Prague Buys First Land for Planned Soutok Landscape Park

Prague is pressing ahead with plans for the future Soutok Landscape Park at the confluence of the Vltava and Berounka rivers. The acquisition of the first plots of land is intended to protect the river landscape, enable measures against flooding and drought, and create new recreational areas.

The Prague City Assembly has approved the purchase of extensive plots of land in the districts of Lipence and Zbraslav. The sites cover a total area of around 136,000 square metres and will cost CZK 81.1 million.

This marks the first time that land within the planned Soutok Landscape Park has come into the city’s ownership. In future, it is intended primarily to protect the natural course of the Lipanský stream and support the development of recreational opportunities close to the city.

Ecologically Important Area

The purchase was recommended by the Prague Institute of Planning and Development (IPR). According to the city, the area at the confluence of the Vltava and Berounka rivers has considerable ecological potential.

The land contains important wetlands and floodplains along the Lipanský stream. In addition, parts of the site are suitable for the creation of ponds and other measures designed to retain water in the landscape for longer.

“The purchase of the land is the first step towards transforming this unique river landscape into the Soutok Landscape Park,” said Prague councillor Adam Zábranský, who is responsible for property, transparency and legislation. The project would span decades, but could lead to the creation of one of Europe’s largest urban parks.

Zábranský added that the acquisition would give Prague control over a strategically important area where measures to combat flooding and drought could be implemented in the future.

The planned Soutok suburban park will extend across the southern part of the capital and cover an impressive total area of 1,300 hectares, more than 13 times the size of Prague’s Stromovka Park. The city’s relevant nature conservation authorities are expected to manage the bodies of water and wetlands.