10 Highlights of Visiting Pruhonice Park and Castle from Prague

The park covers over 250 hectares of land. It features exotic plants, calm ponds, and historic structures. Each corner of the park offers a new view or a quiet spot to rest. Most visitors spend at least three hours exploring the main trails. Here are the top items to see during your visit.

• Quick Pick: Best for families: The Knight's Tower.
• Quick Pick: Best for nature: The Alpine Garden.
• Quick Pick: Best for history: The Romanesque Church.

1. Name: Průhonice Castle Type: Sight Why go: This Neo-Renaissance masterpiece is the park's centerpiece. It looks like something out of a fairy tale. Best for: Architecture fans and photographers. Where: Main entrance area. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Included in park entry. Getting there: Walk from the main gate. Tip: The interior houses the Institute of Botany, so tours are limited.
2. Name: The Alpine Garden (Alpinum) Type: Experience Why go: This is one of the largest rock gardens in Europe. It features rare mountain plants and beautiful stone paths. Best for: Gardeners and plant lovers. Where: West side of the park. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Included in park entry. Getting there: Follow the blue trail from the castle. Tip: Visit in late spring to see the most blooms.
3. Name: Podzámecký Pond Type: Viewpoint Why go: This pond offers the iconic reflection of the castle on the water. It is the most photographed spot in the park. Best for: Scenic photos. Where: Directly below the castle. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free with entry. Getting there: Walk down the slope from the castle courtyard. Tip: Early morning light is best for photography here.
4. Name: The Knight’s Tower Type: Sight Why go: This tall tower provides a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. It adds a medieval feel to the park. Best for: Families and kids. Where: Northern section. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free with entry. Getting there: Follow the marked forest paths. Tip: The climb is steep but worth it for the view.
5. Name: Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Type: History Why go: This Romanesque church is the oldest building in Průhonice. It dates back to the 12th century. Best for: History buffs. Where: Next to the castle entrance. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to view exterior. Getting there: Located right by the main gate. Tip: Check for local concert schedules held inside.
6. Name: Bořín Pond and Forest Park Type: Nature Why go: This area is much quieter than the main castle grounds. It is perfect for a long, peaceful walk. Best for: Hiking and solitude. Where: Deep in the southern park section. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Included in park entry. Getting there: Take the red trail from the center. Tip: Bring water as there are fewer facilities here.
7. Name: The Rhododendron Collection Type: Experience Why go: The park is famous for having over 8,000 rhododendrons. The colors are vibrant and unique. Best for: Seasonal visitors. Where: Throughout the park. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Included in park entry. Getting there: Best seen by walking the main loops. Tip: Peak blooming season is usually late May.
8. Name: The Gloriet Viewpoint Type: Viewpoint Why go: A charming small structure that offers a framed view of the valley. It is a great spot for a picnic. Best for: Couples and picnics. Where: Eastern ridge. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free with entry. Getting there: Follow the yellow trail. Tip: The path can be muddy after rain.
9. Name: Chotobuz Botanical Garden Type: Experience Why go: This specialized garden focuses on iris and rose collections. It is separate but connected to the main park. Best for: Flower enthusiasts. Where: North-east edge. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small additional fee often required. Getting there: Walk from the main park exit. Tip: Check the official site for specific blooming dates.
10. Name: Dendrological Garden Type: Day Trip Why go: Located just across the road, this garden focuses on tree species. It is a great alternative to Divoka Sarka for nature lovers. Best for: Education and quiet walks. Where: Across the main road from Pruhonice. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Separate entry fee. Getting there: Short walk from the Pruhonice bus stop. Tip: It has a great playground for children.

Essential Travel Logistics for Pruhonice

Getting to the park is very simple. You can take the metro line C to the Opatov station. From there, hop on bus 363 or 385. The bus ride takes about 15 minutes. Ensure you have a valid ticket for the outer zones.

The park is open year-round. However, the best times are spring and autumn. In spring, the flowers are in full bloom. In autumn, the trees turn brilliant shades of gold. You can find more details on the Visit Czechia website.

Expect to pay a small entry fee. Prices are usually around 100-150 CZK for adults. Families can often get a discounted ticket. Credit cards are widely accepted at the main gate. There are also several cafes near the entrance for lunch.