Ball Game Hall in the Royal Garden
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Deer Moat: A Tranquil Escape at Prague Castle
Escape the city within Prague Castle's Deer Moat: history, nature, and tranquility await your discovery.
The Deer Moat (Jelení příkop) is a picturesque ravine near Prague Castle, offering a peaceful retreat from the city's bustle. Once a hunting ground for deer in the 16th century, it now features lush greenery, scenic trails, and a modern pedestrian tunnel. Open seasonally, it provides a serene natural space within the historic castle grounds.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Deer Moat
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monday
10 am-6 pm
Tuesday
10 am-6 pm
Wednesday
10 am-6 pm
Thursday
10 am-6 pm
Friday
10 am-6 pm
Saturday
10 am-6 pm
Sunday
10 am-6 pm
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Getting There
Walking
If you are near Letná Park, walk towards the park entrance. Follow the paths through Letná Park, and you will see signs directing you to Deer Moat. The walk should take about 10 minutes and offers views of the city.
Public Transport
From Malostranská metro station (Line A), follow the route of tram No. 22 for approximately 100 meters, then take a left turn towards the Old Castle Stairs. Climb the steps to reach the gate. Alternatively, take tram 22 to the Královský letohrádek stop. From there, it is a short walk to the Deer Moat. A 30-minute ticket costs 30 CZK, and a 90-minute ticket costs 40 CZK.
Taxi
Taxis can drop you off near Prague Castle, from where you can walk to the Deer Moat. Taxi fares in Prague start at 60 CZK, with a per-kilometer rate of 36 CZK. A short ride within the city center will likely cost around 115-200 CZK.
Local tips
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Visit during spring or early fall for the best weather and to see the gardens in full bloom.
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Wear comfortable shoes, as the paths can be uneven.
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Check the official Prague Castle website for current opening hours, as the Deer Moat is open seasonally.
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Explore both the Upper and Lower Moat to experience the diverse landscapes.
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Look for the Bear Keeper's Cottage and the modern pedestrian tunnel designed by Josef Pleskot.
Discover more about Deer Moat
The Deer Moat, known in Czech as Jelení příkop, is a unique green space nestled within the Prague Castle complex. This natural ravine, carved by the Brusnice Stream, historically served as a defensive barrier for the castle. In the 16th century, Emperor Rudolf II transformed the area into a royal hunting ground for deer, giving the moat its name.
Over the centuries, the Deer Moat has undergone several transformations. It was once part of the castle's fortifications and even housed bears to deter intruders. During the Communist era, parts of the moat were closed to the public. In 2002, a modern pedestrian tunnel, designed by Josef Pleskot, was added to reconnect the Upper and Lower Moat, improving accessibility.
Today, the Deer Moat offers visitors a tranquil escape with walking paths and scenic views. The moat is divided into two sections: the Upper Moat, near the Royal Garden, with well-maintained paths, and the Lower Moat, a wilder, more secluded area. The Brusnice Stream adds to the area's charm. The Deer Moat is open seasonally, typically from spring to autumn. It's a place where visitors can enjoy nature, history, and architecture within the heart of Prague.
A brief summary to Deer Moat
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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