Máslovice: Nature Trail, Vltava and Butter Culture

The “Naučná stezka a vyhlídka Choč” nature trail begins in Máslovice in the village square in front of the museum and ends at the Vltava ferry. For your travel planning, this trail theme can be distinguished from two other interests: the interactive butter museum and the “Máslovická stráň” nature reserve.

Nature Trail, Viewpoint and Vltava Ferry

A detour to the Choč viewpoint extends the nature trail to 2,700 m. At the viewpoint, visitors can sit on an unusual bench. If you include the viewpoint, the stated distance applies to this version with the detour.

From the viewpoint, a narrow, steeply descending path leads to a riverside trail that goes to the ferry. The “Výzkumný ústav včelařský” operates the passenger ferry between Libčice nad Vltavou and Dol near Máslovice. If the Vltava’s flow exceeds 400 m³/s or there are strong winds, the Dol–Libčice passenger ferry is closed to the public. Check the ferry status before setting out if you are including the crossing in your plans.

Butter at the Museum and in the Events Calendar

The “Malé máslovické muzeum másla” is the only museum of its kind in Central Europe and has an interactive exhibition. During Advent, a nativity scene made entirely of butter is traditionally displayed there; this tradition has continued since 2000. If you want to visit specifically to see the nativity scene, Advent is the relevant time of year.

Butter churning also takes place regularly at certain times of year: in spring, usually in April, as part of the walking event “Máslovická šlápota aneb Šlapeme do Máslovic stloukat máslo,” and in autumn, in September, at the “Posvícenském vinobraní.” For a trip planned around this specific occasion, there are two distinct time windows. Check the dates of the respective events before making plans.

Habitats in Máslovická stráň

The “Máslovická stráň” nature reserve is located within the municipality of Máslovice. It protects a series of rock outcrops and fragments of rocky steppe with protected and endangered plant and animal species; the protected area also includes meadow and woodland habitats. The natural landscape therefore encompasses a variety of elements: rock outcrops, rocky steppe, meadows and woodland. By contrast, the nature trail is defined by its route from the village square to the ferry and the detour to the viewpoint. This makes it possible to consider a nature-focused visit and a specific route plan as distinct priorities.

Group Excursions and Products from Dol

In Dol near Máslovice, the “Výzkumný ústav včelařský” offers group excursions by individual arrangement. The offer is aimed at kindergartens, schools and clubs, as well as children, students and adults. The program is tailored to each group; the guided tour lasts approximately 45 to 60 minutes. If you are planning such an excursion, arrange your visit with the institute in advance.

The “Výzkumný ústav včelařský” shop in Dol sells, among other things, mead and honey chocolate. As opening arrangements may change, check them before visiting. This way, when planning your trip, you can choose between Máslovice’s different themes: the nature trail with its viewpoint and ferry connection, the museum and its seasonal butter traditions, the nature reserve, or a group visit to Dol arranged individually.

Discover more destinations: Prusice, Mnichovice U Říčan, Nová Ves, Radějovice, Doubek, Konětopy, Březí U Říčan, Zlatá

For the overview of the wider area: Okres Praha-Východ.