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*A circular tour in Central Prague along both sides of the Vltava river: 9 km*

  • Although the primary purpose of this guide is to highlight walks in the beautiful nature areas of the Czech Republic and to explore relatively unknown historical gems in the countryside, no walking guide for the country would be complete without at least a few walks in the remarkable historical center of Prague!
  • Already published elsewhere in the guide are a couple of walks in the castle area, including Petřín park (which at least qualifies as a small ´nature area´)! Most visitors to Prague will, however, also want to spend time on and around Charles Bridge – preferably when it is not too busy – possibly incorporating a walk along the banks of the Vltava to view the remarkably varied architecture (from 14th century Gothic through to ultramodern) that lines the river on both sides.
  • The route shown in the map below is the author’s personal choice of a route incorporating Charles Bridge and the best sections of riverbank, on the south side of the bridge. The route assumes a start and finish in Náměstí Republiky, which is a convenient intersection of tram and metro routes, located next to Prague’s most famous Art Nouveau building – Obecní dům. It is also the location of Prague center’s largest modern shopping centre…
  • Start early in the morning to have a (relatively) unobstructed walk through the side streets to reach the Old Town Square (with its many famous sites – including the unmissable 15th century Astronomical Clock). On the walk to the Square, take care to walk through Ungelt (one of the relatively hidden gems of central Prague, map point 3). This was in medieval times a fortified merchant’s yard.
  • From the Old Town Square, follow the narrow, busy but scenic Karlova street to reach the 14th century Charles Bridge, which presumably needs no introduction to Prague visitors. Interestingly, this is not the oldest stone bridge in the country. That honour lies with the south Bohemian town of Písek, whose bridge predates Charles Bridge by at least 100 years. See here for a short walk around this attractive town.
  • Cross Charles Bridge to pay a visit to Malostranské náměstí, lined with Baroque and Renaissance period palaces and townhouses. From there head along the side streets to cross the 12th century Čertovka canal (sometimes described as the ‘Little Prague Venice’), passing the old Priory mill and entering Kampa island, well known for its Renaissance buildings – it is one of the author’s favourite spots in central Prague!
  • Walk through Kampa park to reach the embankment road that heads south into the Smíchov district, which was devasted during the 17th century 30 Years War, and so most of the buildings that line the riverbank date from the 18th and 19th centuries.
  • Cross the Vltava again using the Vyšehrad Railway Bridge, offering a nice view towards the historic fortress of Vyšehrad, with its massive 17th century bastion walls. The fortress area was first settled in the late Stone Age. A short diversion to visit this historic spot is highly recommended. Here is a short write up of the Vyšehrad detour.
  • Return back along the right bank of the Vltava on the embankment footpath-cycle track, passing the well known modern ‘Dancing House’ building before reaching the National Theatre on the famous Národní street. Walk down Národní to reach the bottom of Wencelas Square and then continue along the pedestrian shopping street of Na Příkopě to return back to Náměstí Republiky.
  • The route can be managed with a stroller and is essentially flat, apart from the optional diversion to climb up to Vyšehrad fort. There are many great cafés and restaurants all along the route for refreshments – but for an unusual, quiet, less well-known café, try Kavárna Mlýnská, just off Kampa island (map point 10).

Note: click ‘Show on map’ above to go to a full screen version directly on the mapy.cz site. This can be used for online navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file

Directions

  • The description of the route given in the discussion above hopefully provides the basic route guidance
  • As there are few marked hiking trails in the city center, the detailed route is best followed on a good map or using the mapy.cz phone application

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