The Wallenstein Garden and Palace is an architectural marvel from the early 17th century located in Prague’s Malá Strana district. I had heard from locals about the garden’s beauty and tried to visit it during our last trip to Prague. However, I only managed to do it on the third attempt. My efforts were not wasted and the children and I had a great time strolling around the gorgeous park and feeding the peacocks by hand.
The Waldstein Garden, also known as Valdštejnská zahrada, is a captivating historical site in Prague. This garden is not only a beautiful and peaceful retreat but also a fantastic destination for families with children. Here’s why you should visit the Waldstein Garden and what makes it an excellent spot for a family outing.
Why visit: it’s one of the most beautiful and soulful gardens in Prague, immersed in flowers, fountains, and intricate green mazes.
Recommended age for visiting: from 2 years old and up.
Working hours: officially, the Wallenstein Gardens are open from April to October, Monday to Friday, from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. In practice they can be closed any day, so it’s a matter of luck. I only managed to be there on the third attempt.
Admission: free.
Location & address: Letenská 123/4, Malá Strana district (map and detailed directions below ↓↓↓).
Visiting the Wallenstein Complex with Kids – History, Photos, and Our Review
The palace complex and park were built by order of Duke Albrecht von Wallenstein. Their beauty and architectural landscape were intended to surpass the famous Prague Castle. Post-war renovation returned the palace to its original appearance, transforming it into one of Prague’s most visited attractions.
Duke Albrecht von Wallenstein, a notable military leader, desired a residence that would rival the grandeur of Prague Castle. To achieve this, he employed the talents of Italian architects and artists, including Giovanni Pieroni, a student of Galileo. The result was a stunning palace and garden complex designed in the rare Mannerist style, characterized by elaborate decorations and intricate designs. The garden, filled with sculptures, fountains, and grottos, was intended to showcase Wallenstein’s wealth and power.
The exterior of the residence is in the style of typical Venetian architecture. And the interior decor combines late Renaissance and early Baroque styles. The garden is adorned with numerous sculptures, including copies of ancient Roman statues, and the grotto, a man-made cave-like structure, adds an element of mystery and wonder. The garden’s layout, with its pathways, fountains, and carefully trimmed hedges, reflects the meticulous planning of Renaissance gardens.
The particular pride of the palace is the two-story knight’s hall featuring an image of Wallenstein himself, seated on a chariot as Mars, the God of War. The walls of the Duke’s study are adorned with murals depicting Apollo’s chariot and symbols of the seasons. The interior wall paintings have preserved rare 17th-century frescoes, reflecting scenes from Virgil’s epic, “The Aeneid.” Today, the Czech Senate holds its sessions within its walls.
The true delight of the garden is the peacocks that live there. Visitors can feed them by hand. It’s so exited expirience for the children!
However, be careful, these birds scream so loudly that I was scared when I took the photo 🙂 My children were also a bit scared of these majestic birds, but the kids were thrilled to see them walking around peacefully.
There is also a pond with fat carp, swimming around and looking for food. Usualy, feeding animals in such places is prohibited, but there were no signs, so visitors fed both the birds and the fish.
Another unique feature of the Wallenstein Garden is the so-called grotto, a textured wall that looks like either a cave or some strange rock formation. In fact, it is a man-made interior decoration of the garden’s fence. But it looks undoubtedly spectacular, especially if you find a hidden corner among the bushes… Very fairy-tale-like!
Certantly, the Waldstein Garden is a great place for a family holiday with children. And here’s why:
- Peacocks and Fish. Children will be thrilled to see the resident peacocks roaming freely in the garden. These majestic birds, with their vibrant plumage, are a delight to watch and even feed. Additionally, there is a pond with large carp that children can feed, making the visit interactive and fun.
- Spacious Areas for Play. The garden’s wide open spaces are perfect for kids to run around and play. The green lawns provide a safe environment for children to enjoy themselves while parents can relax and keep an eye on them.
- Educational Experience. Visiting the Waldstein Garden is not only enjoyable but also educational. Children can learn about history, architecture, and nature all in one place. The garden’s various sculptures and the architectural details of the palace provide excellent learning opportunities.
- Free Admission. One of the best things about the Waldstein Garden is that it is free to enter. This makes it a budget-friendly option for families and tourists looking to explore Prague without spending too much.
- Convenient Location. The garden is easily accessible, located near the Malostranská metro station and various tram stops. This makes it a convenient stop while exploring other attractions in the Malá Strana district, such as Prague Castle and Charles Bridge.
After intense walks around Prague, the Wallenstein Garden is perfect for relaxation, enjoying the harmony of nature and architecture.
Despite being in the bustling city center, the Waldstein Garden provides a tranquil escape. The serene environment, with its lush greenery and the soothing sound of water from the fountains, makes it an ideal place to relax and unwind. Visitors can sit on one of the many benches scattered throughout the garden and enjoy the beauty of their surroundings.
So, is it worth visiting? Absolutely! The Waldstein Garden is a hidden gem in Prague that offers a blend of history, beauty, and tranquility. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a family looking for a pleasant day out, the garden has something for everyone. The chance to see peacocks up close, explore beautiful sculptures, and relax in a serene environment makes it a must-visit destination.
Wallenstein Garden in Prague on the Map
On this map, I marked two different entrances to the Wallenstein Garden with green markers featuring a flower symbol. Additionally, other parks in Prague are marked in green on the map. By clicking on any marker, you can read information about each place.
I ticked off the two gates of the park because one entrance can be closed for various reasons. But we entered through the other gate with no problem. I don’t know exactly why this happens, but if suddenly the complex is closed, try going around it and entering through another door.
How to Get to the Wallenstein Garden
The easiest way is to take the metro to the Malostranská station. Just after leaving the metro there is a small entrance leading into the gardens. I have indicated it with a marker on the map above.
You can also take a tram No.2, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, and 97 to the Malostranská stop. From there, it’s a five-minute walk along the tram tracks to the gates.
In this photo you can see the tram lines and the gate to the garden quite close by.
The least popular way to reach the Wallenstein Gardens is by bus, which stops at the same place as the trams. Bus route No.194 serves this area.
