Divoká Šárka, Nature reserve in Prague 6, Czech Republic

Divoká Šárka is a nature reserve on the rocky slopes of Šárecký stream in Prague 6–Liboc. Its core is the Džbán gorge, where a deep ravine cuts through pale grey and purplish lydite crags about 600 million years old, dividing the rock mass into Kozákova skála and Šestákova skála. Dense trees and shrubs grow along the cliff base, while dry grassy slopes lead down to the right.

Between the 7th and 9th centuries, a fortified Slavic settlement covering twenty hectares stood above the Džbán gorge and served as a center of regional power. This early occupation shows how people used the area long before modern city development reached its edges.

The valley and its Dívčí skok cliff take their name from Šárka, a warrior in the Czech Maidens' War legend. In the tale of Ctirad and Šárka she lures him into a trap and later dies by leaping from the rock. The whole Šárecké údolí valley is named after her.

The reserve lies in Prague 6, between the Džbán gorge and Čertův mlýn, on the slopes of Šárecký stream. Trails follow the stream and climb to the rocky steppes above its right bank; the Slavic hillfort ramparts above the Džbán gorge are still visible in the terrain. A lake and a public swimming pool sit along the edge of the reserve.

The black woodpecker has its closest nesting area to Prague here, living among the varied forest landscapes and rock formations throughout the reserve. This rare bird finds enough dead wood and older trees in the quieter forest sections to carve out its breeding cavities.