Have you ever imagined what a river looks like after it has died? This is the Krňák, a natural monument just outside of Prague, and it’s where the Berounka River met its end—or at least where it stopped flowing. This peaceful, quiet stretch of water, surrounded by lush meadows and willows, was once a vibrant artery of the Prague River system. Back in the 19th century, a powerful flood changed the course of the Berounka, leaving the Krňák a shallow, disconnected arm of the original channel. The Krňák, which was officially protected in 1988 as a nature monument, serves as a haven for a fascinating diversity of life. Even though it’s a quiet and still body of water, the Krňák is considered a vital habitat for rare species of amphibians. You can spot the common frog and the pool frog, which are becoming increasingly scarce in other areas due to environmental pressures. The Krňák is also a haven for birds, like the green-legged partridge, which find the quiet, tranquil environment perfect for nesting. The Krňák may be a silent reminder of a lost river, but it’s a testament to the power of nature to adapt and thrive. You can get here easily from Zbraslav, taking a bus from Smíchov train station.
Lochkovský potok
Listen closely. Have you ever felt the hush of a hidden stream a secret whispered among the trees? That’s the