Petrin Lookout Tower

Petrin lookout tower is an observation tower that dominates the summit of Petrin Hill. The viewing platform of the look-out tower offers a spectacular view of the city especially in the evening when a multitude of lights illuminate the city. Below, you will see Charles Bridge teeming with tourists, Prague Castle and the Vltava River spreading out in front of you. On a clear day Sneszka, 150 km away and the highest mountain peak in the Czech Republic, is clearly visible. The tower is a slice of Paris in the middle of Prague because the observation tower is a miniature copy of the Eiffel Tower.

Petrin Lookout Tower

Petrin lookout tower means climbing 233 steps for a spectacular view! If you feel tired you might use the lift. This look-a-like Eiffel Tower was built for the Jubilee Exposition held in Prague in 1891 and moved to its present place during the 1930s. The actual tower stands only 62m tall. Add to this the height of Petrin Hill and it towers over Prague at the same height as its big brother in Paris.

The permanent exhibition about the History of Petrin Hill and the Look-out Tower gives an interesting insight in the construction and history of the Petrinska rozhledna as it is called in Czech. The view from the look-out tower is magnificent in all directions: the Vltava River in all its glory, Charles Bridge with a multitude of tourist ambling up and down and in the distance the Zizkov television tower soaring into the air. When you have taken in the view, have a beer and a snack in the Petrin Café near the entrance.

Way up through Apple Orchards

Part of the Petrin hillside is planted with apple and pear trees whose fruit is free to pick when ripe. This is a legacy of communist days: all comrades should have access to fresh fruit. The scenic way up to the observation tower is on foot via a steep path that winds through the orchards. The higher you climb, the more beautiful the view.

Other Attraction near the Look-out Tower

Other attraction on Petrin Hill include the Mirror Maze and Distortion Mirrors, fun for children and adults alike, the Observatory with a telescope and a museum, a rose garden and the Hunger Wall. This wall was part of the castle fortification. After a poor harvest, Charles IV ordered the building of this wall. The workers received food from the royal store room in exchange.

TIP: Book your tickets online and avoid waiting lines

Photo: View of Charles Bridge and the Old Town from Petrin look-out tower

How to Get There

Public transport
Tram stop Ujezd, tram 9, 12, 15, 20, 22, then climb up or take the funicular railway which is part of Prague Transport system and Prague transport tickets are valid. Tickets are also available at the funicular terminus.

Opening hours of the Petrin look-out tower
November – February 10.00-18.00
March and October 10.00-20.00
April – September 10.00-22.00

photos Marianne Crone