Walks in the Prague parks (I) – Letna – a 3km trip above the Vltava

• Letna, on the the north bank of the river Vltava, is Prague’s most central park and directly overlooks Prague old town. It offers some of the best views of the city and the seemingly endless row of bridges crossing the glistening river Vltava. This short (3.2 km) walk crosses the park and visits the main viewpoints.
• One of the best ways to approach Letna is to walk down the wide shopping street of Revoluční, from Náměstí Republiky and cross the Vltava on the Štefánik bridge. This offers a view of the Letna terraces (which will shortly be ascended on a series of steps) and the spectacular Prague Castle.
• The best path in the (almost completely flat) Letna park keeps close to the terraces above the river and passes the Metronome, erected in 1991 on the plinth that once housed a giant statue of Joseph Stalin.
• The route finishes by descending the western edge of the park, down to Malostranská metro station, passing through a part of the Valdštejnská gardens. These gardens are some of the nicest in Prague, and worth exploring after the Letna stroll.
• If in need of refreshment immediately after climbing the steps, a popular large beer garden is located close by, in the gardens of the 19th century neo-Renaissance Letenský zámeček (which also houses an interior restaurant). The chateau and garden is located just a few metres to right after reaching the park plateau. Further along the terrace the Hanavský pavilon restaurant is also an option for a longer break.

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Directions

• Starting at Náměstí Republiky (where there are metro and tram stops), head towards the river along the left hand side of Revoluční street
• Cross the Štefánik bridge (staying on the left side) and at the far end cross the main road at the pedestrian crossing
• Immediately opposite the pedestrian crossing there is a path which leads up the Letna terrace, initially on steps. Take this path which zig zags to the plateau and Letna park
• On reaching the flat section the beer garden and Letenský zámeček restaurant are 50m to the right. From the beer garden/restaurant head back to the main path which runs along the terrace towards Prague castle. The path has excellent views over the Vltava
• After 600m, the path reaches the Metronome (climb up the steps to the giant concrete plinth, for the city view)
• Continue on the same path for a further 250m to reach the Hanavský pavilon restaurant. On the river side of the restaurant is a fine view of the Vltava and its bridges
• From the pavilion, head towards the northwest corner of the park, along the main path, leaving the park along Gogolova street
• This leads to the main road (which has tram lines). Just as Gogolova reaches the main road, there is footpath to the left which initially descends alongside the main road. Take this path (named Pod Bruskou) which leads directly down towards the river, and past the Hotel Hoffmeister
• After the hotel, cross the main road , and head towards the metro station of Malostranská, passing through the edge of Valdštejnská gardens, before reaching the metro