Vodpodád Dírka

Dírka Waterfall near the village of Kříše is the tallest waterfall in the Pilsen region, tucked inside the Horní Berounka Nature Reserve close to Darová. At 3.1 metres high, it stands out not just for its size but for the striking rust-red colour of its water and surrounding rocks.

Why is the water red?

The waterfall's most distinctive feature is the reddish tint of both the water and the stones it flows over. This comes from a high iron content carried by the Dírecký stream, which stains the rock and streambed a deep rust colour. It's an unusual sight for a Czech waterfall and one of the main reasons photographers seek the place out.

How do you get there?

The easiest approach is from the Darovanský dvůr resort, which has a free car park about 650 metres from the waterfall. On the other side of the reserve, a more recently built path leads to Dírka directly from the village of Kříše, giving visitors a second route depending on which direction they're coming from. Both approaches are on foot and don't require special gear.

When should you visit?

Dírka flows year-round because the Dírecký stream is topped up by water pumped from former quarries, so the waterfall doesn't dry out during summer the way many rain-fed Czech waterfalls do. It's a popular destination even in winter, when the red-tinted cascade partially freezes and creates a striking contrast against the ice and snow — one of the few spots in the Pilsen region worth planning a visit to in any season.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Dírka waterfall? It measures 3.1 metres, making it the tallest waterfall in the Pilsen region.

Why does the water look red? The Dírecký stream carries a high concentration of iron, which colours the water and rocks a rusty red.

Where's the best place to park? The free car park at Darovanský dvůr resort is about 650 metres from the waterfall; alternatively, a newer trail starts in the village of Kříše.

Is the waterfall worth visiting in winter? Yes — because it's fed by pumped quarry water rather than rainfall alone, it keeps flowing year-round and is especially popular in winter when it partly freezes.