Max van der Stoel park

Max van der Stoel Park is a green wedge in Prague 6, tucked right between the Hradčany and Střešovice districts, exactly where the baroque fortifications of Prague Castle used to end. It brings together the city's old defensive history, the leftovers of the massive Blanka tunnel construction project, and a modern park built around a stream and a playground — an unusual mix for such a compact space.

Where exactly is the park located?

The park sits on the land bounded by the streets Myslbekova, Patočkova, Keplerova and Hládkov, running up to the junction with Střešovická. It covers roughly 2.5 hectares of noticeably hilly terrain, which already sets it apart from most flat neighbourhood green spaces in Prague. It lies precisely on the border between Hradčany and Střešovice, on what used to be the western outer defences of Prague Castle.

Who was Max van der Stoel, and why does the park carry his name?

The park is named after Max van der Stoel, a Dutch politician and diplomat best known as the first OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities. Over the course of his career he was closely involved in human rights and democratisation efforts across Central and Eastern Europe, work that connected him to the region — and eventually led the city of Prague to commemorate his name in a public space.

What used to be on this site?

Before the current park existed, the site spent time serving as a construction area during the building of Prague's Blanka tunnel complex, one of the largest road infrastructure projects in the city's history. Only once that construction work wrapped up was the land cleared and reshaped into a park — turning a site long associated with noise and heavy machinery into a genuine recreational space.

What defines the park's landscape?

The terrain here is markedly uneven, with rises and dips that echo the site's former role as part of the castle's defensive perimeter. Along the southern and eastern edges, brick walls from the old fortifications still mark the park's boundary, standing as a lasting historical feature within the green space. The Brusnice stream runs through the park, and interactive water features have been built along its course for visitors, particularly children, to enjoy. In the park's southeastern section there is also a pond of roughly 1,500 square metres, one of the site's main landmarks.

What can families do here with children?

The park has a well-developed play area, including climbing structures, balance blocks and a rope pyramid, all supplementing the water features along the Brusnice stream. That combination makes Max van der Stoel Park a popular destination for families from the surrounding parts of Prague 6, especially on warm days when children can move between the playground and the water installations.

Who is this park a good fit for?

Thanks to its varied terrain and the historic walls running along its edges, the park works well for anyone looking for more than a flat lawn — the traces of its old defensive function are still visible, while the overall setting has the tidy, contemporary feel typical of a recently completed urban project. It suits both local residents of Hradčany and Střešovice looking for everyday green space, and visitors who want a quiet break away from the crowds after touring Prague Castle.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Max van der Stoel Park located? In Prague 6, on the border between Hradčany and Střešovice, bounded by the streets Myslbekova, Patočkova, Keplerova and Hládkov, up to the junction with Střešovická.

Who is the park named after? After Max van der Stoel, a Dutch politician and diplomat who served as the first OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities and was active in human rights work across the region.

What was on this site before the park was built? A construction site linked to the building of the Blanka tunnel complex; the park was created only after that project was finished.

What water features does the park have? The Brusnice stream flows through the park with interactive water features, and there is a pond of about 1,500 square metres in the southeastern part of the park.

Is the park suitable for children? Yes, it has a playground with climbing structures, balance blocks and a rope pyramid, alongside water features along the stream.