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Romantic strolls around Kampa Island

Its picturesque houses and beautiful English-style gardens, set against the backdrop of the Old City, make Kampa Island one of Prague’s most charming spots. Enjoy a leisurely picnic in the park, visit the museum of modern art or admire the majestic palaces on the waterfront.

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Prague’s city centre, descend the stairs from the famous Charles Bridge to enter Kampa Island. In this oasis of tranquillity, the cobbled streets are flanked by elegant houses and cosy cafés. Strolling along the banks of the Vltava River is an absolute pleasure, day or night. The wonderful views of twinkling lights from Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral and the National Theatre are unforgettable.

Kampa Island
Kampa Island

Prague

Breathe in culture and relax in the park

The English-style park covers half the island. It is a much-loved place for a leisurely picnic, a game of frisbee with friends or a romantic stroll with a loved one. Situated on the edge of the park is Lichtenstein Palace which has welcomed many honoured guests over the years, including Queen Elizabeth II. These days it is home to the Czech Republic Music Academy. You can hear snatches of the music during summer when rehearsals often take place in its beautiful inner courtyard.
The Kampa Museum is located on the park’s eastern waterfront. This museum of modern art is housed in a renovated plant built in 1478. If you love art you’ll be thrilled at its impressive collection of classic modern and contemporary art from the Czech Republic and other parts of Central Europe. Highlights include François Kupka’s abstract paintings and Otto Gutfreund’s cubist sculptures. The building is easy to spot from Charles Bridge; there’s a six metre tall chair standing right in front of it.
The Kampa Museum

The legend of the painting

Whilst walking back across the Charles Bridge after a visit to Kampa Island, make sure you peer below for a moment. Look carefully and you can see a typical ochre-coloured house with a wrought iron balcony. This is the House with Picture of the Virgin Mary. The story goes that, during a terrible flood, a former owner of the house saw a painting of the Virgin Mary floating on the water. At great risk to his life, he managed to retrieve it and hung it above his balcony. The tide immediately turned and Kampa Island was saved. The painting still hangs there to this very day.

“Look carefully and you can see a typical ochre-coloured house with a wrought iron balcony. This is the House with Picture of the Virgin Mary.”

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