Masaryk lookout, Praha

Masaryk's Lookout is a small viewpoint perched above the Jelení příkop (Deer Moat), right beside Prague Castle in the Hradčany district — one of the quietest, least expected green corners at the very heart of the city. It won't top anyone's must-see list, but it carries a personal history and a perspective on the castle you won't get from the more famous viewpoints nearby.

Where does the name come from?

The lookout is named after Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, Czechoslovakia's first president, who took a liking to this spot during his time living at the Castle. At his request, architect Josip Plečnik — who reshaped much of the Castle's gardens and surroundings through the 1920s and 1930s — created a viewing terrace above the moat. Masaryk liked to rest here in the shade of a large linden tree, away from official duties. It was also on his initiative that a small vineyard was planted along the northern edge of the Jelení příkop.

What can you see from up here?

The terrace gives an unusual angle on Prague Castle, the Hradčany district, and Petřín hill across the city — a view from above a deep, wooded ravine rather than the more commonly photographed angles from along the Vltava. The castle walls rise almost directly above the moat, making the drop feel more dramatic than most other lookouts around the Castle.

What's the story behind the Deer Moat?

The ravine below, cut by the Brusnice stream, is one of the calmest spots on the whole Castle hill. Its name goes back to the reign of Rudolf II, who had game released into the moat for hunting; deer and roe deer lived there until 1742, when French troops besieging Prague wiped them out. Centuries later, President Masaryk kept bears in the moat for a while, a gift from Russian legionnaires. Today the ravine is wooded and functions as a park, with walking paths connecting the Castle area to Malá Strana below.

How do you get there?

The lookout sits right against the Castle walls in Hradčany, so it's easiest to reach on foot while exploring the castle complex — for instance by heading down from the Castle grounds toward the Jelení příkop or the bastion gardens. The nearest tram stops are Pražský hrad or Brusnice, both a short uphill walk from the viewpoint.

When should you visit?

The view is at its best in spring and summer, when the greenery of the ravine contrasts with the pale castle walls, and morning or late-afternoon light flatters the Hradčany skyline. The spot stays quiet even in high season, making it a good alternative to the more crowded lookouts in central Prague.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the lookout named after Masaryk? Because President Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk asked architect Josip Plečnik to build a viewing terrace here, at the spot where he liked to rest in the shade of a linden tree.

What do you see from the lookout? An unusual view of Prague Castle, Hradčany, and Petřín hill, looking out over the wooded Jelení příkop ravine.

What is the Jelení příkop? A deep ravine north of Prague Castle carved by the Brusnice stream — used for hunting game since Rudolf II's reign, and later home to bears kept by President Masaryk.

How do you reach the lookout from the Castle? On foot, walking down from Prague Castle toward the Jelení příkop, or from the Brusnice tram stop, just a few minutes uphill.