Prague’s outdoor swimming pools

So, if you’re keen to work on that all-over tan, struggling to stay cool, or wondering what to do on these long summer days, then look this way. Lets take a dip into some of Prague’s swimming facilities.

Podoli

Located in Vyšehrad, near to the Vltava river, Podoli combines a swimming centre with sports facilities. There are both inside and outside pools, including a full size 50m pool with viewing stands. Other facilities include: sauna, paddling pool, gym, cafe/restaurant, waterslide and sun bathing. With it’s central location and easy access via tram, Podoli is a popular location for locals and foreigners alike.

• Where: Podolská 74, Praha 4 – Vyšehrad
• How: Tram – 2,3 ,17, 21 – Podolská vodárna
• Why: 25m & 50m pools, Indoor & outdoor swimming, location
• Info: www.pspodoli.cz

Aquapalace Praha

Claiming to be Central Europe’s largest water park, with a total area of 9150m², Aqua Palace Praha caters for all things swimming. Facilities include: multiple water slides, swimming pools, river rapids, sunbathing, fitness, saunas and more. Located in Čestlice, just East of Prague, access is easier by car, however, buses run from Opatov metro station with a travel time of 10 mins.  Ticket prices are more expensive than the other swimming pools in Prague, but with such a huge range of facilities it’s worth spending the extra cash for a day of swim filled fun.

• Where: Pražská 138, 251 01 Čestlice
• How: Bus – 328, 385 – Čestlice, V Oblouku
• Why: water slides, fitness, expansive space and facilities
• Info: www.aquapalace.cz

Divoká Šárka Swimming Pool

Nestled in the middle of Divoká Šárka, a nature reserve with a  rugged landscape of rocky outcrops, forests, streams and hills located in Prague 6, you will find Divoká Šárka Swimming Pool. The two swimming pools and children’s paddling pool are supplied by clean fresh water from the Šárka spring, and are accompanied by volley ball courts, grassy expanses and ping pong tables. A great place to go for a day of fun filled activities with family or friends.

• Where: Divoká Šárka 8/2, 164 00 Praha 6
• How: Tram – 20, 26 – Divoká Šárka
• Why: Location, traditional feel
• Info: www.koupaliste-sarka.webnode.cz

Džbán Outdoor Swimming Lake

One of two main swimming lakes located in Prague, Džbán also lies within Divoká Šárka nature reserve. With large expanses of grassy areas and clean water, keen swimmers, and keen sunbathers, are catered for. One highlight is the ability to have a go at wake-boarding via the cable tow – lessons and equipment hire are all available onsite.  Facilities include: showers, toilets and changing areas, drinks/food kiosks, wake-boarding, diving boards and a campsite nearby.

• Where: Divoká Šárka, 164 00 Praha 6
• How: Tram – 20, 26 – Divoká Šárka
• Why: ‘wild’ swimming, wake-boarding, less-crowded

Hostivařská Resevoir

Prague’s other main swimming lake, Hostivařská Dam is located near Hostivař, south-east of the city centre. Drained, cleaned and revitalised in 2012, the lake is a popular swimming destination in the summer. The lake has all the amenities you would expect by the seaside, including: a sandy beach, showers, toilets and changing area, food and drink kiosks, beach volley ball, paddle-boards and pedalos, wake-boarding and children’s play area. And if you want to really cool down, there’s a nudist beach located just around the corner from the main beach area.

• Where: K Jezeru 74/1, 100 00 Praha 15-Háje
• How: Metro – Line C – Haje
• Why: Sandy beach, wake-boarding, paddle-boards, ‘wild’ swimming
• Info: http://www.hostivarskaprehrada.cz/en/

Further outdoor swimming pools include:

Aquapark Barrandov – K Barrandovu 1173/8, 152 00 Praha 5-Hlubočepy

Slavia Swimming Pool – Vladivostocká 1460/10, Praha 10

Petynka Swimming Pool – Otevřená 1072/4, 169 00 Praha 6