Prague Castle's Stag Moat

The castle's Stag Moat (Jelení Příkop) is one of those places that is completely obvious but overlooked at the same time. Just below the castle, visitors usually see it from above but rarely explore it.

That's a shame, because the Stag (or Deer) Moat offers you a unique perspective of the castle - and much more!

Actually it's one of my favorite places in all of Prague. Full of natural beauty, curious sculptures, history, and an modern architectural marvel - it's got lots to enjoy.

Best of all, it's crowd-free! What else could you ask for?

Visiting is a no-brainer.

Update 2025: the moat is now open from March, not April as it was before. Enjoy!

Prague castle and green area of Stag Moat

The Stag Moat offers a wonderful sense that you are far from the bustling city with its trees, birds, snails, Brusnice stream and natural spring with clean cold water.

This valley area has been enjoyed by kings and leaders throughout Prague's history. From vineyard in the 14th century to a home to deer and other game animals during the 17th and 18th centuries, hence its name.

And this natural habitat was symbolically home to bears in the early 20th century.

Today you can walk the length of the moat and enjoy entering from a number of places.

Note, the Stag Moat was closed for a few years but reopened so don't get confused by outdated information on the web. I've just updated this page in March of 2025.

You can enjoy this walking video as I walk from one end to the other. Don't miss the changing of the guards about midway through.

The moat is actually a natural defense to the castle and when you walk through you get a sense of just how impressive the castle actually is.

You'll see the Gothic spires of St. Vitus' Cathedral, the Daliborka Tower and other parts of the castle from a unique perspective.

You can wander through and see a variety of sculptures and connect to other parts of the castle's grounds including the royal gardens and Queen Anne's summer palace.

One of the most surprising sights in the moat is the bricked tunnel that courses under the castle's gate - see video for full experience.

The only one drawback about visiting the moat is its seasonal hours. The Stag Moat is open March 1 - October 31.

Where is the Stag Moat?

The Stag Moat borders the entire north side of Prague Castle, and then some. It actually stretches from Malá Strana (Little Quarter) to the upper area of Hradčany. In Malá Strana, the moat is just around the corner from the base of the castle steps.

The most obvious spot to connect with the moat is from the castle's northside entrance. There is a bridge over the embankment and you can turn into the moat just next to the guards at the entrance. This bridge is about the midway point of the length of the moat.

This is the castle entrance closest to the tram stop, Pražský hrad (Prague Castle).

Getting to the Castle's Stag Moat

There are a number of ways to get to the moat. Obviously it's easiest to visit when you are already at the castle. The following guides you through different access points, including my favorite.

You can exit the castle from the north gate and then turn left and walk down into the moat. But this will put you at the halfway point.

From the tram stop: If you're planning to come by tram, take either tram 22 or 23 to Pražský Hrad. This tram line runs parallel to the castle on the north side. The tram in either direction will work. Once you exit the tram head straight toward the castle. Just before entering the gate, turn immediately to your right and follow the path down into all the greenery.

From the west side: My favorite way to enter the Stag Moat is via the far western entrance. That's where I enter in the above video. But, note the narrow wooden pathway, it can be a little tricky to navigate for some people.

The shortest path to this entrance is by taking the 22 or 23 tram to the stop Brusnice. Then cross the street and continue down the side street, U Brusnice. Walk about 100 meters and the entrance to the moat is on your left.

You can add to your experience by including another "hidden sight," New World Street. To do this, take either tram to Pohorelec and walk across the street to the Loreta. From the Loreta walk to your left and follow the street down the hill and continue onto New World (Nový Svět). At the end of the street you will see the entrance marked Jelení Příkop on the opposite wall.

Path to castle's north entrance

For a different experience: Take the metro (or tram) to Malostranská. Exit the metro to the left at the top of the escalators. At the street turn to your left and follow the street for about 100 meters. You will pass the steps to the castle on your left - you'll note the crowds going up and down here!

Keep walking past all the buildings to the small path in the grass. You'll start walking up this path to your left and eventually across a series of pathways and into the moat. This is one end of the moat and a fantastic walk. Continue up the main path to the castle or explore the numerous other paths. Up to your right is the Queen Anne's summer palace (Královské Létohradek). Climb up that way to reach the castle's royal gardens and then onto the northern gate to the castle.