A hidden gem awaits. That is Drahanský potok. It flows through a valley on Prague’s northern edge. Drahanský potok is on the Vltava River’s right bank.
Drahanský potok springs from Dolní Chabry. It runs west through Čimice and Bohnice. Finally it flows into the Vltava near Zdiby. This is between Zámky and Klecánky.
Drahanský potok is part of the Draháň-Troja and Dolní Povltaví nature parks. The stream’s valley has three parts. There is the upper area of Dolní Chabry. Then the wider middle valley. And the lower gorge.
In its upper part Drahanský potok winds through buildings. A baroque farm and the Romanesque Church of St. John the Baptist are here. The actual natural valley starts near the Dolní Chabry bus stop. It begins beneath a striking rocky promontory. The road ends at a wastewater treatment plant and reservoir. Below it the valley is overgrown. Reeds and willows fill this area. It gradually narrows.
Near the bridge where the road crosses to the stream’s right bank sits Prdlavá studánka. Below the road lies Drahanský mlýn. This is an area of houses and cabins. A local road connects them to Brnky.
In this longest lower section the valley narrows. It is also called Drahanská rokle. Wild nature blends here. There are barely passable paths. You will see signs of human activity. These relate to cabins scattered in the valley. The city of Prague’s border runs along this part of the stream. The valley and stream flow into the Vltava. This is a bank reinforced with rough stones. A coastal path runs alongside.
The planned southern route of the Prague Ring Road passes south of the valley. It crosses Drahanský potok. This is between the treatment plant and the bus stop.
The Drahanský potok is only 4 kilometers long. Its basin covers 6.7 square kilometers. Several streams feed it. These include Luční potok and unnamed streams. The City of Prague manages the stream. Lesy hl. m. Prahy maintains the stream.
The stream’s upper part has mostly replacement vegetation. This includes ruderal and nitrophilous species. These plants thrive in disturbed areas. Extensive stands of nettles are common. No protected plant species grow here.
Several tourist trails pass through Drahanský potok. Trail 3008 crosses the valley at the Dolní Chabry bus stop. Trail 6020 descends into the valley above Drahanský mlýn. Trail 1101 connects near the valley’s mouth. Trail 0005 runs from Troja along the river.
Nearby landmarks include Čimické údolí. It is a natural monument. Zámky is another natural monument. Zámky was home to Bohemia’s first dynamite factory. Zámka is an ancient and early medieval settlement.
Drahanský potok offers a unique escape. It is a blend of nature and history. You can enjoy a quiet walk. Keep an eye out for the Prdlavá studánka. Its name suggests it aids digestion. Also look for the old mill from 1343. The valley narrows into a gorge. Cottages dot the steep slopes. Makeshift cable cars carry supplies. The path leads down to the Vltava River.