From Prague’s botantical garden, along the Vltava to Hradiště Na Farkách – a 7 km tour

• Prague’s botanical gardens are located on the slopes above the river Vltava to the north of Prague center in the historic villa and vineyard area of Troja. Covering almost 30ha, a full exploration of these lovely gardens can take a few hours and is a good walk in its own right. Highlights include the Japanese garden, the Fata Morgana greenhouse area (especially around May, when one of the greenhouses may be filled with giant tropical butterflies), and the vineyard of svatá Klára (with its superb views).
• For a full day outing, combine a visit to the gardens with the following short walk which includes a section along the river Vltava and an ascent to the ancient hillfort of Na Farkách, occupied for over 5000 years.
• The route also passes by the excellent Prague zoo, which also covers a large area of the slopes below the botanical gardens. Next to the zoo is the 17th century Chateau of Troja, which houses part of the city’s modern Czech art collection (from the 19th century). The chateau has a Baroque garden which is open to the public, and includes a hedge labyrinth at its center.
• The suggested walking route starts at the north entrance of the botanical gardens (this is the highest point) located in the Bohnice district of Prague. There is a reasonably-sized (paid) car park directly by the entrance. The north entrance may also be reached by regular bus from Kobylisy metro station.
• After traversing the gardens the route passes Troja chateau and the main entrance to the zoo. It then follows the Vltava river bank for 2.5km before climbing steeply up the north bank (which is part of the Podhoří nature reserve) to reach the plateau area on the edge of the Bohnice residential district.
• Here on a promontory above the river, protected on three sides by steep slopes, the hillfort of Na Farkách was constructed by prehistoric settlers. Findings dating from from the late Stone Age culture were excavated on the site, which was later fortified with a palisade wall and stone rampart on the eastern flank. Today, the site features a (partly destroyed) modern replica of the wooden palisade wall. There is a fine view over the Vltava from the western edge of the fort.
• The paths down through (or around) the botanical gardens are well maintained and the route along the Vltava is asphalt. The ascent path to the hillfort, however, is quite steep and not recommended in icy conditions. In icy conditions (or if walking with a stroller) it is recommended to return by the outbound route.
• The walk length if completed as a circle is 6.7km (excluding any extra distance covered while exploring the botanical gardens) and involves 120m of height gained/lost. There are various refreshment options in the botanical gardens, at the zoo, and along the river. Perhaps try the stylish new (from 2023) bistro just inside the gates of Troja Chateau – bistro Karel (map point 6).

Note: click ‘Show on Mapy.com’  to go to a full screen version of the route directly on the mapy.com site. This can be used for on line navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file.

Directions

• Start the walk at the botanical gardens north entrance (located on K Pazderkám street in Bohnice). There is a (paid) car park directly at the entrance, which can also be reached by bus from Kobylisy metro (Na Pazderce bus stop)
• If visiting the gardens – which are highly recommended – purchase a ticket at the entrance gate and explore the gardens at leisure, exiting the gardens through one of the lower exits and then passing either the western or eastern side of the Troja Chateau to reach the riverbank
• If not wishing to tour the gardens on this occasion, there is a marked nature trail (green diagonal striped markings) leading around the western edge of the gardens and down towards the chateau and zoo. Pass the chateau and main zoo entrance to reach the riverbank – this route is marked on the map above
• At the riverbank turn right and join the RED hiking trail which also follows the asphalt cycling path
• After 1.7 km directly beside the river, the RED hiking trail leaves the riverbank for a section, while the cycling trail continues directly along the river. Both routes lead to the same place but the cycling path is probably they nicer option
• After the further 800m along the river, the cycle path rejoins the RED hiking trail at the junction with the V podhoří street. Here turn right onto an unmarked footpath which ascends into the forest – passing the left side of the last house on V podhoří street
• This trail steeply leads up the terrace into the Podhoří nature reserve (this is marked with a signpost) and after 300m reaches a small pond and natural spring
• Immediately after passing the pond, take a right turn onto a narrow footpath which climbs up for 200m to reach the edge of the hillfort Na Farkách
• Walk around the perimeter of the fort exiting the plateau area through the south east ‘gate’ onto the asphalt track which leads towards the large apartment blocks. Follow the paths towards the closest large apartment block to join the Mazurská public street
• Walk along Mazurská for 650m and at the end of the street turn right onto Lodžská steet. After 250m reach the main road K Pazderkám, close to the Na Pazderce bus stop. The botanical garden car park is 200m along the street to the left.