Petřín Tower (Petřínské rozhledna), also known as Petřín Observation Tower, is a prominent landmark in Prague. Built for the Jubilee Exhibition in 1891, the steel-framework tower
was conceived as a mini version of the Eiffel Tower.
Petřín Tower is 58.70m high, which doesn't seem particularly tall until you consider that it sits atop Petřín Hill, which is itself 324m above sea level.
Climb the 299 steps inside the tower and the views over Prague are magnificent; on a clear day, see the highest peak in Czechia, Snezka, 150km away.
Also worth a visit is the exhibition below Petřín Tower, which tells the story of its construction, and has historical photos of its early visitors.
Petřín Hill is an area of park and woodland which rises from the Lesser Town up to the tower. For visitors to the city, Petřín makes a fine half-day excursion out of the historical centre of Prague. Note: looking up from Charles Bridge and the river, Petřín is the hill to the left of Prague Castle.
At the summit of Petřín Hill, surrounding Petřín Tower, are a number of other visitor attractions set in landscaped gardens (including a beautiful rose garden). It is a calm and engaging oasis to stroll around, whether in the summer sunshine or the snows of winter - the only weather to avoid is rain and fog as the area is quite exposed.
The views over Prague from the summit of Petřín, even without climbing the tower, are terrific.
Other Visitor Attractions on Petřín Hill:
-Štefánik Observatory (Štefánikova hvězdárna): Visitors can see inside two domes and look through a large telescope to observe the sun (during the day), and the moon, planets and stars (after dark). A small space exhibition explains the basics of astronomy, astrophysics and astronautics. A meteorite museum contains meteorites from the Moon and Mars.
-Mirror Maze (Bludiště).
-Church of St. Lawrence.
-Children's playground.
-Carousel (open in the summer months).
-Magical Cavern, which is a small mystical building.
-Cafés, refreshment stands and 'A La Petite Eiffel' bar restaurant.
It is free to walk around Petřín Hill. Minor entrance fees apply for the visitor attractions. There is no need to pre-book.
The mighty Hunger Wall (Hladová zed) runs down one side of Petřín Hill. Commissioned by Emperor Charles IV in 1360-1362, it forms part of the city's medieval fortifications. The name derives from the reason the wall was built: to provide employment for Prague residents during hard times. The stone to construct many of the historical buildings in Prague was quarried out of Petřín. All evidence of this mining activity is hidden beneath the park and woodland covering the hill.
After visiting the summit, instead of using public transport, an alternative way back to the historical centre is to walk down the hill. A series of pathways leads the way through the trees. Half way down, set on the side of Petřín Hill, are Nebozizek Restaurant and Petřínské Terasy Pub. Both have large terraces and are ideal spots to take refreshments and enjoy the view. Both are also
accessible via the Petřín Funicular, which makes a stop nearby in both directions. At the bottom of Petřín Hill is a well-equipped children's playground, near the funicular terminal. From the terminal, it is a 10-minute walk to Charles Bridge. Or you can take a tram to other parts of Prague. For locals, Petřín is somewhere to go for a walk in nature and to take in beautiful views over Prague. For visitors in Prague for a few days, once you have explored the main sights (Prague Castle, Old Town Square, etc.), Petřín Hill could be your next move.
HOW TO REACH Petřín Tower & Hill
Travel options from the historical centre of Prague: 1. A ride on the Petřín Funicular is the easiest, most pleasurable way to reach the summit of Petřín. It departs from Ujezd in the Lesser Town, which is 5 minutes walk from Ujezd tram stop. Unfortunately, the funicular is closed for renovation until 2026.
2.
Metro to metro stop Malostranska (line A). Then, tram to tram stop Pohorelec (tram 22,23). Then, walk 10 minutes via Strahovska street.
3. Walk up Petřín Hill. The climb takes 30 minutes and is steep, but the walk is pleasant, passing through park and woodland;
4. Taxi.
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE A Prague Tourist Information Centre is sited at the base of Petřín Tower. It provides details of Prague sights, tourist attractions and museums, and upcoming events. It also stocks maps and offers Prague public transport information. |