Planning Your Visit to the Casemates

Vysehrad is a historic fortress perched on a hill overlooking the Vltava River. While the park is open to everyone, the hidden underground passages in Vysehrad Prague are only accessible via guided tours. These passages, known as casemates, were built for military defense in the 17th century. They allowed soldiers to move unseen by the enemy.

You should start your journey at the Cihelná Brána, or the Brick Gate. This is where the visitor center and the entrance to the tunnels are located. Tours usually leave every hour, but it is wise to check the current schedule on the official city tourism portal. The tunnels are narrow, so group sizes are often limited to ensure safety.

Ticket prices are generally affordable, typically ranging from 150 to 250 CZK. You can buy them directly at the gate or through the official website. If you are interested in visiting Vysehrad fortress casemates, consider arriving early in the morning. This helps you avoid the larger tour groups that arrive by midday.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Underground Tour

Navigating the underground system is straightforward if you follow the official process. The tunnels are dark and cool, providing a stark contrast to the sunny park above. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth experience during your 2026 visit.

1. Buy your tickets: Visit the ticket office at the Brick Gate. (Time: 10 minutes; Cost: ~200 CZK; Location: Cihelná Gate; Mistake: Forgetting to check if the tour is in English).
2. Meet your guide: Gather at the designated meeting point near the entrance. (Time: 5 minutes; Cost: Free; Location: Brick Gate entrance; Mistake: Arriving after the tour has already entered the tunnels).
3. Walk the passages: Follow the guide through the narrow brick corridors. (Time: 20 minutes; Cost: Included; Location: Casemates; Mistake: Wearing high heels or slippery shoes).
4. Enter Gorlice Hall: Spend time admiring the statues in the large underground chamber. (Time: 15 minutes; Cost: Included; Location: Gorlice Hall; Mistake: Using a flash when taking photos of the statues).

The walk through the tunnels is about 1 kilometer long. The ceiling is high enough for most people, but the path can be uneven in spots. Your guide will share stories about the construction of the fort and its military history. This is one of the most immersive ways to experience the Gorlice Hall original statues tour.

What to See Inside the Gorlice Hall

The highlight of the tour is the Gorlice Hall. This is the largest of the underground chambers in Vysehrad. It was originally used as a gathering place for troops and for storing ammunition. Today, it serves as a protective home for some of Prague's most precious treasures.

Inside the hall, you will find six original Baroque statues from the Charles Bridge. These were moved here to protect them from weather damage and pollution. Seeing these massive stone figures in a dimly lit underground hall is a powerful experience. It feels much more intimate than seeing the replicas on the bridge itself.

The hall is 13 meters high and has a very unique acoustic quality. Guides often demonstrate this by speaking from different corners of the room. Take a moment to appreciate the engineering required to build such a massive space underground in the 1700s. It remains one of the most impressive hidden underground passages in Vysehrad Prague.

Essential Preparation and Gear

Before you head underground, you need to prepare for the specific environment of the casemates. Even in the heat of summer, the tunnels remain very cool. The temperature underground stays around 12 to 15 degrees Celsius year-round. A light jacket or sweater is highly recommended for everyone.

• Checklist for your visit:
• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip.
• A light jacket or sweatshirt for the cold.
• A camera capable of low-light photography.
• A bottle of water for the walk.
• Small change for the nearby restrooms.

If you have extra time, you should also visit the Vysehrad cemetery and famous graves nearby. The cemetery holds the remains of famous Czech figures like Dvořák and Mucha. It is a quiet and beautiful place to walk after your underground tour. You can find more details on the National Tourism Board website.

Troubleshooting and Common Problems

Visiting the underground can sometimes present challenges for travelers. It is important to know what to do if things do not go as planned. Most issues are easy to solve with a little bit of foresight. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.

• Tours are sold out: Try to book your tickets online at least one day in advance during peak season.
• Feeling claustrophobic: The tunnels are narrow; if you feel uneasy, inform the guide immediately.
• Too cold: If you forgot a jacket, ask the visitor center if they have any for rent or sale.
• Missed the English tour: Ask for a printed guide in English to follow along with a Czech tour.
• Finding the gate: Use a GPS map as the Brick Gate is on the northern side of the fort.
• Accessibility: The tunnels are not wheelchair accessible due to steps and narrow paths.

If the casemates are closed for a private event, do not worry. There are many other things to see at Vysehrad. You can visit the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul or walk along the fortress walls. The views of the city from the ramparts are some of the best in Prague.