Top Walking Paths in the Castle Gardens

The gardens cover over 10 hectares of land. They are divided into several distinct sections. Each area offers a different atmosphere and history. You can find formal flower beds and wilder wooded areas. Use these paths to explore the site fully in 2026.

• Best overall: The Lower Parterre
• Best for families: The Castle Pond Loop
• Best rainy-day: The Cloak Bridge Gallery
• Best free activity: All garden paths (free entry)

1. Name: The Lower Parterre Walk Type: Sight Why go: This is the most formal part of the garden. You will see perfectly manicured hedges and seasonal flowers. It feels like a royal park from the 1700s. Best for: Photography and classic views. Where: Just past the Riding School. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Visit in the morning to avoid the midday sun.
2. Name: Neptune Fountain Loop Type: Experience Why go: The fountain is the centerpiece of the lower garden. It features impressive stone statues of sea gods. The path circles the water feature. Best for: Relaxing near water. Where: Center of the formal garden. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Look for the detailed carvings on the stone figures.
3. Name: The Upper Garden Forest Path Type: Activity Why go: This path is wilder and more natural. It offers plenty of shade under old trees. It is one of the best quiet paths in the complex. Best for: Escaping the summer heat. Where: The western end of the gardens. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: The ground can be uneven here, so wear flat shoes.
4. Name: Summer House Bellarie Route Type: Sight Why go: This Rococo building is a masterpiece. The path leading to it is lined with tall trees. It is a very romantic setting. Best for: Couples. Where: Mid-section of the garden. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free to view from outside. Tip: Check for occasional outdoor performances nearby.
5. Name: The Revolving Auditorium Path Type: Experience Why go: This is a unique open-air theater. The path takes you around the seating area and stage. It is a famous piece of local culture. Best for: Theater lovers. Where: Near the Bellarie Summer House. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free to walk past; check the Revolving Auditorium schedule for shows. Tip: The area is busy during summer evenings.
6. Name: Castle Pond Trail Type: Nature Why go: At the very end of the garden lies a large pond. The path around it is peaceful and quiet. You can see water lilies and ducks. Best for: Bird watching and solitude. Where: Far western edge. Time: 25 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: There is a small island in the pond that looks great in photos.
7. Name: The Riding School Terrace Type: Sight Why go: This elevated path offers views over the lower gardens. It is a wide, flat area. The building itself is also very grand. Best for: Easy walking. Where: Near the garden entrance. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: This is a good starting point for your walk.
8. Name: The Cloak Bridge Approach Type: Experience Why go: This path connects the castle courtyards to the gardens. It offers stunning views of the town below. It is a high stone bridge with many levels. Best for: Panoramic views. Where: Between the 4th and 5th courtyards. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Stop at the window openings for the best shots of the Vltava River.
9. Name: The Kitchen Garden Path Type: Activity Why go: This is a smaller, more practical garden. It shows how the castle once grew its own food. It is often overlooked by tourists. Best for: History buffs. Where: Near the southern wall. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Look for the old fruit trees that still bloom.
10. Name: The Maze Path Type: Experience Why go: Small hedge mazes are scattered in the lower sections. They are fun to navigate. Kids especially enjoy these short paths. Best for: Families with children. Where: Lower Parterre area. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Keep an eye on your children as the hedges can be tall.

Planning Your Visit to the Gardens

The gardens are not open all year. They usually open in April and close in October. You should check the garden closing times before you go. The gates usually shut at sunset. Entry is free for everyone.

The paths are mostly gravel or grass. This means they can be dusty in summer. They can be muddy after rain. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Avoid high heels as they sink into the gravel. There are benches throughout the park for resting.

For the best experience, visit on a weekday. Weekends in 2026 will likely be very busy. Most tour groups stay in the lower sections. If you walk toward the pond, you will find more peace. Always carry a bottle of water with you.

Hidden Gems and Quiet Paths

If you want to avoid people, head to the upper garden. Most tourists never walk past the fountain. The area near the pond is very secluded. You can find many hidden viewpoints along the southern wall. These spots look out over the river valley.

The perimeter path is also a great choice. It follows the outer wall of the garden. It is shaded by large trees. You can hear the birds and the wind. It is a perfect place for a quiet talk or reflection.

The Official Castle Site provides maps of the grounds. You can use these to find smaller side paths. Some paths lead back down to the town through the woods. These are steep but very scenic. Always stick to the marked trails to protect the plants.