Luftova zahrada

Luft Garden (Luftova zahrada) is a small but atmospheric park in the Doudlevce district of Pilsen, sitting on the right bank of the Radbuza River near the Tyršův Bridge in the area known as České údolí. Covering roughly two hectares, this garden is one of the finest surviving examples of interwar garden art in Pilsen and has been partially open to the public since 2010.

Where does the name come from and what is the garden's history?

The land was first cultivated between 1886 and 1909 by Vilém and Juliana Burger. After her husband's death, Juliana Burgerová bequeathed the property to her nephew, Pilsen lawyer Vilém Luft — the man whose surname gave the garden its present name. Luft transformed what had been a purely utilitarian plot into a residential and ornamental garden, and several generations of the Luft family continued to care for it over the following decades. In 1959, under pressure from the state, the family was forced to sell the garden to the government.

What can visitors see in the garden today?

Luft Garden is notable for the diversity of its trees, including exotic and rare species such as columnar oaks growing along the banks of the lower pond, along with striking beeches, cypresses, and rhododendrons. The composition is completed by two small ponds and sculptural decorations created by Pilsen sculptor Otakar Walter, which reflect the garden's character as a work of landscape art from the 1920s and 1930s.

What wildlife lives in Luft Garden?

Thanks to the humid microclimate created by the ponds and the proximity of the Radbuza River, the garden has become a natural habitat for a variety of animals. Visitors can spot frogs and grass snakes, as well as birds tied to wetland environments, such as kingfishers and herons. A walk through the garden therefore offers more than a glimpse of historic landscape design — it's also a chance to observe wildlife in an almost urban setting.

When can you visit the garden?

Luft Garden has been open to the public since 2010, though access remains limited: currently, the garden can only be visited on the first Wednesday of each month. This arrangement helps preserve the intimate, private character of the site while still giving tourists and Pilsen residents the opportunity to experience one of the city's most distinctive gardens.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Luft Garden located? The garden lies in the Doudlevce district, on the right bank of the Radbuza River in České údolí, close to the Tyršův Bridge.

Is admission to the garden free? Visits are free of charge, but access is restricted to designated dates.

How old is the garden? Its history dates back to the late 19th century, and it acquired its present character as an ornamental garden in the early 20th century under Vilém Luft.

What makes Luft Garden stand out among Pilsen's other parks? Its unique combination of historic garden design, rare tree species, sculptures by Otakar Walter, and the rich wildlife supported by its ponds.