The natural forests of Chuchelský háj, with a return along the Vltava – an easy 6 km trip

• Chuchelský háj is a protected area of original forest situated to the southwest of Prague, overlooking the Vltava river. Unlike many Czech forests that were replanted with (often unsuitable) foreign tree varieties in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Chuchelský háj grove retains most of its original character. An educational nature trail crosses the park, and in the center of the forest is a free mini zoo, featuring wild animals native to the Czech territory.
• Perched on the ridge overlooking the Vltava stands the Baroque church of Saint John of Nepomuk from which there is a wide ranging view of the river valley – although the best view in the area is actually from the rugged Homolka peak, a 500m diversion off the main footpath. From here, the complex limestone geology of the area is visible as well as the extraordinary Pacoldova vápenka, a 19th century four-chimneyed limestone blast furnace, which is a famous industrial monument.
• The nature trail starts in the village of Velká Chuchle, which can be reached by regular bus from Smíchovské nádraží. There are also a limited number of parking spots on the access road to the forest path, Pod Akáty. The trail finishes in Malá Chuchle, which was an 18th century spa, and still has some nice examples of Baroque architecture. Although the path has some 120m height difference to navigate it is manageable with a baby stroller.
• If wanting to return to the starting point in Velká Chuchle, then an easy return journey is to follow the cycle path along the Vltava. The total circular trip is 6.1 km (excluding the diversion to Homolka, which is not accessible with a baby stroller). There is a welcoming snack bar at the minizoo, usually open at weekends and during holiday periods.

Note: click ‘Show on Mapy.com’  to go to a full screen version of the route directly on the mapy.com site. This can be used for on line navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file.

Directions

• Start the walk from the village of Velká Chuchle, which can be reached by regular bus from Smíchovské nádraží. There are also a limited number of parking spots along the access road to the forest path, Pod Akáty. The map starting and finishing points are shown from these parking spots
• Take the YELLOW hiking trail which runs along the Velká Chuchle main street and then rises towards the forest along the Pod Akáty access road
• If wanting to divert to visit the Homolka viewpoint, the easiest access route is to take the footpath to the left, 150m after entering the forest area, next to the Žákův lom tourist information board. The viewpoint is reached after 500m. Return back to the Žákův lom information board and continue on the YELLOW trail
• After 900m of gentle climbing the path reaches the church of Saint John of Nepomuk, with its viewpoint
• From the church return to the main YELLOW trail and continue for 700m to reach the minizoo
• From the zoo continue on the YELLOW trail descending relatively steeply for 900m to reach the Baroque buildings in Malá Chuchle
• From Malá Chuchle continue along the YELLOW trail which follows the road for 200m to reach the trail junction. Here turn onto the GREEN trail which passes under the main road and reaches the Malá Chuchle bus stop after 300m
• To return back to Velká Chuchle, continue on the cycle path to reach the river, turning right at the river and following the asphalt path for 1.5 km
• Just after the football pitch there is a cycle path junction. Take the turn to the right, signposted to Velká Chuchle, pass under the main road and continue into the village along the road. The bus stop and beginning of the YELLOW trail is reached after 1.2 km