Great Runs in Prague
Since the Velvet Revolution that toppled Czechoslovakia’s communist government in 1989, Prague’s centuries-old buildings, winding stone streets, and hilltop castle overlooking it all have made the city one of the most popular visitor destinations in Europe. Additionally, Prague has been a political, cultural, and economic centre of central Europe with waxing and waning fortunes during its 1,100-year existence. Situated in the north-west of the Czech Republic on the Vltava River, the city is home to about 1.26 million people. Prague’s north and western side is flanked by the curving Vltava River, which is spanned by a series of bridges. Many visitors to Prague choose to take a scenic walk through the historic Old Town area (Stare Mesto). Other areas in the city center worth seeing are Josefov district (former Jewish Ghetto), Letná Park, and the southerly New Town (Nové Mesto), which has a distinct medieval feel and includes structures such as the New Town Hall and various beautiful churches.
For us runners, Prague offers amazing opportunities to see the best sites while fitting in our exercise. There is lovely running around Prague’s historic sites (run early to avoid the crowds), along the river, and in the city’s wonderful parks. The hill up to Prague Castle is a particular treat. We would like to particularly thank Running Prague and Running Tours Prague for their help in suggesting routes and providing photos! Another unique feature of the Prague running scene is the Running Mall. Located between Letna and Stromovka parks, this is a center for Prague running: store, training center, lounge, run club, classes.
The public transport infrastructure (PID, Pražská integrovaná doprava) consists of a heavily-used integrated transport system of Prague Metro (lines A, B, and C), Prague tram system, buses, funiculars (cable railway), and six ferries. This convenient, safe and reliable public transport system helps you get anywhere you need to go within the city, and makes getting places for running a breeze. We have centered most of our routes near public transport.
Weather
The city of Prague lies between oceanic climate and humid continental climate. The winters are relatively cold with average temperatures at around freezing and relatively little sunshine. Summers usually bring plenty of sunshine and an average high temperature of 75 °F (24 °C). Precipitation is rather low (just over 20 in [500 mm] per year) since it is located in the rain shadow of the Sudetes and other mountain ranges. Prague’s temperate weather lends itself to running year-round.
The Iconic Routes
- City Center
- Petrin
- Letna
- The Stromovka Park Run
- Brevnov
- The Riverside Run
The Routes
Prague Major Sites Tour
Small Loop: 4.28 miles Start: Malostranská Metro Stop MAP
Large Loop: 7.12 miles Start: Malostranská Metro Stop MAP
This is a tour of some of Prague’s major sites and attractions, most of which are within two miles of Wenceslas Square. Just nearby is Old Town Square, the city’s historic center. The longer loop adds nearly 3 miles with a tour of Vojans’ Orchards and a jaunt up to the famous Prague Castle. Note that ‘Old Town” is more crowded and touristy, while “New Town” has a bit more of a feel of Prague before it was ‘discovered’.
Short Loop: Begin your route at Malostranská Metro Stop, near Waldstein Gardens, which are known for magnificent statues. Visit the garden either at the beginning or end of your run, depending on the time of day. Note: The gardens open at Mo-Fr 7.30am, So-Sun 10am and are closed during the winter (Nov — March). Next, pass by the Czech Senate building on your way to the heart of Lesser Town. In Lesser Town, enjoy St. Nicholas Church and little picturesque streets adjacent to the greeny Kampa Island.
Cross the famous Charles Bridge in order to head towards New Town. Here, explore the labyrinthine medieval streets especially inner-court Franciscan Garden and Wenceslas Sq. There’s some fun exploring of the unknown passage-ways around the square. The next stage of the tour is around the historical buildings of Charles University and the tower of the Old Town Hall. This tower is famous for the huge astrological clock it bears that displays the procession of the signs of the zodiac, as well as the time of day. Time your run to get here at the top of the hour and view its remarkable display. To complete this loop, run past the Cemetery in Jewish Town (ex-ghetto), cross back over the Vltava River and return to Waldstein Garden.
Longer Loop: This adds about 3 miles. It includes the quiet Vojans’ Orchards and, above all, the Prague Castle- the largest enclosed castle complex in the world (only available to run in the morning), as well as Petrin Park (with an Eiffel-like view-tower on the top).
Petrin and Prague Castle
4.8 mile loop Start: Charles Bridge MAP. Castle Map
This is a tour of the Prague Castle, Petrin Park, and Kampa Island, focused on the West side of the river. The route begins at the famous Charles Bridge. Run through the gate and along Mostecka, while admiring the beautiful shops along the way. Continue uphill until you reach the giant St. Nikolas church. You may want to take a moment here to catch your breath because your next challenge is a lengthy set of stairs up to the Castle. These steep stairs provide amazing views along the way and lead you directly to the castle grounds entrance. There is no entrance fee, so we recommend you take a loop through to enjoy the stunning courtyards, St. Vitus Cathedral, and Hapsburg Kaisers’ Palace (now home of the Czech President). After you loop your way back out of the castle grounds, continue running along the route to past the Schwarzenberg Palace, the Cerninski Palace (now a government ministry), and the Loreto (the beautiful baroque convent). Note: you can add to the run by enjoying the castle gardens. The South Gardens are 500 meters long.
The next site along the route in the Strahov Monastery. Its baroque church rises behind the row of houses along the street on the left. Exit the Monastery through the eastern wall and you’ll find yourself in Petrin Park, looking out down the hill at the city across the valley. The whole hillside before you is a green parkland full of vineyards and fruit trees. As you enjoy this view, head to Petrin Hill Tower, an Eifel-tower-like lookout tower. Continue down the hill (finally!), to the riverfront park on Kampa Island. As you make your way back to the Charles Bridge, you’re last detour will take you past the John Lennon Wall , covered with grafitti, poems, lyrics, flowers. There are many opportunities to extend the run by exploring additional trails in Petrin Park.
Letná
2.28 mile loop Start: Korunovační Tram Station MAP
Letna is an oasis of green in the city, offering stunning views from across the Vltava River. To begin this route, you can either take the tram to Korunovační station or, if your hotel is in the historical center, you can begin there to cross over the Cechuv bridge and negotiate some 200 stairs to the park. The park has lovely shaded, level paths, mature trees, and a colorful assortment of bushes. The park is ~1 mile in length from one end to the other, paralleling the river, and about 0.5 miles wide. The highlight of this route is the 75-foot-tall functional Prague Metronome, which was was erected in 1991, taking the place of an enormous monument to former Soviet leader Joseph Stalin that was destroyed in 1962. A great reward at the end of your run is a visit to the Letna Beer Garden.
Note: Stromovka Park and Letna Park are within 1km of each other and can easily be combined into a lovely, longer run. In between the parks is the Running Mall, a center for Prague running: store, training center, lounge, run club, classes.
The Stromovka Park Run
3.2 mile loop Start: Výstaviště Holešovice Tram Station MAP
Stromovka is the largest park in the city and the most popular park in Prague for jogging. It is about 3km north of Old Town and easily reachable by public transport. The park is mostly flat and it has a series of soft dirt trails to give your legs some relief from the cobblestones. Starting from the Výstaviště Holešovice Tram Station, enter the park. Begin your run heading towards two of the largest ponds in the park. Enjoy the shaded paths as you wind your way along the numerous well maintained paths looping past the Marold panorama (a panoramic image, which depicts a historical battle of Lipan, which took place on 30th May 1434) and back to the start. Add to the run by enjoying some of the other myriad paths in the park.
If you have time after your run check out Výstaviště. It is an exhibition ground which is used for concerts and other events. Additionally, this area houses a planetarium, Tipsport Arena, the Lapidarium of the National Museum, the World of the Oceans Aquarium, Pyramid Theatre and Lunapark, an amusement park in the northern section of this area.
Note: Stromovka Park and Letna Park are within 1km of each other and can easily be combined into a lovely, longer run. In between the parks is the Running Mall, a center for Prague running: store, training center, lounge, run club, classes.
Star Game Reserve and Břevnov Monastery
3.3 mile route Start: Petriny Metro Station. End: Břevnovský klášter Tram Station MAP
This route moves away from the City Center to get a glimpse of everyday Czech life along with the Břevnov Monastery, which dates back to 933. Begin your run in Obora Hvězda (Star Game Reserve), a 210 acre forest park and protected natural monument about 7km west of the city. This park is surrounded by the neighborhoods of Liboc, Břevnov, Bílá Hora and Ruzyně. which are home to Czech citizens as well as many of the country’s foreign ambassadors. Within Obora Hvězda you, will find Letohradek Hvezda (or Star Villa), a Renaissance villa constructed in 1558. After winding through the park, make your way out the way you entered and head towards Břevnov Monastery (Břevnovský Klašter). Its striking architecture is an example of High Baroque style and the monastery gardens are open to all. This monastery is most famous for being one of the oldest recorded breweries in the world.
We’ve purposefully ended the route at the Monastery, given the post-run temptation of Břevnov’s fantastic brews and excellent Klášterní Šenk restaurant next door, which features great Czech cuisine.
The Riverside Run
3.35 mile loop Start: Karlovo náměstí metro. MAP
This route is Prague’s classic river run. There are dirt paths along most of the Vltava River in the city center, with numerous options for loops involving the bridges. Our route begins at the Karlovo náměstí metro stop or from your hotel (if it is near enough). The route follows the Vltava river embankment passing Kampa Island, the Lennon Wall and Zofin Island. Look forward to refreshing air, awesome views and of course amazing landmarks. This route is easy to follow, utilizing a path along either side of the river and the numerous bridges crossing over. Depending on the time of day, you may also experience traffic and traffic lights.
If you want a longer route, try extending your run along the Right River Bank. The northern tip is especially rewarding.
Stay
The majority of hotels in Prague are focused near Old Town and the city, which is great for sightseeing. All of the routes can be accessed directly from your hotel with the exception of the Brevnov and Stromovka routes, which are easily accessible via public transport. If staying outside Old Town, try to be near the metro or other transport option, in order to access the best running routes. Prague’s extensive public transit network, even if you are staying outside Old Town you will not have trouble getting to the starting point of your routes.
Stores and Group Runs
Please see our map for store locations. Green icons have group runs. Click on it for location, directions, details on group runs.
One unique feature of the Prague running scene is the Running Mall. Located between Letna and Stromovka parks, this is a center for Prague running: store, training center, lounge, run club, classes.
Trailpoint Specialize in functional, low-profile running shoes.
LBS Sport Local sporting goods store.
Triexpert Multiple Locations. Caters to all your triathlon needs.
Top 4 Running. Running specific store. Hosts #RUNJINAK, a group run, once a month. Registration is required see website for schedule and details.
Running Tours Prague offers wonderfiul paid running tours of Prague. **Big thanks for all their help outlining the best running routes and providing great pictures!!**
Running Prague A different running tour company in Prague. **Additional thanks to them for providing input on the best places to run!**
Events
Prague has some great running events.
Events Calendars #1.
Some of the major events are:
Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon April. Enjoy a course with incomparable scenery in the heart of historic Prague
Volkswagen Prague Marathon May. Marathon and Relay.
Prague Grand Prix 2017 September. Individual 10K and 5K races as well as Team 3 x 10K and 3 x 5K races.
