Krakonoš

Krakonoš is a sandstone statue tucked away in the Deer Moat (Jelení příkop), a former defensive ravine on the grounds of Prague Castle in the Hradčany district. It depicts a figure familiar from Czech, Polish, and German folklore — a mountain ruler you would not expect to meet in the middle of Prague, yet here he stands, in the shadow of one of Central Europe's most important royal residences.

Who is Krakonoš?

Krakonoš, known in German as Rübezahl, is a folkloric mountain spirit tied to the Giant Mountains (Krkonoše/Karkonosze), the range running along the Czech-Polish border. For centuries he has featured in Czech, Polish, and German legends and fairy tales as a mysterious, moody guardian of the mountains — capable of punishing travelers who break the unwritten rules of the peaks, and just as capable of rewarding those who treat the mountains with respect. That duality, half demon, half good-natured giant, is exactly what has kept the character alive in regional culture, resurfacing in sculptures, stories, and local traditions far beyond the mountains themselves.

Where exactly does the statue stand?

The figure stands in the Deer Moat, a deep natural ravine that separates the castle promontory from the area north of Prague Castle, running along the Brusnice stream. Carved from sandstone, the statue comes from the workshop of Františka Stúpecká. It sits among greenery, along the walking paths that wind through this lesser-known but scenic corner of the castle complex.

What is the Deer Moat, and why is it worth a detour?

The Deer Moat covers more than 8 hectares and served for centuries as a defensive barrier protecting the castle from the north. Under Emperor Rudolf II, the moat was turned into a game park stocked with deer for hunting — which is how it got its name. In 1535, Ferdinand I had a covered wooden bridge, the Powder Bridge (Prašný most), built across the ravine, connecting the castle to the Royal Garden and the summer residence. The bridge burned down as early as 1541 and was rebuilt, only to be destroyed again in 1757 during Prussian shelling in the War of the Austrian Succession. The moat itself was partly filled in around 1769, when an embankment and a road up to the castle were created, along with a culvert for the Brusnice stream. Today this part of the UNESCO-listed castle grounds is a quiet, green stretch for walking — a marked contrast to the crowded courtyards and St. Vitus Cathedral nearby.

Why is this statue worth seeing?

Coming across Krakonoš in the heart of Prague is a small surprise for anyone who associates the character strictly with the Giant Mountains and spa towns like Janské Lázně. The statue is a reminder of just how deeply the mountain ruler is woven into Czech collective imagination — deep enough that his likeness has found its way even into the capital's most historic grounds. For visitors touring Prague Castle, it's a good reason to step off the main route and walk through the Deer Moat, a place that ties together the castle's defensive and hunting history with local folklore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Krakonoš? He is the legendary spirit-ruler of the Giant Mountains, known from Czech, Polish, and German fairy tales and folk legends, embodying both the harshness and the generosity of the mountains.

Where exactly is the statue located? In the Deer Moat (Jelení příkop), a former moat on the grounds of Prague Castle, in the Hradčany district.

What is the statue made of? Sandstone, produced in the workshop of Františka Stúpecká.

Is the Deer Moat part of a typical Prague Castle visit? Yes — it is a green, walkable section of the castle complex that historically served defensive and hunting purposes, and today offers visitors a quieter alternative to the busy main courtyards.