Dear Praguers,

Both gardens count amongst the most significant allowance organisations of Prague City Hall. Their quality is proven by the fact that they are the most visited tourist attractions in the city with the Zoo being the most sought after place in the whole Czech Republic.

Following the summer renovation, the Botanical Garden re-opened its unique glasshouse Fata morgána, which introduces tropical flora and fauna. I also recommend a walk through the educational route Havránka that will take you around the outdoor exhibitions.

A great success for the Garden was when it scored high at the Winemaker of the Year competition. The vintages from the Vineyards of St. Claire stand amongst the best wines in the Czech Republic. If you haven’t managed to sample them at the traditional September grapes harvest, you should definitely find time to visit the vineyard house with the breath-taking views of the city. Don’t miss a chance to visit the launch of St Martin wine on 11th November.

Every day there is some good news from the Zoo that calls for celebration. For example the Zoo celebrated success in breeding the Spiny Hill Turtle, which normally lives in mountain streams of Southeast Asia.  Four offspring were born to Fennec and can be seen in the Africa from Close pavilion.  A first cub was born to the Red Panda for the first time since the Zoo started with its breeding. You can watch its first days by the main entrance to the Zoo.

We are preparing many novelties: The Chinese giant salamander pavilion is built as is the so far biggest building in the whole history of Prague Zoo – the future areal for elephants, hippos and antelopes, which will satisfy the most demanding conditions for the breeding of those precious animals. The pavilion will be opened at the beginning of the next season.

We strive to make Prague Gardens not only into places of knowledge, but also a place for family relaxation, where people will regularly return.

I recommend travelling to the Botanical Garden and Zoo in Trója by the ferry P2 from Podbaba: the fifteen minutes spent on Vltava can be a great opening of your trip. And you can use Opencard as well as public transport tickets to get there.

I look forward to seeing you in Prague Botanical Garden and Zoo!

Martin Trnka,
Director of the Prague City Hall