Petrin Tower - Eiffel Tower in Prague
Represents several attractions at once in one place. The tower itself, with an observation deck at the top and around it, is a large park. Since the tower stands on a mountain, you can get to it using the rail funicular. It looks like a tram, only the trailer here is made at an angle.
When preparing for the trip, I noted that, given the high rating of the tower itself, the tram (as a means of transportation and observation) had a lot of negative reviews. I even thought about giving up the trip and going up on foot. But in fact, it turned out that for a real understanding of things, all reviews should always be checked personally.
The content of the article
Eiffel Tower in Prague
The fare on this tram is included in the city ticket price. If you bought a ticket for 24 hours, you can use it quite calmly. I do not understand the indignation in the reviews, where people write that you have to pay for the fare separately. No need. Although even if it were so, then this is ordinary city transport and why should it take you for free?
As a result, I went upstairs by tram, and then went down on foot. Let's just say - this is a light version of a walk up the mountain. If you are an athlete and are not afraid to sweat, then the walking path will help you. With a deep degree of fanaticism, you can even run up the mountain, as many local zealots do. The incline is gentle enough and does not put a lot of stress on the knees.
The tram ride takes about 10 minutes. There is a stop on the way up, but you don't need to get off - the tower is at the end of the route. The Petrin Tower is metal, and by the interweaving of metal beams it vaguely resembles the Eiffel Tower. Although visually, I would say, it is completely different. I climbed to the very top, to the observation deck, from where you can enjoy views of Prague, with a 360-degree panorama.
Petrin Tower in Prague
In good weather, there is an amazing overview, but as always, I was not lucky. As soon as a decent viewpoint comes across, it immediately begins to rain, snow, fog, avalanches, in general - some kind of my personal rock. Moreover, the morning began with the sun, but by the time I got to the tower, the weather turned bad.
The entrance to the tower is paid, but I would not say that it is very expensive. You can buy a ticket just for the sightseeing tour and go on foot. It is possible immediately in a complex, with an elevator (payment for using the elevator - separately), if you do not want to climb the spiral staircase. The climb is short, 5-10 minutes depending on your physical condition. I took the elevator purely out of curiosity - which of it would be the view and, in general, I wanted to ride.
As it turned out, inside the elevator looks more like a thick-walled safe, some kind of small, massive and armored. Its doors do not close like a normal elevator, but descend vertically. It is completely closed and you will not see panoramic views on the way up. It is much more interesting (and more difficult) to go up and down the stairs - and there are two of them: downhill and uphill.
Moving up the stairs, you can observe Prague in 360 degrees, and I have a little life hack for you. If the glass on the observation deck of the tower is dirty, then you can go down this staircase for a couple of flights. There will be a great view without dirty glass. Below the main observation deck there is another, open type, which you will not know about if you take the elevator.
Historical reference
On the Internet, I found information that the idea of the tower belongs to the initiators from the Club of Czech Tourists, who came up with the idea after a visit to Paris in 1889. 175 tons of metal structures were turned into a 60-meter observation tower in four months, which it has been since 1891.
However, in 1953, another 20 meters were added to it. The city authorities decided to use the Prague «Eiffel» tower and for more prosaic purposes: the first Czech TV station was installed on the top.
Information to visit
In bad weather there is no point in coming here - the view is sad. If you are going up on foot, be prepared for the constant wind. In winter, the park at the base looks very nondescript..
The way down takes 10-15 minutes on foot.
The paths in the park are good, there are both asphalt and unpaved, and for maps.me users there is a complete diagram of the park paths - I recommend using this application.
Entrance fee: adults - 120 CZK, children 65 CZK, paid elevator - 60 CZK.
Toilet is paid, 10 CZK, but with a coupon from a cafe (near the ticket office) - 5 CZK.
Rail funicular: CZK 24 for a 30-minute ticket, CZK 32 for 90 minutes (you can take it back). The ticket is activated, just like in the metro, you punch it at the entrance to the station. If you buy a ticket for 110 CZK for 24 hours, you can ride this tram all day around the city.
On the map
Petrin Tower
Petrin Tower
The metal tower is 60 meters high. There is an observation deck at 50 meters.
More about the tower.
The metal tower is 60 meters high. There is an observation deck at 50 meters. More about the tower.