Deer Moat, Prague Travel Guide

4.5 (535)

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.

A brief summary to Deer Moat

Letná, Prague 1, 118 00, CZ
Click to display
Click to display

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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Deer Moat.

Visit during spring or early fall for the best weather and to see the gardens in full bloom.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the paths can be uneven.
Check the official Prague Castle website for current opening hours, as the Deer Moat is open seasonally.
Explore both the Upper and Lower Moat to experience the diverse landscapes.
Look for the Bear Keeper's Cottage and the modern pedestrian tunnel designed by Josef Pleskot.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Dripstone Wall

Vinok Sculpture (Ukraine Mothers)

Story of Prague Castle

Rathaus

Památník Boženy Němcové

Explore Deer Moat on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Deer Moat, mapped for you.

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.

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.