Shooters Island

Shooters Island in Prague – Strelecky Ostrov

I’m going to split this post into two parts. Obviously you’ll want to know why it’s called Shooters Island but you’ll also want to understand why you might like to come here.

white barge docked alongside shooters island — April to October Bobs BBQ (if it’s running)

Where Does the Name Come From?

The Island is mentioned as far back as the 12th Century belonging to a religious order but it’s military history gives it the name. By 1350 the island had been fortified. It acted as a defence against attack via the river and was also the site of a shooting range hence it got the name Shooters Island.

Why Come Here?

This is a seasonal question. The whole year round you can visit one of Prague’s scenic restaurants called Strelecky Ostrov (Shooters Island). There’s a great outdoor childrens’ playground (lot’s of ducks, swans and nutria to feed) and the end of the island gives a panoramic view of the Charles Bridge.

But it’s April to October when Shooters Island brightens up. It’s in this season that real life returns and by that I mean eating, drinking and dancing. There’s the Stage which attracts local bands to play free-to-air music and you can make use of the attached Stage Bar. Finally you have the Coco Van which is a caravan converted as a cafe to sell coffee, tea, soft drinks and snacks so it’s ideal for parents who want to watch out for their kids on the playground, it’s also vegan.

caravan converted to a cafe — Cocovan on Shooters Island – tables and chairs under the trees next to playground

rough gravel area with ten picnic benches a bar on the right and a stage at the end — Stage area on Shooters Island

a series of wooden poles driven into the ground to act as connection points for ropes in a children's playground — Shooters Island Playground

How to Get to Shooters Island

It’s one bridge upriver from the Charles Bridge and here’s the Google Maps link. What I usually tell people to do is head for the National Theatre, all tourist maps mark that point. Before you walk onto the bridge there’s a quick question to answer. If you want to take the steps onto Shooters Island walk over the bridge on the left side. If you need the lift then walk on the right side. We cross this bridge on the Prague City Walking Tour.

Other Stuff

Read the post about Prague Pedalos. If you hire from Slavonic Island you can sail around Shooters Island and see it from the river. There are toilet facilities on from 10am to 10pm (CZK20 at the time of writing).