Planning Your Trip to the Casemates

The Vysehrad fortress is a historic site located on a hill over the Vltava River. It is less crowded than Prague Castle. The casemates are narrow, vaulted passages built for soldiers and storage. They lead to the massive Gorlice hall.

You should plan for at least 45 minutes for the underground tour itself. The Brick Gate serves as the main entrance for these tours. It also houses an exhibition about the history of the fortification. You can find more Vysehrad fortress local secrets by wandering the park afterwards.

Check the official official city tourism portal for the latest opening times. Most tours are conducted in Czech, but English texts are usually provided. Some slots are specifically designated for English-speaking guides. Always check the schedule at the gate upon arrival.

How to Visit the Vysehrad Casemates Underground Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth visit to the underground passages. The process is straightforward but requires some timing.

1. Check the Schedule: Visit the Brick Gate (Cihelná brána) to see the next tour time. Time: 5 mins. Cost: Free. Common mistake: Arriving too late for the last tour at 5:00 PM.
2. Purchase Your Ticket: Buy your entry at the visitor center inside the gate. Time: 5 mins. Cost: ~150 CZK. Common mistake: Forgetting that some combined tickets are cheaper.
3. Prepare for the Cold: Put on a light jacket or sweater. Time: 2 mins. Cost: Free. Common mistake: Entering in shorts and a T-shirt during summer.
4. Join the Guide: Meet your group at the designated start point near the gate. Time: 45 mins. Cost: Included. Common mistake: Wandering off into side passages without the group.
5. Explore Gorlice Hall: Follow the guide into the massive hall to see the statues. Time: 15 mins. Cost: Included. Common mistake: Not bringing a camera with good low-light settings.

If you are wondering is Vysehrad castle free to enter, the park is, but the underground is not. Always keep your ticket until the end of the tour. The guides are very strict about showing proof of payment.

What to See Inside the Gorlice Hall

The Gorlice hall is the most impressive part of the underground system. It is a vast space that was once used to gather troops. The ceiling is very high, and the air is damp. It feels like a secret cathedral buried in the earth.

Inside, you will find six original statues from the Charles Bridge. These were moved here to protect them from weather and pollution. Seeing them up close is a rare treat. You can see the intricate details that are often missed on the bridge itself.

This site is recognized by the UNESCO heritage listing for its historical value. The hall also features information about the construction of the fortress. In 2026, new lighting systems are expected to improve the visibility of the statues. This will make the experience even more atmospheric for visitors.

How to Get to Vysehrad Fortress

Getting to Vysehrad is easy using Prague's public transport. The most common way is taking the Metro Line C (Red line). Get off at the Vysehrad station and follow the signs. It is about a 10-minute walk to the fortress gates.

You can also take a tram to the Albertov or Vysehrad stop. These stops are at the bottom of the hill. You will have to walk up a steep incline, but the views are great. This route takes you through some interesting hidden passages in the neighborhood.

If you prefer walking, you can follow the river from the city center. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes from the Dancing House. The walk is flat until you reach the base of the fortress. Look for the Brick Gate once you enter the main grounds.

Practical Tips and Decision Guide

Before you head out, consider your priorities for the day. Use this simple decision guide to plan your visit:

• If you love art: Take the full casemates tour to see the Charles Bridge statues.
• If you are on a budget: Walk the fortress walls and visit the cemetery for free.
• If you have kids: The underground tour is exciting but can be dark and cold.

Pre-visit Checklist:

• Check the weather (the underground is always 12-15°C).
• Bring a bottle of water.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes for the uneven floors.
• Charge your phone for photos in the Gorlice hall.
• Check the last tour time on the official website.

Troubleshooting Your Visit

Sometimes things do not go as planned when visiting historic sites. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

• Tour is full: Arrive 20 minutes early to secure a spot for the next hour.
• Language barrier: Ask for an English printed guide at the ticket desk.
• Feeling cold: Bring a scarf or light layer, even in July.
• Can't find the gate: Look for the 'Cihelná brána' signs near the north side.
• Cash only: Most ticket offices now take cards, but keep 200 CZK just in case.
• Limited mobility: The passages are narrow and uneven; contact the site for accessibility info.

The casemates are a sturdy part of the fortress. They rarely close due to weather. However, special events can sometimes block access to the Gorlice hall. Always check the gate notice board for any temporary closures or private events.