From Záběhlice to Hostivař in southern Prague, following the Botič stream: 7 km

• Botič is the longest stream flowing through Prague. Its sparkling waters pass through meadows and fields on the southern outskirts of the city, creating picturesque meanders that would not seem out of place in a Šumava valley. The stream even features in the Czech national anthem!
• There are a number of possible routes along the Botič to choose from. Probably the most scenic is the walk from Hostivař reservoir to Průhonice. However, for those interested in the history of old Prague districts, the walk between Záběhlice and Hostivař is definitely worth considering.
• Hostivař reservoir is the largest lake in Prague. It is allowed to swim in the lake, and the beach/sports area on the south side of the lake is a popular summer destination. The trail around the northern side of the lake is equally popular with walkers and joggers, but it remains a peaceful spot even on busy weekends. In winter, the lake can freeze, and it then becomes a haven for skaters and even cross-country skiers after fresh snow.
• The suggested route starts in Záběhlice, passing the Romanesque Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, which dates back to the 12th century and is located beside Hammerský pond. The trail then heads eastwards towards Hostivař heading through extensive old orchards that have now gone to seed.
• Hostivař is one of Prague’s oldest villages, dating back to the11th century. There are a number of historic buildings, including the 14th century fortress (now incorporated in the Toulcův dvůr farming complex – which is open to the public), the 13th century Church of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist and some old farmsteads and mills. The route follows sections of the Hostivař history trail (occasional green/white diagonal markers and some info boards in Czech).
• Most of the walk is on asphalt tracks and should be manageable with a stroller, although the path through the orchards is a mud track. The route is quite flat with less than 80m of height to ascend. There are various refreshment options along the route. The restaurants Na Kačabce PUTYKA and Pivnice U Jeníčka (map points 5 and 7) are good options in old Hostivař.

Note: click ‘Show on map’ above to go to a full screen version directly on the mapy.cz site. This can be used for online navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file

Directions

• Start the walk by catching the bus to Záběhlice and there join the RED trail heading towards Hostivař, after 200m passing the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary
• Continue on the RED trail reaching the Toulcův dvůr junction after 3 km
• Follow the RED trail for a further 500m to reach the Church of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist
• Continue on the RED trail into the Botič valley to reach the Keltské hradiště trail junction after 2 km
• At the junction there is an optional 400m diversion up to the site of the Celtic hillfort (there is a model of the site)
• Carrying straight on from the junction leads to the reservoir dam in 100m
• Turning right at the junction continues the educational trail and leads back into Hostivař, where the first bus stop is reached after 600m