Prague Castle reopens its gardens along with renovated trail to Deer Moat

Prague Castle has officially reopen its gardens this weekend along with a newly restored trail to the Deer Moat (Jelení příkop). As of March 1, the gardens will be freely accessible and open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. following a break over the winter months.

The public can also now access the castle's surrounding Deer Moat via a newly renovated trail from Na Opyši Street, which had been closed since 2019. The new trail should make one of the landmark's hidden gems more accessible.

Prague Castle's extensive gardens includes a variety of green spaces and historical landmarks. Visitors can take in panoramic views or enjoy a peaceful setting that has become a staple of Prague’s royal heritage.

The newly renovated trail offers a safer, more scenic route to the Deer Moat, one of Prague’s most historic nature areas. The path, which has been closed for several years, now features repaired steps and wooden railings, which had been damaged by fallen trees.

This part of the castle area, known for its thick greenery and tranquil streams, is now easier to reach, adding another dimension to the experience of exploring the Prague Castle grounds. While the Na Opyši Street entrance provides direct access, visitors can also explore the Deer Moat from several other entry points.

The public restrooms at the upper end of the Deer Moat, which were closed for several years, will also be reopened and made available for free use. This is part of the ongoing efforts by the Prague Castle administration to ensure comfort and convenience for visitors.

The restoration of the Deer Moat is not complete, with further efforts planned for the near future. The park’s management will focus on maintaining the greenery by removing invasive plant species and promoting the growth of native trees.

"We are planning to clean the Brusnica riverbed of sediments, reduce expansive plants, and thin out invasive woody plants," says Helena Pánková, head of the parks and gardens department at Prague Castle. "This will create space for a new generation of trees growing from seedlings that have already taken root here."

The Deer Moat, a natural ravine that runs through Prague Castle, has been an important part of the castle grounds since it was used as a deer park in the 18th century. During the First Republic, a bear enclosure was established at the upper part of the ravine, continuing the area’s association with wildlife.

The park remains a quiet, natural space within the castle complex, with its dense foliage, woodlands, and narrow walking paths offering visitors a retreat from the tourist hotspot’s hustle and bustle.

For a full list of gardens at Prague Castle, including additional info and access points, visit the official castle website.