Where can you go for a run in the centre of Prague? Running routes near OREA Place Seno
Running in the centre of Prague doesn’t have to mean just weaving your way between cars and trams. Not far from the main railway station, by the viaduct over Seifertova Street, there’s a cycle path that follows the former Vítkov railway line. From there, you can also turn off directly towards Vítkov. Heading towards Vinohrady, you’ll find Riegrovy sady. From OREA Place Seno, you can walk to the start points of both routes. After your morning run, you can then enjoy breakfast right at the hotel.
Where does the cycle path beneath Vítkov lead?
The cycle path beneath Vítkov follows the route of the former Vítkov railway line, which ceased operations in 2008. The western starting point is located by the viaduct over Seifertova Street, near the main railway station. The route continues along the slopes of Vítkov, passes through the approximately 270-metre-long Old Vítkov Tunnel and leads to Krejcárek.
The surface is tarmac and the route towards Krejcárek climbs slightly in places. It is used by runners, walkers, cyclists and inline skaters.
Where do the steps up Vítkov lead?
There are two good spots for stair-running training. From Karlín, a steep flight of steps leads from U Invalidovny Street to the park on Vítkov. Another set of steps branches off directly from the cycle path below Vítkov and continues uphill towards the National Memorial.
You don’t have to finish your run at the memorial. A wide, car-free path runs along the ridge of Vítkov towards Ohrada. Crossing the footbridge over Pod Krejcárkem Street, you can then continue into Krejcárek Forest Park and past the Pražačka sports complex. The A257 cycle path also runs this way, connecting Vítkov with Balabenka. You can therefore extend the route as you wish.
Why go for a run in Riegrovy sady?
Riegrovy sady in Vinohrady offers a network of paved paths where you can plan both shorter and longer circuits. The terrain alternates between flatter sections, uphill climbs and downhill runs, so you can tailor your training to your preferences. From the vantage points, you can enjoy panoramic views of Prague, including Prague Castle. The park also features a street workout area with parallel bars and a stretching and strength-training bench, which you can use to complement your running training.
Where to stay in the centre of Prague?
OREA Place Seno is situated on Senovážná Street in Prague 1, not far from the main railway station. Thanks to its central location, it’s easy to walk from here to the cycle path below Vítkov, to Vítkov Park or to Riegrovy Sady.
Practical information
The cycle path beneath Vítkov Hill, Vítkov Park and Riegrovy sady are open to the public free of charge. The routes can be used all year round, but in rain, snow or icy conditions, the steps and sloping paths may be slippery.
The cycle path beneath Vítkov follows the route of the former Vítkov railway line, on which train services ceased in 2008. It passes through the 270-metre-long Old Vítkov Tunnel and continues towards Krejcárek. The tarmac surface is ideal for continuous running, and you can also turn off the route and climb up to Vítkov.
The hill between Žižkov and Karlín is named after the Prague councillor Vítek of Hora, who owned the local vineyards in the 14th century. On 14 July 1420, a battle took place here in which the Hussite forces, led by Jan Žižka, defeated the Crusaders. Vítkov underwent significant landscaping after 1929 in connection with the construction of the National Memorial. Runners make use of the stairways leading up from the surrounding neighbourhoods as well as the wider paths along the ridge.
At the summit of Vítkov stands the National Memorial, a monumental structure designed by the architect Jan Zázvorka and built between 1929 and 1938 in honour of the Czechoslovak legionnaires. In front of the building stands an equestrian statue of Jan Žižka by Bohumil Kafka, which is one of the largest bronze equestrian statues in the world. Inside is an exhibition dedicated to significant moments in Czech and Czechoslovak statehood during the 20th century. The area in front of the memorial is a popular destination for walks up Vítkov Hill. During opening hours, visitors can also visit the rooftop viewing terrace.
Riegrovy sady was created at the beginning of the 20th century by merging the former Kanálek garden with the gardens of several Vinohrady estates. Today, the park features open meadows, mature trees, paved paths and a view of Prague Castle. The mix of flatter sections, uphill climbs and downhill runs allows runners to put together both shorter and longer circuits. In the upper part of the park, next to the U Draka children’s playground, there is also a street workout area with parallel bars and a stretching and strength-training bench, which can be used to complement running training.
