward Kozojedský vodopád, you'll pass several smaller cascades and rapids that make the whole walk visually interesting, not just the main waterfall itself. The surroundings are natural and partly wooded, typical of stream valleys in this part of Czechia.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and the period right after heavier rainfall are the best times to visit, since the stream carries more water and the cascade looks more impressive. In summer, especially during drier spells, the flow can be considerably weaker, though the rock formation itself remains worth seeing regardless of water level. In autumn, the valley gains extra color from the trees lining the stream, making it an equally appealing season for landscape photography.

Is there anything worth bringing along?

Because there's no marked path and the ground near the streambed can be uneven or slippery in places, sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. It's also a good idea to bring a phone with an offline map app or saved GPS coordinates, since it's easy to stray from the right route without a marked trail.

Frequently asked questions

Is the walk to the waterfall difficult? No, the route is short and doesn't require special physical preparation, but since it isn't marked, it helps to have GPS coordinates or a map on hand.

How tall is Kozojedský vodopád? The cascade is just over 2.5 meters high — a small but photogenic waterfall whose appeal lies more in its setting and geology than in its scale.

Where does the water come from? The waterfall sits on an unnamed stream that is a left tributary of the Berounka River, and its stepped shape formed thanks to alternating layers of siltstone and shale with different resistance to erosion.

Are there other water features nearby? Yes, walking along the stream toward the waterfall reveals several smaller cascades, which makes the entire walk worthwhile in any season.