Park Ztracenka

Ztracenka Park is a small, tucked-away garden in Prague's New Town, spread across a hillside between the Karlov and Albertov districts. Its name roughly translates as "the lost one," and the description fits: the park sits well off the usual sightseeing routes, so it's easy to walk past without noticing it — even though it's only a few minutes from central Prague 2.

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

The slope now occupied by Ztracenka was used in the 18th century as an orchard and vineyard, taking advantage of its sunny, south-facing position. Over the following decades the land lost its agricultural role, and under socialism the area was turned into a children's playground for nearby residents. For years afterward it sat neglected and overgrown until a full renovation in 2010 reshaped it into an Italian-style terraced garden.

What does the park look like today?

The most recognizable feature of Ztracenka is its series of brick-walled terraces, stacked up the hillside and linked by a network of narrow paths. The 2010 renovation added new trees and flower beds along with contemporary garden furnishings, while keeping the intimate scale of the original layout. The park also forms part of a pedestrian green corridor that runs from the Nusle Valley, through the line of New Town's former fortifications, toward the city center — so a walk through Ztracenka can double as a shortcut across town rather than a dedicated stop.

What can you see from the park?

Because the garden climbs a slope, its paths open onto views over the lower part of the New Town toward the Vltava river. From the upper terraces, the view shifts to the nearby university campus and the Church of St Apollinaire, one of the Gothic landmarks typical of this part of Prague. It's this combination of viewpoints with a quiet, crowd-free setting that draws locals looking for a break from the busier parts of the city.

Who is this park for?

Ztracenka isn't built for heavy tourist traffic — it's a compact green pocket for visitors who have already covered Prague's main sights and want a calmer spot to sit on a terrace or take a short walk. It works well as a stop between Albertov and Karlov, or as an addition to a visit of the other parks scattered across the New Town.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the park free? Yes, admission to Ztracenka Park is free.

What are the opening hours? From October to April the park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and from May to September from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Where exactly is the park located? It's on Horská street in Prague's New Town (Prague 2), on the slope between the Karlov and Albertov districts.

What are the main things to see there? Brick-walled terraces, green pathways, and viewpoints over the lower New Town, the Vltava river, the university campus, and the Church of St Apollinaire.

Is it worth a longer walk? The park itself is small, but it forms part of a walking route connecting the Nusle Valley with the city center, so it can be included as a stretch of a longer stroll.