Počernický rybník

Počernický rybník is Prague's largest pond, spanning more than 17 hectares in the Prague 9-Dolní Počernice district along the Rokytka stream. Since 1988 the area has held protected status as a natural monument, valued above all as an important breeding ground for waterfowl and home to a substantial amphibian population.

How old is the pond and what was it originally used for?

Accounts of its origins differ. One version holds that the pond was first established at the end of the 15th century, later disappeared, and was recreated by damming a shallow valley in the first half of the 19th century, likely before 1848. Other sources trace it much further back, suggesting the Great Počernický rybník was founded together with other ponds along the Rokytka as early as the 14th century, on the initiative of Arnošt of Pardubice, the first Archbishop of Prague. Whichever date is accurate, the pond served practical purposes for centuries: it held back water to power mills further down the valley, functioned as a holding place for fish later carried to Prague's markets, and in winter supplied ice that was cut and used in nearby taverns.

What makes this site ecologically significant?

Within the natural monument, surveys have recorded more than 186 species of vascular plants and 639 species across selected animal groups — remarkable figures for a site sitting inside the boundaries of a major city. It was precisely this ecological richness that led to the pond's legal protection at the end of the 1980s. Počernický rybník also holds a place in the history of science: it was the site of the first Czech field research laboratory and, according to the history of the research conducted there, the world's first hydrobiological station.

What does the area around the pond look like today?

The pond underwent a full reconstruction between 2004 and 2006, and a walking path was laid out along its dam, running above the adjoining chateau park. That park itself was established after 1776 on the grounds of a former orchard and ornamental garden belonging to the Sweerts-Šporks family. Today the combination of open water, parkland greenery, and historic structures makes the site a favorite destination for walks among residents of eastern Prague and for anyone looking to experience nature without leaving the city.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Počernický rybník located? The pond lies in Prague's Dolní Počernice district (Prague 9), on the Rokytka stream.

Why is Počernický rybník protected? It has held natural monument status since 1988 due to its role as a breeding site for waterfowl, a habitat for amphibians, and its rich biodiversity overall.

Can visitors walk around the pond? Yes — following the 2004-2006 reconstruction, a walking path was created along the dam, connecting to the adjacent chateau park.

What is the history behind the pond? Sources disagree on the exact founding date, pointing to either the late 15th century or as far back as the 14th century, but they agree it originally served practical purposes, supplying water to mills and fish to Prague's markets.