Skryjská jezírka

Skryjská jezírka ("Skryje Lakes") are a pair of small lakes on the Zbirožský stream, tucked into a picturesque valley near the village of Skryje, right on the border between the Rokycany district (Plzeň Region) and the Rakovník district (Central Bohemian Region). Together with their immediate surroundings, the lakes are protected as the Jezírka nature reserve, part of the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area.

Where are the lakes located?

The lakes lie in a narrow, rocky section of the Zbirožský stream valley, roughly sixteen kilometres from Křivoklát Castle, which many visitors combine with a trip here when exploring the wider region. The nearest settlement is the village of Skryje, which also serves as the starting point of one of the two main approach routes.

What is there to see?

The centrepiece of the site is a narrow rock gorge carved by the stream, closed off by a small waterfall. Behind the waterfall lies the wider of the two lakes. Each lake measures roughly 30 metres in length and 10 metres in width, giving a surface area of around 150 square metres — these are intimate, rock-framed pools rather than lakes in the everyday sense of the word. Steep, forested valley slopes enclose the site, giving it the feel of a secluded, enclosed nook.

What kind of nature is protected here?

The Jezírka nature reserve covers about 59.5 hectares and protects not just the two lakes and the waterfall, but the whole stretch of stream and the surrounding forest. Thanks to the clean water and limited human pressure, species sensitive to pollution and disturbance can still be found here — with a bit of luck, visitors may spot otters, crayfish, and kingfishers hunting over the water.

How do you get there?

Two main hiking routes lead to Skryjská jezírka. The longer one, about 3 kilometres, starts in the village of Skryje, where parking is available. The shorter route, about 1.5 kilometres, begins at the Podmokelský mlýn (Podmokly mill), near which cars can also be left close to the main road. The site is freely accessible year-round, with no entrance fee.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for Skryjská jezírka? No, the reserve is freely accessible year-round and there is no admission charge.

How big are the lakes? Each of the two lakes is about 30 m long and 10 m wide, with a surface area of roughly 150 m² — small, rock-enclosed pools rather than large lakes.

Where is the best starting point for a visit? Either the village of Skryje (the longer approach, about 3 km) or the Podmokelský mlýn (the shorter approach, about 1.5 km); both have parking areas.

What wildlife can be seen here? The area is home to otters, crayfish, and kingfishers, all relying on the clean waters of the Zbirožský stream.

Are the lakes inside a protected area? Yes, they lie within the Jezírka nature reserve (about 59.5 ha), itself part of the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area.