Planning Your Vysehrad Cemetery Walking Map Route

The cemetery is open daily, but hours change with the seasons. It usually opens at 8:00 AM and closes by sunset. Admission to the cemetery grounds is free for all visitors. You should plan for about one hour to see the main graves. For a full experience, combine this with a Prague walking tour of the fortress. Respectful behavior is required as this is a sacred site. Please stay on the paths and keep noise to a minimum.

Getting here is simple using public transport. Take the Metro Line C to the Vysehrad station. From there, it is a short, flat walk to the fortress gates. You can also take tram 17 to the Výtoň stop. This route offers a scenic walk up the hill. Check the official tourism portal for any temporary closures or special events. Use this quick picks list for your map planning:

• Best Overall: The Slavín Tomb
• Best for Music Lovers: Bedřich Smetana
• Best for Art Fans: Alfons Mucha
• Best Free View: The Vysehrad Ramparts

12 Top Sights on Your Vysehrad Cemetery Walking Map

This list follows a natural path through the cemetery and surrounding fortress. Start at the main entrance near the Basilica. Many graves feature stunning sculptures and intricate ironwork. This historic walk in Prague reveals the soul of the Czech people. Each monument tells a story of national pride and artistic achievement.

1. Name: Bedřich Smetana’s Grave Type: Sight Why go: Pay respects to the father of Czech music. Best for: Classical music fans. Where: Section 1, near the entrance. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Look for the musical motifs on the headstone.
2. Name: Božena Němcová’s Grave Type: Sight Why go: She is the most famous Czech female writer. Best for: Literature lovers. Where: Section 2. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Her grave is often covered in fresh flowers from admirers.
3. Name: Jan Neruda’s Grave Type: Sight Why go: He was a famous poet who gave his name to Nerudova Street. Best for: History buffs. Where: Section 3. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Notice the simple but elegant design.
4. Name: Mikoláš Aleš’s Grave Type: Sight Why go: He was a legendary painter and illustrator. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: Central area. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Aleš designed many famous murals in Prague.
5. Name: Antonín Dvořák’s Grave Type: Sight Why go: He is the world-renowned composer of the New World Symphony. Best for: Music fans. Where: Section 14, along the side wall. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: The bust of Dvořák is a great photo spot.
6. Name: Karel Čapek’s Grave Type: Sight Why go: He was a writer who popularized the word "robot." Best for: Sci-fi fans. Where: Section 13. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: The grave is shared with his wife, actress Olga Scheinpflugová.
7. Name: The Slavín Tomb Type: Monument Why go: This is the grand pantheon for the most illustrious Czechs. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: The back of the cemetery. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Alfons Mucha is buried here within the collective tomb.
8. Name: Milada Horáková Memorial Type: Experience Why go: Honor a hero who fought against totalitarianism. Best for: Modern history students. Where: Near the cemetery wall. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: This is a symbolic grave, as her remains were never found.
9. Name: Basilica of St. Peter and Paul Type: Sight Why go: The twin towers dominate the Prague skyline. Best for: Photographers. Where: Adjacent to the cemetery. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small fee for interior. Tip: The Art Nouveau murals inside are breathtaking.
10. Name: St. Martin's Rotunda Type: Sight Why go: It is the oldest surviving building in Prague. Best for: Medieval history fans. Where: Near the Leopold Gate. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Exterior is free. Tip: Look for the cannonball embedded in the wall.
11. Name: Vysehrad Casemates and Gorlice Type: Experience Why go: Walk through underground tunnels to see original Charles Bridge statues. Best for: Families. Where: Brick Gate entrance. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Paid ticket required. Tip: Bring a jacket, as it is cold underground.
12. Name: Vysehrad Ramparts Viewpoint Type: Viewpoint Why go: Get the best views of the Vltava and Prague Castle. Best for: Sunset seekers. Where: Along the fortress walls. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Walk the entire perimeter for 360-degree views.

Beyond the Graves: A Vysehrad Fortress Historic Walk

Vysehrad is more than just a cemetery. It is a sprawling park perfect for a relaxing afternoon. According to historical records, this was the first seat of Czech princes. You can still see the ruins of the medieval royal palace today. The park is filled with large statues depicting Czech myths and legends. These were moved here from the Palacký Bridge after it was damaged.

Families will enjoy the large playground located near the center of the fortress. There are also several small cafes serving traditional Czech snacks and beer. In the summer, the open-air theater hosts various performances. It is a great place to escape the heat of the city center. Many locals come here for jogging or picnics on the grass. Make sure to walk through the Brick Gate to see the small museum inside.