Though Prague has no shortage of beautiful green historical spaces, there’s also no shortage of crowds all year round. Luckily, there are some beautiful parks just outside the city where you can experience historical architecture and natural beauty in total peace. Průhonický Park is one such area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can experience historical charm, forested serenity, and invigorating hikes.
What you’ll find at Průhonický Park
Průhonický Park was brought to its current grand state by Count Arnošt Emanuel Silva-Tarouca in the 19th century, who envisioned it as both a residence and living botanical collection. It sprawls over more than 250 hectares with hiking paths that take you through meadows, ponds, and over 1,600 plant species that are housed within the park and the botanical garden. The heart of Průhonický Park is the Průhonice Chateau, which was originally designed as a Gothic fortress in the 14th century, but was re-designed by the count into a massive Neo-Renaissance style castle.
Průhonický Chateau and other exhibits
Entrance to Průhonický Park grants you access to the visitor center and exhibitions in the Inner Courtyard of the castle. Inside, you’ll find exhibits about the castle’s founders, the history of the park, and the landscaping. Though there are some beautifully preserved rooms like the Knights’ Hall, these are used as conference spaces and can only be rented for events. There is also a small café in the castle’s small courtyard where you can admire the fresco of St. George on its façade while you enjoy a beer or cake and coffee.
If you’re interested in Průhonický Park as a living museum, you’ll also find some small exhibitions scattered around the park in the Fisherman’s Cottage, the Czech Cottage and the Guard House (Wachhaus). These life-size exhibits show you the architecture of the time as well as some information about the park and its conservation efforta, along with Czech fairy tales that have been filmed on the property.
Hiking trails
The castle’s imposing outline is reflected in the small lake that sits at its feet, which is traversed by various marked walking routes. In truth, these are a better reason to visit Průhonický Park than the small largely ecological exhibitions. It’s a beautiful place to enjoy the fresh air and forested scenery, and get some light activity on these hiking trails. There are several routes that you can take depending on how long you wish to spend at the park and what you want to see.
The basic route – 2.5 km
This is the shortest scenic hiking route in the park. It takes you around the castle, the alpine garden and the main viewpoint which is accessible through the trails in the meadows. This trail is easy for people of all fitness levels and can be completed in under two hours.
The main route – 5km
The main hiking trail in Průhonický Park takes you around the chateau as well as leads to through the meadow and forest along the stream. This trail includes the Gloriet Tower viewpoint and the alpine garden which is nestled on a hill near the chateau. This route takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, especially if you stop to visit the cottages and the chateau.
The viewpoint route – 10km
This route starts at Průhonice Chateau and meanders through a much wider area, covering a distance of 10 km in total. In addition to the paths and the ponds near the castle, it takes you through the remote areas of the former game preserve and the Borin pond on the far west side of the property.
Botanical garden
The botanical garden at Průhonický Park is a massive English style garden with a sizable plant collection. The garden is best to visit in the spring when everything is in bloom. Note that the trail distances described above do not include the inside of the botanical garden. So if you want to walk around among the flowers, you may want to account for an extra kilometer or two when you choose your walking path.
Getting to Průhonický Park from Prague
Průhonický Park is just outside the Prague city boundary so it’s only about 15 km away from city center. By car, this can take as little as 30 minutes. However, you can also use public transportation. The park is accessible on buses 363, 357, and 385 from Opatov metro station. Just remember that since it’s technically outside of Prague, you cannot use a Prague public transport ticket. You need to buy a PID ticket which includes zones 0, B, and 1. The easiest way to do this is to download the PID Lítačka app, where you can buy and validate your tickets before you ride. The public transportaton route can take 45 minutes to an hour.
Entrances and parking
If you’re driving, there are two parking lots: the one next to the main entrance to the castle which is 40 czk/hour, and the one between the main part of the park and the game reserve, which costs 50 czk/day. If you only intend to do the basic route, you’re best off parking nearest to the castle, even if it’s more expensive. However, I think it’s much nicer to start in the forest at the second parking lot and get a little walking in before the castle is in view.
You can get an admission ticket, with or without parking, at either of these entrances. Prices vary according to time of year. This ticket allows you entrance to the park as well as all the public exhibits in the park.
So if you’re stifled by the crowds on Charles Bridge, Průhonický Park can be a fun half day trip from Prague for the whole family (even the dog!) on a breezy sunny day.
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