A Guide Through Prague's Gardens and Parks

Kampa Island

Let’s begin our journey at Kampa Island, a small island park situated on the West side of Vltava’s riverbanks in the Mala Strana district. It is separated from Prague by a mill gutter called Certovka. As Certovka’s stream goes directly between city houses, the island is often called “Czech’s Venice”. Kampa is accessible from tram stations Ujezd, Hellichova or Malostranske Namesti. It has a long history, going back to the 12th century when it was inhabited by a Maltese religious order.

During the 17th century, Kampa Island became a siege of potters whose tradition continues until now. It was also during this time when construction of the watermill began. There are at least three interesting mills that you can visit following the Certovka stream – Hut, Velkoprevorsky mlyn and Sovovy mlyny where an interesting art gallery is currently housed. Another mill, situated just at the core beginning of the island, works nowadays as a pub called “Mlejn” (which means “mill” in spoken Czech). For at least 50 years, it has been a centre of Czech underground artists and philosophers. Buy a beer here to go and lay down with it on the island’s grass. The moment can’t be better!

Petrin Hill

Another nice green space to visit is just around the corner – it is called Petrin Hill and it is situated just on the opposite side of tram stations Ujezd and Hellichova than Kampa. Just exit away from the river at the stations Ujezd or Hellichova and you’ll be there.

Petrin Hill is famous mainly for its turn of the century attractions that you can find on its top. Mainly the funny Art Nouveau Mirror Maze and the smaller model of Paris’ Eiffel Tower are must-see sites. Both attractions were built on the occasion of one of the World Expositions (Expositions Universelles) that were very popular at that time.

Actually, even if the Petrin Tower is much smaller than the Eiffel tower, its location on the top of the hill made the highest placed tower in the world it for a while, with its top reaching 378 meters (1240 ft) above sea level. The Petrin Tower lost this title in the 30s, but the stunning panoramic view of Prague from the top remains invincible. In addition to these attractions, Petrin is favored among locals for an afternoon picnic. On sunny days, you’ll meet lots of young groups sitting underneath the flowering trees, drinking a beer and having fun. So, why not join them?

Letna Plain

Another nice place to chill out is the Letna Plain that connects the 6th Prague district with the historical centre. Coming from the centre, you can reach Letna from the tram station Cechuv Most – from there you have to climb the stairs to get to the top. If you walk from the opposite direction, you should leave the tram at the station Letenske Namesti and then just cross a main street. There is a grocery store just nearby, where you can buy some tasty snacks for your picnic.

Letna is popular for many reasons. First, it offers a large space for sports such as a jogging or football. The flat surface at the top is also perfect for a roller-skating and bike riding. In fact, it was this large plain where a great sporting event and gymnastic parades took place during the communist period. The second fact that makes Letna so special is a large number of beer gardens. You’ll find them scattered almost everywhere in the park. They’re always full of young people sitting on the wooden benches having lively conversations. Pick some nice place from which you can see a panoramic view of Prague and buy one Pilsner beer. You’ll feel perfect!

Stromovka

Stromovka (also called the King’s preserve) is one of the biggest green spaces in Prague. It is situated in the 6th and 7th Prague districts. You can reach it either from the Letenske Namesti tram station if you’re coming from Letna, or from the station Vystaviste if you’re coming from the city centre.

This large green space, designed in the style of an English park was founded by an important Czech king, Otakar II during the 13th century. Thanks to its large forested spaces, it is a favourite place for afternoon or weekend walks. In addition, Stromovka hides many interesting buildings that you can enjoy during your walk. First of all, you should not miss a large complex of Art Nouveau buildings called Vystaviste that was built on the occasion of the famous World Exposition in 1891 and that are situated at the northern end of the Park. Just a few steps further, there is the Prague Planetarium. It offers many interesting programmes that are worth trying. So, what about a small walk, some good beer from one of numerous snack stands and a virtual space travel during the evening? Sounds good, doesn’t it?