Petrín Tower & Petrín Hill

Petřín Tower (Petřínská rozhledna), also known as Petřín Lookout Tower or Petřín Observation Tower, is an iconic landmark in Prague. Built for the Jubilee Exhibition in 1891, this steel-framework structure was conceived as a miniature version of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Petřín Tower is 58.7 m high, which does not seem particularly tall until you consider that it sits atop Petřín Hill, which rises around 130 m above the Lesser Town and the Vltava River.

Visitors can buy a ticket to climb the 299 steps to the top, where they are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Prague. On a clear day, it is possible to see Sněžka, the highest peak in Czechia, 150 km away.

Tower Exhibition: A free exhibition beneath Petřín Tower chronicles its construction and features historical photographs of some of its earliest visitors.

PETŘÍN HILL & GARDENS

Petřín Hill (Petřínské sady) is a scenic area of parkland and woodland rising from Újezd in the Lesser Town to the summit, where Petřín Tower stands.

The summit is a beautiful, wide-open area of landscaped gardens, including a stunning rose garden. It forms a peaceful oasis for a stroll, whether in the summer sunshine or the deep snows of winter. Even without climbing the tower, the views over Prague from Petřín Hill are spectacular.

To reach the summit and the tower, most visitors take the funicular railway up Petřín Hill, but it is also possible to walk. A series of pathways leads up the hillside through the trees and open parkland.

The only time to avoid visiting Petřín is in rain or fog. The area is quite exposed, and nature and the views are central to the experience.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS AT THE SUMMIT

In addition to Petřín Tower and the landscaped gardens at the summit of Petřín Hill, there are also several other attractions to explore and cafés where you can enjoy refreshments:

- Štefánik Observatory (Štefánikova hvězdárna): Visitors can see inside two domes and observe the Sun during the day and the Moon, planets and stars after dark through a large telescope. A small space exhibition explains the basics of astronomy, astrophysics and astronautics. A meteorite museum features specimens from the Moon and Mars.

- Mirror Maze (Bludiště).

- Church of St. Lawrence.

- Children's playground.

- Carousel, open during the summer months.

- Magical Cavern, a small mystical building.

- Cafés, refreshment stands and the A La Petite Eiffel bar and restaurant.

While it is free to walk around Petřín Hill, entrance fees apply to the individual visitor attractions. There is no need to pre-book any of them.

HUNGER WALL

The mighty Hunger Wall (Hladová zeď) runs down one side of Petřín Hill. Commissioned by Emperor Charles IV between 1360 and 1362, it forms part of the city's medieval fortifications. According to legend, it became known as the Hunger Wall because its construction provided employment for Prague residents during hard times.

Stone used to construct many of Prague's historical buildings was quarried from Petřín Hill. All evidence of this mining activity is now hidden beneath the parkland and woodland covering the hill.

PETŘÍN HILLSIDE RESTAURANTS & CAFÉS

Halfway up Petřín Hill are Nebozizek Restaurant and Petřínské Terasy café. In addition to welcoming interiors, both have large outdoor terraces and are ideal places for to enjoy refreshments with city views.

The Petřín Funicular stops near the restaurants on the uphill journey. Alternatively, visitors can walk down to them from the top.

HOW TO REACH THE SUMMIT OF PETŘÍN

Travel options from the historic centre:

1. Petřín Funicular offers the easiest and most enjoyable way to reach the top of Petřín Hill. It departs from Újezd funicular station in the Lesser Town, a 5-minute walk from Újezd tram stop. Újezd is also a 10 to 15-minute walk from Charles Bridge.

2. Take a metro to Malostranská metro station (Line A), then tram 22 or 23 to Pohořelec tram stop. From there, it is a 10-minute walk along Strahovská Street;

3. Walk up Petřín Hill. The climb takes around 30 minutes and is steep, but the route is pleasant, passing through parkland and woodland.;

After your visit to Petřín, to return to the historic centre either take the funicular or walk down the hill.

WHY VISIT PETŘÍN?

For Prague residents, Petřín is a popular place to walk in nature and take in the beautiful views over the city.

For visitors, once you have explored Prague's main sights, including Prague Castle and Old Town Square, Petřín makes an excellent half-day excursion away from the busy historic centre.

If you are wondering where Petřín is located, from Charles Bridge or the Vltava River, look up to Prague Castle. Petřín Hill and Tower lie just to the left.

TIP: For families with young children, there is a well-equipped children's playground at the bottom of Petřín Hill, close to the Újezd funicular station.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

A Prague Tourist Information Centre is located at the base of Petřín Tower. It provides information on Prague sights, tourist attractions, museums and upcoming events. It also stocks maps and provides information on Prague public transport.