70 Surprising Gems Await in Prague!

If you’re in search of fresh fruit, make your way to the orchards: they’re completely free, and Prague boasts the highest number of them in the world!

Surprisingly, many residents of Prague are unaware that the city is home to several orchards where you can pick an array of fruits at no cost, including everything from apples and pears to cherries and blackberries.

Just pick a few cherries or pears off a tree and enjoy them right there in the moment.

For many people, fruit evokes a wealth of memories, particularly from childhood, when we would visit grandparents in the countryside or spend time at summer camps. We likely all experienced sneaking into neighbors’ gardens searching for ripe cherries. However, it might not cross the minds of many that you can engage in free and completely legal fruit-picking adventures right here in Prague today.

In today’s world, where prices are increasingly on the rise, having some fresh fruit is essential. Just visit one of the 70 orchards in Prague. Yes, believe it or not, Prague has that many orchards—more than any other city globally!

“The Prague City Council oversees 70 orchards covering a total area of 115 hectares. Each year, we typically add one or two new orchards, either by bringing them into our management or by establishing new ones,” explains Jiří Rom from the Prague City Council.

A new book titled Prague Fruit Orchards aims to showcase these hidden gems of the city. Set to be published by the organization Na Ovoce, this organization has been mapping orchards across the Czech Republic for the past seven years. You can also use their website to access an interactive map that will help you locate the nearest orchards in your vicinity.

“In the book, we’ve chosen 15 of the most stunning orchards in Prague and provided detailed descriptions of each one,” shares Lenka Linhartová from Na Ovoce.

The book also covers the history of these orchards, detailing which fruits grow there and when they can be harvested. “The orchards make for perfect spots for family picnics or casual gatherings with friends. They offer tranquility and shade, allowing visitors to pick fruit and take it home. Additionally, the book outlines suggested trails around the various orchards, enabling you to enjoy a peaceful day spent outdoors,” Linhartová explains further.

Currently, they are seeking support for the book through a crowdfunding initiative, featuring exciting rewards such as courses on must-making, fruit fermentation, tree planting, or pruning techniques.