Prague is full of spectacular sights, but none are more beautiful than Petrin Hill. Filled with gorgeous gardens, some fun attractions and a miniature version of the Eiffel Tower, Petrin Hill gives the visitors an incredible view over the city. It’s a bit of a climb, but totally worth every step! Petrin Hill is literally the high point of Prague. It takes around 30 minutes to walk to the top, but if you don’t feel like taking such a huge trek, you can hop on the funicular and enjoy the views as you slowly ride up to the main attractions.
Gardens and Eiffel Tower
When you reach the top, you can’t fail to be impressed by the well-kept flowerbeds and the overall peaceful feel of the area. It’s like the perfect city park, with benches shaded by trees and refreshments stands dotted around. The first thing you will see is the replica of the Eiffel Tower. It is only 60 meters tall, but on top of such a big hill, it stands over 1000 feet above central Prague. If you have the energy, you can climb the 299 steps to the top, and fully appreciate the beauty of the city from its highest point.
Hunger Wall
Once you have witnessed the breath taking sights and have returned to the ground, you can take a look at some of the other attractions Petrin Hill has to offer. One of the most interesting is the Hunger Wall which was originally built around 1360. King Charles IV ordered that the wall be built to help the poor people in the city. In exchange for their work, they were given food to help them out through the famine that occurred at that time.
Stefanik Observatory
Although it doesn’t entirely fit in with the rest of Petrin Hill’s scenery, another must visit is the observatory which is right by the Hunger Wall. There is a small entrance fee but once inside, you can learn the basics of astronomy and learn more about the sun or the moon, depending on which time of day you choose to visit.
Mirror Maze
Probably the funniest part of visiting Petrin Hill is getting lost in the mirror maze. The maze is actually inside a small building which looks rather like a Disney castle! Once you get inside, you can’t help but giggle at all of the strange reflections you will see. Again, there is a small fee to get inside, but it is absolutely worth it for the fun it brings.
Petrin Hill is a place you might not necessarily know about unless you are doing a lot of research about Prague attractions. However, you can’t fail to miss it as the Eiffel Tower replica can be seen from the city centre! It is a lovely place to spend a few hours, and you can be sure that you won’t regret it!
How to get there
Take a tram to Ujezd, then take the funicular up to Petrin Hill
Lesser Town, Prague 5
Opening times vary, see website for details
Petrin Hill