Czech Off the Beaten Path: tourist sites

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Divoká Šárka (Wild Šárka) Nature Reserve

Dzban Hill

Hi Everyone,

Spring is coming along nicely in Prague; this is the time of year Czechs love to get in touch with the sun and nature. Czechs love being out in nature; weekend jaunts are part of Czech culture in spring and summer. Many families have a chata (a cottage or cabin) located in the mountains around the country, or in the forests and hills not far from Prague.

Cities and towns, including Prague, empty out on the weekends, as many people head out of town to enjoy the beauty and serenity of Nature in this beautiful country. However, if you can't get out of Prague, there are beautiful parks in the city where you feel as if you're completely out of Prague. One of my favorite Prague parks is Divoká Šárka.

Divoká Šárka Park Location

Divoká Šárka sits on the northwestern outskirts of Prague 6, on the way to Ruzynĕ Airport. Divoká Šárka, or Wild Šárka, is a nature preserve famous for its forests, lake, rocky cliffs, high bluffs and deep valley. The park is one of the largest within the city of Prague.

Šárka and Ctirad

Vyšehrad, Prague

Divoká Šárka—A Czech Legend

Divoká Šárka is named after Šárka, a mythical female Slavic warrior. Šárka was one of the main characters in the mythical story of The Maidens’ War —which is an interesting tale about a war between men and women. The story takes place in about the 6^th century, before Prague existed.

At this time, according to legend, Czech society was based on the matriarchal system (women were in charge, rather than men). In the story, after Libuse’s rule and death, the men gain the upper hand and rule in place of the women. The women become unhappy with this arrangement, and plan to once again rule over the men.

Šárka, one of the top warrior leaders for the women, tries to entrap the men’s warrior leader, Ctirad, and kill him. Šárka succeeds in catching Ctirad with her feminine wiles and kills him. After Ctirad’s death, the women warriors gain the upper hand, but later the men win the Maiden’s War, and women are thereafter ruled by men. Rather than be ruled by men, the legend says that Šárka jumped from a cliff, in the current park, to her death. Divoká Šárka, the park, is named after this famous, legendary woman warrior.

Park's History

The first recorded settlement of Divoká Šárka dates back to the Paleolithic era (prehistoric times), with archeological evidence also showing human settlement from the Neolithic era, the Bronze Age, through to modern times, when farming and settlement of the area was ended just after WWII. You can find the remains of an ancient hrad (castle fortress), which was used from the 7^th to the 9^th century.

What to Do in Divoká Šárka

Divoká Šárka is full of paths where you can walk, hike and bike. The paths run through the entire valley, affording beautiful views of rocky cliffs, forests, a reservoir and stream. Some parts of the park’s sides are steep; making them popular with mountain climbers of all ages who go there to train. Jiri spent many years climbing the cliff walls in Divoká Šárka, in preparation for his many mountain climbing expeditions.You’ll also find a beautiful lake in the midst of the park, Lake Džbán. Swimming is allowed in this lake, which is refreshing after a hot day’s walk. Another popular swimming site is Divoká Šárka’s swimming pool. The water in both the lake and pool are spring-fed and cold. There’s also a beautiful stream that runs through the park’s valley.

A Refreshing Stop and Animal Life

Meandering along the walkways of Šárka, you’ll also come across a lovely pub, where you can have lunch and pivo (beer), the favorite Czech drink. The pub makes a nice place to take a break on a warm day. Along with the beautiful scenery in Divoká Šárka, you’ll encounter many types of animal life. The park is popular with bird watchers, as you can see more than 80 types of birds there. You can occasionally see free operas and plays in the park, as well.

Divoká Šárka One of My Favorite Places

Divoká Šárka is one of my most favorite parks to visit in Prague. You actually feel as if you’re in the middle of nature, far from the busy, noisy city. You hear less and less of the city’s noise the farther down into the park’s valley you go. The forest, plants and animals refresh your mind and spirit, all without having to venture out of the city. I highly recommend a visit to Divoká Šárka when you come to Prague. The park will give you a break from the city’s popular tourist sites--you won’t be disappointed.

That’s all for now. Have a great day!

God bless,

Sher :0)

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Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Točník Hrad

Hi Everyone,

About a year ago, Jiří and I took a day trip to see Točník hrad, near Beroun in central Bohemia. We took the train from Prague, and got off at Žebrák, and walked a ways to Točník castle. Točník is one of two castles in the area, and is situated to the north and slightly east of Žebrák. The area is filled with beautiful rolling hills and farmland, along with picturesque towns and villages. We visited in October while the trees were turning and there was a slight chill in the air. I also remember many sunflowers along the way we walked that day. On the road up the hill to the hrad we encountered sheep and goats in a field. I found one sheep that really enjoyed having his ears rubbed.

Točník hrad is a fortress castle, and was started by Holy Roman Emperor Vacláv (Wenceslas) IV in 1398. The castle is situated on one of the highest points in the area, and offers extensive and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The castle was not only built to be the personal residence of a king. Being a fortress, one of Tocnik’s jobs was to guard the trade route from Prague to Nuremberg. The castle also served as a place to entertain dignitaries. Točník is made up of two courtyards (forming an L-shape), one at the entrance of the castle, and the second courtyard near the main building (King’s residence) in the middle of the western wall. The other large building within the castle walls was used as a place for important visitors to stay, and contained a huge hall for entertaining.

After the death of Vacláv IV, his brother Sigismund became the owner of Točník. Over the years, Točník came to be owned by a strong Catholic family—the Šumburks. From there, the castle went on into other hands, eventually coming back to the Czech crown during the reign of Emperor Rudolph II. He was the last royal to visit the castle. Eventually this beautiful fortress became a state prison until about 1865, when it was abandoned and left to decay. The castle and grounds were later bought by the Czechoslovak Tourists Club, in 1923. The club worked to restore the fortress, and then sold Točník to the Czechoslovak Sokol in 1953.

Točník hrad is a beautiful fortress castle where you get a vivid sense of the past. You can almost see the lords and their ladies walking across the square, with servants rushing to and fro. You can hear the distant sounds of horses and other animals in and around the castle walls from a long ago time. If you listen closely, you might even hear the sounds of war, for Točník was devastated by the Thirty Years War (1618-1648).

The castle is used for festivals and weddings to this day. There is a beautiful chapel, and we saw several wedding couples and their parties on the grounds having their pictures taken.

If you are visiting Prague, and have extra time to tour outside of the city, a visit to Točník would make a wonderful day trip. The castle is closed for the winter months, but will open again in March. Here is the schedule I found on the Tocnik official website:

Točník Opening Hours

January-February: Closed

March-April: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10 to 12 and 13 to 16

May-June: Daily, except Monday, from 10 to 12 and 13 to 17

July-August: Daily, except Monday, from 9 to 12 and 13 to 18

September: Daily, except Monday, from 10 to 12 and 13 to 17

October: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, from 10 to 12 and 13 to 16

November-December: Closed

Admission

Adults: 70 CZK

Children (6-15): 50 CZK

Seniors: 50 CZK

Children under 6 and those with disabilities: Free

Make a day trip Točník hrad and enjoy the scenery and the castle. Don't forget to stop by the castle's small hospoda for a snack. Točník hrad will not disappoint.

Have a great day!