Xaverovský háj

Xaverovský háj is a historic woodland on the eastern edge of Prague, sandwiched between the Xaverov settlement in Horní Počernice and the industrial zone of Běchovice. Since 1982, most of the forest — nearly 70 hectares — has been protected as a natural monument, and the whole area forms part of the Klánovice-Čihadla Nature Park, the largest nature park within Prague's city limits.

What makes this forest special?

The protected status rests mainly on the forest's mature oak stands, preserved here in several natural vegetation types. Visitors can find lime-oak forest alongside patches resembling beech-oak and hazel-oak woodland. This variety of habitats is why Xaverovský háj is considered one of the most natural, least disturbed forests within the Czech capital. Many trees have reached a considerable age, giving the woodland a character close to old-growth forest — a rare quality this close to a major city.

What to see and how to explore the area?

Two cycling routes and marked hiking trails, blue and yellow, cross the forest. The yellow trail can be started either in the centre of Dolní Počernice or from the nearby Počernický pond, making it a convenient starting point for a short trip combining nature with the district's historic architecture. Walking through Xaverovský háj offers a chance to observe the understorey vegetation typical of Central European deciduous forests, especially in spring, when a lush herb layer develops beneath the canopy of old oaks and limes.

How to get to Xaverovský háj?

The forest lies on the eastern outskirts of Prague, directly bordering three districts: Dolní Počernice, Horní Počernice, and Běchovice. This makes it easy to reach both from the city centre by public transport and for residents of the eastern suburbs looking for contact with nature without leaving the city. The proximity of the Xaverov settlement, which gave the forest its name, alongside the industrial zone of Běchovice, creates an interesting contrast between untamed nature and an urbanised surrounding.

Who is this place for?

Xaverovský háj suits anyone looking for a quiet walk away from the bustle of central Prague, cyclists making use of the routes crossing the woodland, and nature enthusiasts interested in observing old oak stands and the diversity of deciduous forest types. It also makes a good stop on a longer walking or cycling trip linking several attractions of eastern Prague, including Počernický pond and the historic core of Dolní Počernice.

Frequently asked questions

Is Xaverovský háj legally protected? Yes, most of the forest — around 70 hectares — has held natural monument status since 1982, due to its valuable mature oak stands.

What trails run through the forest? Two cycling routes and marked blue and yellow hiking trails cross the area, with the yellow trail starting either in Dolní Počernice or at Počernický pond.

Which larger protected area does Xaverovský háj belong to? The forest is part of the Klánovice-Čihadla Nature Park, the largest nature park within Prague.

Which tree species dominate the forest? Mature oak stands prevail, appearing as lime-oak forest as well as patches resembling beech-oak and hazel-oak woodland.