The much-anticipated strawberry picking season is here, offering a fun and affordable alternative to supermarkets. Farms and growers across Czechia, including several near Prague, are opening their fields to the public for strawberry picking, giving visitors a chance to enjoy the freshest berries while supporting local agriculture.
Self-picking, or samosběr in Czech, has become a popular seasonal tradition for many families across the country. Not only does it offer access to ripe and flavorful strawberries at a lower cost, but it also allows people to reconnect with the countryside and gain a deeper appreciation for where their food comes from.
Strawberry picking in Czechia
At most farms, visitors pay only for the strawberries they pick, typically priced by weight. The process is usually simple: upon arrival, staff weigh any containers you bring, then direct you to a picking area to ensure the fields are shared fairly.
Once you've finished, your strawberries are weighed, and you pay for the net amount harvested. Most farms prefer cash payments, so it's wise to bring some along.
While many locations do not require reservations, it's always a good idea to check with the farm beforehand—some operators manage busy days with online or phone bookings, especially at the height of the season.
Prime strawberry season typically runs from late May through the end of June. The best time to visit is in the first two weeks of the season when the fruit is at its peak: large, vibrant, and bursting with flavor. By the end of June, the strawberries tend to get smaller, though still sweet and worth the effort.
Containers are available for purchase at most sites if you don’t have your own. Expect to pay a small fee for a basket or carton, though many families prefer to bring their own to avoid waste.
🍓 Practical tips for strawberry picking
- When to go: Early mornings or late afternoons are best to avoid the heat.
- What to bring: Your own basket or box, cash for payment, a hat, sunscreen, and water.
- What to wear: Comfortable clothes, sun protection, shoes that can handle a bit of dirt.
- How much to pick: Pick only what you can eat or store; strawberries don’t keep long!
- Storage tip: Keep berries cool and dry, and use them within a day or two for the best flavor.
Where to pick strawberries near Prague
For those based in Prague and looking for a quick countryside escape, several farms in the surrounding regions offer strawberry picking. These are some of the most popular spots in and around the Czech capital:
- Farma Vraňany: Off the D8 highway towards Mělník.
- Albaflor: In Sedlčánky, Prague-East.
- Jahodárna Kouřim: Two fields east of Prague.
- Jahody Kunratice: Four separate fields for picking in Prague 4.
- Jahody Schwenk: Two fields in Uhříněves and Hájek.
- Ovocné sady Bříství: Near Křečhoře in the Kolín district.
- Starokolínské jahody: Located by the fuel station in Starý Kolín.
Farm opening dates depend on weather and crop conditions, so it's always best to check with each farm before heading out. For more locations offering strawberry picking across the Czech Republic, consult this map at Jahodový Web.
🍓 Czech strawberry varieties: A quick guide
- Clery: Early variety with large, bright red fruits.
- Joly: Known for its sweet taste and firm texture.
- Darselect: Aromatic, mid-season berries with excellent flavour.
- Florence: A late variety, slightly darker in colour, ideal for jams.
- Sonata: Sweet, round berries, often used for desserts.