Prague can be a crowded and overwhelming city, especially in the city center. Are you longing for some solitude, space and calm? Do you need to recharge your batteries? Here are my tips where you can go. Your dog will enjoy it too!
Hvězda Summer Palace and Park
This curious building and its surrounding park are located in the West of Prague about 7km to the West of the city center. The park is spatious and contains a forest with large trees. The area is less frequented by tourists, rather by local inhabitants. The iconic building built in the 16th century in the center of the park, named “Star villa” radiates a mysterious vibe.
Brevnovsky Klaster
The Brevnov monastery and brewery is located in the West of the city and does not belong to the regular tourist destinations. It is surrounded by orchards, a very peaceful place in summer.
Štvanice Island
This island in the center of Vlatava river is a green gem in the middle of the city. It’s usually not very busy there and contains wide area to let your dog off the lead. Enter via the white pedestrian bridge.
On the East side of the island you can find an upretentious beergarden/beachbar location named “Baden Baden” where you can hang out on deck chairs or in the grass.
At the West tip of th island you find a scenic spot close to a water lock with a great view of the city.
Stromovka Park
This huge park in Prague is informally called “Central Park of Prague”. It is so big that it feels like an individual neighborhood of the city. I love this park because of its diverse landscape types: You can find forest areas with large conifers, lush meadows, lakes and little brooks and colorful flowerbeds. You can walk up and down on the hilly sections, cross bridges and traverse tunnels. A lot to discover and roam around for you and your dog! This park is so spacious that you can avoid people at all times, if that it what you need 😉
Petřín Hill
Petrin Hill is one of Pragues largest green areas and a natural monument. Located at the left bank of the Vltava river it is a popular recreational area for Prague locals. Fun fact: Petřín hill is featured prominently in Franz Kafka’s short story “Description of a Struggle” and also in Milan Kundera’s novel “The Unbearable Lightness of Being“.
Tourists gather mostly on the summit close to the look-a-like Eiffel Tower and at the bottom where the Mala Strana neighborhood begins. A funicular connects both spots.
The whole slope of the Petrin hill, however, is rather quiet and low frequented. You can find calm, solitude and enjoy the serenity of the forest while leaving the city buzzing below behind a curtain of trees. Sometimes between the curtains you will be suprised by a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Follow the winding pathways up or down. Enjoy the orchards that are home to a huge number of fruit trees: You can freely pick their fruit (apples, pears, mirabelle plumbs).
Petrin Hill hosts many different gardens and parks. “Kinski Park” is one of my favorites. You can find forests, rocks to climb on and even caves here. There is a little pond to rest and let your dog drink.