Planning Your Jelení Příkop Walking Route

Before you start, check the seasonal schedule. The moat usually closes during the colder months for safety. You should verify if the moat is open in winter before heading out. Most visitors enter near the Powder Bridge or the Royal Garden. The paths are mostly gravel or paved. However, some sections have steep stairs. Wear comfortable shoes for this trek. You can find more quiet places in Prague if you enjoy this vibe. The official official Prague Castle website provides daily updates on gate openings.

• Best overall: Pleskot Tunnel
• Best for families: Upper Deer Moat
• Best for photos: Masaryk’s Lookout
• Best free activity: The entire walk!

Essential Stops on Your Walking Map for Jelení Příkop

The main section of the moat is divided into upper and lower parts. Each area has a different feel. The upper part is wider and more park-like. The lower part feels like a wild forest. Use this list to navigate the highlights. You will see historical ruins and modern art. The walk takes about one hour at a slow pace.

1. Name: Powder Bridge Entrance Type: Sight Why go: This is the most common starting point. Best for: Easy access to the castle. Where: U Prašného mostu. Time: 5 mins. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 22 to Pražský hrad. Tip: Look up to see the massive stone bridge structure.
2. Name: Pleskot Pedestrian Tunnel Type: Experience Why go: This modern brick tunnel is an architectural marvel. Best for: Cooling off and unique photos. Where: Under the Powder Bridge. Time: 10 mins. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the main path down from the bridge. Tip: Listen to the echoing sounds of the Brusnice stream inside.
3. Name: Masaryk’s Lookout Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers a rare view of the St. Vitus Cathedral. Best for: Photographers. Where: Northern edge of the moat. Time: 15 mins. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the signs for "Masarykova vyhlídka". Tip: Visit at sunset for the best lighting.
4. Name: The Bear Keeper's House Type: Sight Why go: Bears used to live in the moat during the 1920s. Best for: History buffs. Where: Upper Stag Moat. Time: 5 mins. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located near the western entrance. Tip: Look for the small stone house where the keeper stayed.
5. Name: Upper Stag Moat Path Type: Activity Why go: It is the most peaceful part of the ravine. Best for: A quiet stroll away from tourists. Where: Western section. Time: 20 mins. Cost: Free. Getting there: Access via the U Brusnice street entrance. Tip: This area is great for birdwatching.
6. Name: Lower Stag Moat Path Type: Activity Why go: It feels like a hidden wilderness in the city center. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: Eastern section near Klárov. Time: 20 mins. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the Pleskot tunnel heading east. Tip: The path can be slippery after rain.
7. Name: Brusnice Stream Banks Type: Nature Why go: The stream creates a relaxing soundscape. Best for: Relaxation. Where: Running through the center of the moat. Time: Continuous. Cost: Free. Getting there: Visible from almost any path in the moat. Tip: Look for small fish in the clearer sections.
8. Name: Royal Garden Gate Type: Sight Why go: It connects the moat to the beautiful Renaissance gardens. Best for: Garden enthusiasts. Where: Northern slope. Time: 5 mins. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take the stairs up from the central path. Tip: Check the Prague tourism portal for garden flower bloom times.
9. Name: Chotek Gardens Connection Type: Experience Why go: This path leads you to the first public park in Prague. Best for: Extending your walk. Where: Far eastern end. Time: 15 mins. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the path toward the Queen Anne's Summer Palace. Tip: This is a great way to walk back toward the Malá Strana district.

Top Sights Near the Deer Moat Prague Castle Walk

If you have extra time, explore the surrounding areas. The castle district is full of secrets. Many people miss the hidden gardens in Prague just outside the moat. These spots offer more peace and history. They are all within a ten-minute walk of the moat exits.

10. Name: Nový Svět Neighborhood Type: Experience Why go: It is the most picturesque street in Prague. Best for: Couples and artists. Where: Just west of the castle walls. Time: 30 mins. Cost: Free. Getting there: Exit the upper moat and walk toward Černín Palace. Tip: Find the tiny house with the golden cannonball.
11. Name: Loreta Prague Type: Sight Why go: This pilgrimage site has a famous carillon. Best for: Architecture and music lovers. Where: Loretánské náměstí. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Five minutes from the western moat entrance. Tip: Try to be there on the hour to hear the bells.
12. Name: Strahov Monastery Type: Experience Why go: It features one of the world's most beautiful libraries. Best for: Book lovers. Where: Strahovské nádvoří. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Paid entry for library. Getting there: Walk uphill from Nový Svět. Tip: Visit the monastery brewery for a local craft beer afterward.