The 63.5-meter-high Petrin lookout tower on the hill with the same name is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Prague.
In this complete guide to the lookout tower, you will learn everything about the sights, history, and helpful information about how to get there and tickets.
What Can I Do at the Petrin Lookout Tower?
The Petrin lookout tower is modeled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris. As the highest lookout point in Prague, it offers a magnificent panorama. The tower rises above one of Prague's most beautiful parks, which invites picnics in good weather and is located at the top of the 318-meter Petrin Hill.
After 299 steps or a short ride in the elevator, visitors can reach the top of the two viewing platforms, which are located at a height of 51 meters. From here, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Czech capital, the Vltava River and - on a clear day - the neighboring Bohemian midlands.
The first floor of the steel structure houses a small souvenir store with typical souvenirs from Prague, as well as an exhibition that focuses on the past of the observation tower and the hill.
Additionally, visitors can rest in the café in the lower part of the lookout tower with coffee and cake.
Admission, Tickets, and Guided Tours
- Admission: An overview of the current admission prices can be found here.
- Combination Ticket: A combination ticket that grants access to the Petrin lookout tower, as well as the mirror labyrinth is also available.
- Ticket for the Elevator: There is an additional fee for using the elevator to the observation deck.
How Do I Get to the Petrin Lookout Tower?
The lookout tower is located on Petrin Hill in Prague's Lesser Town district. The easiest way to get to the top of the hill is by funicular. To reach the cable car, take streetcar line 12, 20, or 22 and get off at the Újezd station. After a short ride on the cable car to the Petřín station you are on the hill Petrin.
Tip: If you get off one station earlier, you can visit Nebozízek restaurant, which also offers a unique view.
Alternatively, you can also climb the hill on foot.
History of the Petrin Lookout Tower
The history of the Petrin lookout tower dates back to 1891. At that time it was built on the occasion of the Industrial Exhibition in 1891 by engineers, Julius Soucek and Frantiek Práil.
The fact that the tower resembles the Eiffel Tower in Paris is due to the fact that members of the Club of Czech Tourists were so enchanted by the Eiffel Tower when they visited the Paris World Exhibition in 1889 that they decided to build a similar structure. Unlike the Eiffel Tower, however, the 175-ton Petrin has an octagonal cross-section rather than a square one.
After only five months of construction, the observation tower was officially opened on August 20, 1891.
On May 1, 1953, a television antenna was installed on the observation tower, which is why it served as a television tower from 1953 to 1992.
In 1980, the tower was closed to the public due to the dangerous condition of the spiral staircase and the elevator. It was not until 1991 that the lookout tower was reopened after extensive repair work. Since then it has been one of the most popular sights in Prague.
Contact
- Address: Petřínské sady, 118 00 Praha 1- Malá Strana
- Website: Muzeumprahy.cz
- Public Transport: By Streetcar line 12, 20, 22 to the Újezd station, then cable car to "Petřín".
- Opening Hours: The current opening hours can be found on the website of the tower.