water park Čabárna

Vodní park Čabárna is an unusual nature spot on the outskirts of Kladno, tucked into the valley of the Týnecký stream between the villages of Švermov and Brandýsek. Despite the name "water park," this is not a swimming pool with slides — it is a 3.5-hectare system of ponds and small lakes laid out in the style of a Japanese garden, where water, plants and animals combine into a calm, compact place to relax.

What is there to see?

The heart of the park is one main pond surrounded by five smaller ones. Water lilies float on their surface, and colourful koi carp live in the water — visitors can also buy koi on site. A roughly one-kilometre barrier-free educational trail runs around the ponds and is regularly used for outdoor lessons by kindergartens as well as primary and secondary schools.

The grounds are divided into several sections: a rescue station for wild animals, a mini zoo with farm and ornamental animals, the water park itself with its ponds, and an ecological education centre. In the mini zoo, visitors can see black swans, ornamental pheasants, raccoon dogs, turtles, coypus, fallow deer and foxes.

History

The park has been operating since 1997 and was officially opened in 2000. For many years it remained privately owned, but in 2024 the city of Kladno bought Čabárna from its previous owner for roughly 25 million Czech crowns, aiming to secure the future and further development of this unique site.

A destination for families

Čabárna is a popular family day-trip destination, combining a walk through calm, green surroundings with close contact with animals. Fishing in the ponds is allowed without a fishing licence, and there is a refreshment stand as well as a restaurant with seating on site, where visitors can rest after their walk. Occasional cultural events are also held in the park.

Getting there

Čabárna lies about 6 kilometres north of Kladno's centre. The easiest way to get there is by city bus line 50, which stops directly at the park entrance (Čabárna stop) or in the village of Brandýsek, from where it is roughly a 1.5-kilometre walk to the park. Free parking is available next to the entrance.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim at Čabárna like at a regular water park? No — despite the name, Čabárna is primarily a nature area with ponds, a mini zoo and an educational trail, not a swimming pool with slides.

Is admission free? No, there is a small entrance fee that helps fund animal care and the upkeep of the park.

What are the opening hours? Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Can you fish in the ponds? Yes, fishing in the local ponds is allowed without needing a fishing licence.