At a Glance: The Circuit Highlights

Before you start your walk, it helps to know what to expect. The Vyšehrad Fortress walking circuit is a loop that covers about 2 to 3 kilometers. It is mostly flat but includes some gentle slopes near the gates. Most visitors spend about three to four hours here. This allows time for photos and a coffee break.

Itinerary Highlights:

• Tabor and Leopold Gates: Grand Baroque entrances to the fortress.
• Rotunda of St. Martin: The oldest surviving building in Prague.
• Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul: A Neo-Gothic masterpiece with Art Nouveau murals.
• Vyšehrad Cemetery: The final resting place of famous Czech figures like Dvořák.
• The Ramparts: Stone walls offering the best panoramic views in the city.

If you enjoy exploring the city on foot, this is one of the best walking routes in Prague. It combines history with fresh air and green spaces. You can easily follow the path without a map, but our guide ensures you see every secret spot. Let's begin the journey through the ancient gates.

Morning: Entering the Historical Gates

Day 1: Morning (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM)

Start your walk at the Tabor Gate on the southeastern side of the fortress. This gate was built in the mid-17th century. It served as a strong defense point for the city. As you walk through, look up at the massive stone blocks. They remind you of the site's military past. This area is usually quiet in the early morning.

Next, you will reach the Leopold Gate. This is perhaps the most beautiful gate in the entire Vyšehrad Fortress walking circuit. It features elegant Baroque carvings and a grand archway. Just beyond this gate, you will see the Rotunda of St. Martin. This small, round chapel dates back to the 11th century. It survived many wars and even served as a gunpowder store.

Take a moment to explore the small park areas nearby. You will find statues of legendary Czech figures here. The grass is well-kept, making it a great spot for a quick rest. Many locals come here to walk their dogs or read. It feels very different from the busy streets of the city center.

Logistics Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes, as some paths use old cobblestones. The walk from the metro station to the Tabor Gate takes about ten minutes. You can find more details on how to get to Vyšehrad from the city center. Early morning is the best time for clear photos of the gates.

Midday: The Basilica and Famous Cemetery

Day 1: Midday (11:00 AM – 1:30 PM)

As you continue the Vyšehrad Fortress walking circuit, the twin towers of the Basilica appear. The Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul is the landmark of the hill. Its dark towers can be seen from all over Prague. Inside, the walls are covered in colorful Art Nouveau paintings. The atmosphere is peaceful and deeply spiritual.

Right next to the church is the Vyšehrad Cemetery. This is not a sad place, but a beautiful outdoor gallery. It holds the graves of composers, writers, and scientists. You should look for the Slavín monument, which is a large collective tomb. It honors the most important people in Czech history. The carvings and sculptures on the graves are truly impressive.

You can use a Vyšehrad cemetery map to find specific people. Look for the graves of Antonín Dvořák and Bedřich Smetana. These famous composers are buried here among other national heroes. The cemetery is free to enter and very well maintained. Please remember to stay quiet and respectful while visiting.

After visiting the cemetery, find a local cafe for lunch. There are several small restaurants located within the fortress walls. They offer traditional Czech soup and light snacks. You can also find a spot on the grass for a picnic. In 2026, many of these cafes will offer digital menus for easier ordering.

Afternoon: Ramparts and Scenic Overlooks

Day 1: Afternoon (1:30 PM – 4:00 PM)

The highlights of the Vyšehrad Fortress walking circuit are the views from the walls. Head toward the western edge of the hill. Here, the ramparts look directly down at the Vltava River. You can see the railway bridge and the boats passing below. On a clear day, the Prague Castle is visible in the distance.

Walk along the southern ramparts to see the Podolí neighborhood. You will pass the ruins of Libuše’s Bath. Legend says a mythical queen lived here and looked over the river. The stone walls are wide enough for several people to walk together. This is a favorite spot for photographers capturing the river's curve.

If you have extra time, visit the Brick Gate. This gate contains a small museum about the fortress's history. From here, you can enter the Gorlice. This is a massive underground hall that stores original Baroque statues. These statues once stood on the Charles Bridge. It is cool and dark inside, providing a nice break from the sun.

As the afternoon ends, find a bench near the western wall. This area offers some of the best sunset views from Vyšehrad walls. Watching the sky turn orange over the river is a perfect way to finish the circuit. It is much less crowded than the sunset spots in the Old Town.

Practical Tips for Your Vyšehrad Visit

Planning your trip to Vyšehrad is quite simple. The fortress grounds are open daily from early morning until late evening. There is no entry fee for the general park area. However, you will need a ticket for the Basilica and the Gorlice. You can check the Prague official tourism portal for current prices and opening hours.

To reach the site, take the Metro Line C to the "Vyšehrad" station. Follow the signs toward the fortress through the modern Congress Center area. It is a pleasant walk that takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a tram to the "Výtoň" stop. From there, you can walk up a set of stairs to reach the ramparts.

Optional Swaps:

• Rainy Day: Spend more time inside the Basilica and the Brick Gate museum.
• With Kids: Visit the large wooden playground near the Rotunda of St. Martin.
• Low Budget: Stick to the free wall walk and the cemetery, which cost nothing.

After your visit, you can walk down the hill toward the river. This leads you to the Vltava river embankment walk. It is a great place to find a drink or see the local markets. The Vyšehrad Fortress walking circuit is truly a versatile experience for everyone.