Wallenstein Garden

Wallenstein Garden is in the middle of a beautiful baroque complex hidden behind a a variety of buildings in Malá Strana. The complex dates from 1630 and was built for Albrecht of Waldstein.

Here you'll find a collection of benches, fountains, statues and a bird or two. So, it makes for an ideal place to sit and catch up with your gudebook while returning from Prague Castle.

You will find a few tourists here but not nearly the crowds you see elsewhere. I think most people find the garden by accident. That's because it's hidden behind an enormous wall and accessible only through unassuming doorways.

Where is it?

wallenstein garden prague czech senate You can enter Wallenstein Gardens from three locations. My favorite entrance is the most unassuming and closest to Prague Castle. Enter the courtyard of Wallenstein Palace home to the Czech Senate at Valdštejnské náměstí 17. Then walk across the courtyard to the entrance to the garden. Along the way you'll see an interesting old well pump on the right wall. It still works.

The most convenient entrance is the one just behind Malostranská metro station. Exit the station to your left after coming up the escalators and then turn immediately to your right.

The other entrance is located about half way down on Letenská street. In the large wall to the garden, there's a small door to this busy tram street.

What's Here?

At one end is the Wallenstein Palace which houses the Czech Senate. The palace has a remarkable loggia with painted ceiling and on occasion you can catch a free concert performed here. The outdoor evening setting can be quite special.

At the other end of the garden you'll find the Wallenstein Riding School. The school is actually part of the National Gallery in Prague and has ongoing exhibitions.

wallenstein garden prague Like many hidden Prague sights, there's something a bit bizarre here (or very interesting depending on your point of view). The enormous stalactite gray wall of the garden is just very different. To me, this mammoth wall looks like part of a drip-dried mud castle of sorts. It has hidden creatures worked into the stone that peer out from different places.

And, if that wasn't enough, check out the large owl refuge next to the wall. The wise looking fellows sit perched high in their cages while outside peacocks roam freely pecking at the the lawns.

Next to the Wallenstein Riding School is a fish pond with fountain and statue in the middle. Feel free to bring some bread for the ducks and fish alike.

The various statues in the park depict Greek mythological scenes and characters. Unfortunately, the originals were taken away by Swedes during Thirty Years War.

When to Visit

Hidden Prague sights aren't always open - and it's a shame. So, the one drawback to the garden is that it's closed during the winter months. The Wallenstein Garden like others in Prague is only open from April - October.

Oh, and you can't lounge or walk on the grass. That's for the peacocks only.

I really like to visit the garden in the evening - especially when the sky is clear. There's a nice glimpse of Prague Castle from here and the warm colors of the buildings seem to really come out.