The center of old Prague pulsates with bustling tourist life, so you may be tempted to get away from the crowds and relax in the city's greenery.
The good news is that Prague has a plethora of lovely parks and gardens to pick from; you just have to know where to look. I'd like to welcome you to Petrin Hill, a green haven of tranquility that is well-known as the location where lovers go on dates.
Nowadays, Petrin has become a place of active relaxation, there are a number of things to do and spend your time in the embrace of nature.
Below, I list ten activities that will keep you busy while visiting this location. For singles, couples, and families with children, these things promise to be a lot of fun. Expect to stay at least half a day exploring Petrin and its environs without being bored for a single second!
1. Take the funicular to Petrin
First and foremost: to enjoy Petrin, you have to get there first! By far the most popular method of transport up the hill is the funicular railway, which runs from the Újezd station to the top of Petrin.
The route takes around 4 minutes with an inter-stop at Nebozizek and costs 60 CZK (Czech crowns) for a single ticket. Don't forget to look out the window to see the breathtaking scenery of Prague Castle!
2. Climb up the Petrin lookout tower
The Petrin lookout tower is undoubtedly one of the greatest attractions on the site. The tower looming up on the Petrin hill ranks among the inseparable landmarks of Prague and is a spot that is always in your sight when you wander around the metropolis.
The Petrin Lookout Tower was built in 1891 in an incredible three months! When visiting the place, it is a must to climb the tower and enjoy the divine view over the whole of Prague. There are two ways to get to the upper gallery of the tower; either climb the 299 steps or take the elevator up the middle of the building.
3. Get lost in the mirror maze
Walk just a few steps from the Petrin lookout tower and you will reach the mirror maze. It looks like a small gothic castle with turrets and battlements. Inside you will find an intricate quest; to get out between the mirrors that return an infinite image of yourself. Which way is the right way? Take the plunge and step in!
4. Relax in the Kvetnice garden
A small forgotten English-style garden that not many tourists know about. Landscaped perennial beds and white wooden benches invite you to sit in peace. The entrance to Kvetnice garden is free, just find the old archway hidden in the stone wall.
5. Admire the sky in Stefanik observatory
One of Prague's three observatories, called Stefanikova, is located on Petrin Hill. The huge domes hide star telescopes pointed at the sky above Prague. The Stefanik's observatory opens in two shifts; during the day, see what's happening around the sun and at night, observe the moon and the sky with an endless number of stars. Don't forget to see and touch the meteorites that are part of the observatory's permanent exhibition.
6. Walk among roses in the Rosarium
Behind the observatory with its domes stretches a beautiful quiet place with rose beds, called Rosarium. The best time to visit the place is in summer when the roses bloom and smell wonderful. There are plenty of garden benches strewn over the area, beckoning you to take a break.
7. See the Cathedral of St Lawrence
The Church of St. Lawrence in Petrin belongs among the pilgrimage sites to which the Stations of the Cross lead. The church, built in Baroque style, serves the purposes of the Catholic Church today.
8. Touch the Hunger Wall
The Hunger Wall, sometimes called the Jagged Wall, stretches across the entire Petrin Hill from the bottom up and runs across the top to Prague Castle.
If you are wondering where the name Hunger Wall came from, then know that the building was initiated by the Czech King Charles IV in the 14th century. There was great starvation in the Bohemian kingdom, so the king decided to give the people work and pay them with food and clothing.
At that time, the wall protected the current Lesser Town and Prague Castle district.
9. Go through the Kinsky garden
In pleasant weather, I highly recommend getting to the top of Petrin through the Kinsky Gardens. The climb up through the Kinský Garden requires a certain level of physical fitness, but if you take the walk at a leisurely pace, you will certainly enjoy it.
Winding paths lead you past sandstone cliffs, garden ponds, and waterfalls while offering several breathtaking views of Prague. Eventually, you will enter through a small gate in the Hunger Wall into Petrin territory, where more great activities await you.
10. Eat at Nebozizek restaurant
Got hungry? Great, it's time to have something good! Combine a delicious meal with an amazing experience at the Nebozizek Restaurant, located at the mid-station of the funicular to Petrin.
In beautiful weather, this place offers a stunning view of the Prague Castle panorama. Sit at one of the tables in front of the Nebozízek restaurant, sip your coffee accompanied by a delicious dessert and let the atmosphere of the place enchant you.
Location: Nebozizek at Google Maps
➺ How difficult is the walk up Petrin Hill
I have already mentioned earlier that the easiest way to get to Petrin is by funicular railway. However, if you want to combine a trip to Petrin with a pleasant walk, head up through Petrin Park.
The walk up to Petrin is not particularly difficult, but it is upward on winding, steep paths. Expect to use some energy in order to complete your journey.
For those who prefer a more straightforward ascent, you can always stop for a breather at one of the viewpoints along the way and take in the sights of ancient Prague while you relax.
The Best of Petrin (Summary)
- Petrin Tower
- Mirror Maze
- Stefanik Observatory
- Hunger Wall
- Funicular to Petrin
- Kvetnice Garden
- Rosarium
- Cathedral of St Lawrence
- Kinsky Garden
- Nebozizek restaurant
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