Wallenstein Garden

Visiting Wallenstein Garden calls for a little forethought—especially for those hoping to enjoy its calm without the company of large crowds. The garden lies just below Prague Castle, tucked behind the imposing Wallenstein Palace in Mala Strana. Because entrance is free, guests can come and go, making it easy to plan around other sites in the city center. However, seasonal closures and peak tourist flows are worth considering when choosing the best time for your visit.

• Best time to visit: Late spring (April–June) or early autumn (September), when flowers are in full bloom and midday crowds are thinner. Early mornings offer soft light and relative peace.
• How to get there: Take Metro Line A to Malostranská (exit towards Valdštejnská Street); trams 12, 15, 20, or 22 also stop nearby. The entrance sits just across from the Czech Senate building.
• Accessibility: Flat gravel paths make the main areas accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. A few side alleys have steps or uneven paving but most sections remain manageable for most mobility levels.
• Average visit duration: Most guests spend about 30 to 60 minutes here, longer if stopping to relax on benches or attending a summer concert on the grounds.

The Wallenstein Garden unveils its treasures in layers. Visitors first notice the tall, clipped hedges and smooth green lawns, perfectly symmetrical. Deeper in, eye-catching Baroque statues, artificial grottoes, and soothing ponds pull the curious onward. Children pause for the sinuous, jewel-colored carp in the main pool; art lovers linger beneath the playful, mythic stonework. Every corner has its own secret. Local couples regularly come to watch the resident peacocks strut past mossy sculptures, their feathers reflecting Prague’s rich palette.

• The Sala Terrena: An opulent, three-arched hall at the south end, shaded by frescoes and open to cooling breezes. Here, summer concerts and theater performances bring history to life.
• The Aviary and Peacocks: Peacocks wander freely, but the aviary also showcases rare European birds. Both delight children and photographers.
• The Artificial Stalactite Wall: Just east of the main garden, this surreal limestone wall mimics natural grotto formations, complete with hidden faces and animal figures.
• Main Pond: A round pool dotted with lilies and bronze statues, including Hercules battling a dragon—prime photo territory, especially at sunset.
• Czech Senate Gardens: During parliamentary sessions, part of the adjoining grounds may be open, revealing well-tended flower beds and more sculpture.
• Historical fact: General Albrecht von Wallenstein, a powerful and dramatically ambitious nobleman, commissioned the garden in the early 1600s as a rival to royal architectural projects—its sheer size and grandeur still impress today.