Hostivař Reservoir: natural swimming in Prague between beach, forest and cycle path

Hostivař Reservoir is a Prague summer classic. It is not a wild mountain lake or a luxury beach resort, but for a capital city it offers a very useful mix: water, forest, grass, sand, snack stands and enough space to forget for a while that you are still in Prague.

It sits inside Hostivař Forest Park and works in two different ways. One side has the paid area with the main beach, facilities, food stands, sports and children’s features. There is also a separate nudist beach with a calmer atmosphere. On the opposite side, access to the water is freer through the forest park, smaller banks and places near the cycle path. There are fewer services, but no entrance fee.

Why visit

Hostivař is useful when you want natural swimming in Prague without travelling far out of the city. The paid area gives you comfort: toilets, changing rooms, snacks and easier access to the water. The opposite side feels more like a forest-park swim stop, better combined with walking, running or cycling.

Paid beach, nudist beach and free swimming

The main paid beach is best for families, groups and visitors who want facilities. The nudist beach is separated from the main area and feels like its own zone rather than a hidden corner.

If you do not want to pay or just want a quick dip after work, the other side of the reservoir can make sense. People swim from smaller places near the forest and cycle path. Just remember that this side does not offer the same facilities or supervision.

Practical tip

Choose the paid beach if you want comfort, services and a proper beach day. Choose the opposite bank if you want a quick swim, a picnic or a cycling stop. Always check water quality and current beach status before going.

Summary

Hostivař Reservoir is not perfect, but it is practical: paid comfort, a nudist beach, snack stands, sport and freer swimming outside the paid area. For summer Prague, that is a pretty good combination.