Prague Star Palace (Obora Hvězda): A Hidden Gem in the Woods

Visiting the Prague Star Palace is like taking a day trip without leaving the city. It's where we go for long walks on the weekend for fresh air and a dose of nature. Just outside the city, the Obora Hvězda (aka: Star Game Reserve) is easy to get to AND a quiet, magical place.

If you have time and enjoy a long stroll, or just want to explore another side of Prague, take this excursion. Seriously, this place is special. That's why it's listed in my hidden sights - even though we're talking about a very large park.

You can also link a visit to the Star Palace to other nearby destinations, which are all beyond the tourist zone.

Horizontal of Star palace trees and grass

And, it's easy to get here. Hop on the tram 22 or metro line A to nearby stops. From there it's a 10-minute walk to one of the many entrances. Inside you'll find a forested park centered around a mysterious, six-pointed Renaissance palace shaped like a star (above).

What you see above, is the treasure that awaits at the end of 3 long tree-lined paths. Below is the longest that stretches from the main gate - about a half mile long.

Let's take a look at this unique Prague destination in more detail.

The Story Behind the Prague Star Palace

The entire place is known as Obora Hvězda. And hvězda means “star” in Czech, and it’s easy to see why the palace earned the name. From above, the structure forms a perfect six-pointed star, one of the most distinctive Renaissance designs in Europe.

The summer palace was built in the mid-1500s for Ferdinand of Tyrol, a member of the Habsburg family and governor of Bohemia. He is said to have been fascinated by art, geometry, and symbolism, and the star-shaped design reflected Renaissance ideals of harmony and cosmic order.

And, I wonder if he was inspired to build his own palace. After all, his father built for one for his mother, the Queen Anne's Summer Palace.

But the Prague Star Palace had very different intentions. It was originally built as a summer hunting lodge and retreat, set within the royal game preserve that once belonged to the Habsburgs.

From the outside, the white structure remains close to its original form — strikingly symmetrical and almost otherworldly. It stands behind park walls at the end of three long, tree-lined avenues that converge on the palace like rays of a star.

Today, a broad open meadow stretches out in front. It’s a favorite local spot for picnics, frisbee games, and family soccer matches, all unfolding beneath the quiet gaze of this centuries-old landmark.

Vertical shot of front of star palace with green field in front

A Look Inside the Palace

Step inside the palace and you’ll notice intricate ceiling motifs with a mix of mythological figures and natural patterns. The interactive monitor in the central foyer provides more detail about these elements. I personally love standing in the center and admiring the beautiful stone floor with its geometric shapes. From here you also get a sense of the palace's halls and angled rooms. You really feel the building’s unusual shape, each wing forming a different point of the star.

On the ground floor, you’ll find a permanent exhibition dedicated to the Prague Star Palace (Obora Hvězda) itself. Displays include original architectural drawings and blueprint-style plans that reveal the building’s rare six-pointed layout. You’ll also find information on its Renaissance symbolism — harmony, geometry, and the interplay between art and astronomy.

The first floor is reserved for temporary exhibitions, often curated by the Museum of Czech Literature (Muzeum literatury). These shows change throughout the year and can vary in focus, from Czech literary figures to broader cultural or historical topics. Some exhibits may not include English translations, but they’re still worth a look for the art and atmosphere alone.

In the basement, a small but engaging scale model of the Battle of White Mountain (1620) offers context for the area’s dramatic history. The battle took place just outside the park’s walls and marked a decisive moment in Bohemia’s fate during the Thirty Years’ War.

Foyer with floor and motifs inside the star palace

Obora Hvězda Park: A Forest That Feels Like the Countryside

The park surrounding Hvězda covers nearly 90 hectares, enclosed by a wall that once marked it as a royal game preserve. Today, it’s one of the city’s favorite green escapes. Not only are there 3 long paths leading to the palace, but there are numerous quiet side trails through the woods.

We generally like to start at the main entrance and keep left going into the woods. This trail will take you down hill where you'll come to a small stream that leads to a pond, below and behind the palace. You can continue back uphill in a circular direction along the wall and eventually find yourself back at one of the trails that lead to the palace. There's no right or wrong way, just enjoy the nature and see where it takes you.

Locals love Hvězda for its space and calm. You’ll see runners, cyclists, and parents with strollers sharing the wide forest paths, while kids make use of the small playgrounds scattered around the park. In winter, the main promenade even turns into a track for cross-country skiers.

The park is open year-round, and each season gives it a different mood — bright greens and wildflowers in spring, golden leaves in autumn, and bare winter trees that reveal the palace’s perfect symmetry dusted with snow.

It’s not a park for flashy attractions or tourist selfies. Instead, it’s a place to breathe, wander, and enjoy Prague’s gentler side. But there is a rather nice cafe inside the palace's immediate grounds. They serve small refreshments, ice cream, drinks including beer and wine.

Vertical shot of mother pushing stroller with palace in distance

How to Get to the Prague Star Palace

There are three easy ways to get to the Summer Star Palace by public transportation. Of course, you can take an Uber or Bolt as well. But it could get a little pricey if you're coming from the other side of the city like Žižkov or Vršovice.

Take the tram 22 or 25 to the stop Vypich. Cross the street immediately beside you and walk along the street in the direction the tram was going (away from the city). After a few yards take the sidewalk on your right and pass by the tram circle. Follow this sidewalk to the street and cross over. Here you'll be at the edge of Obora Hvězda, the park. Follow the path across the large field and you'll reach the main gate. It's about a 7 minute walk from the tram stop.

Take tram 1 or 2 to the last stop, Sídliště Petřiny. From there, walk in the general direction that the tram would have gone if it didn't end. Continue along this street until it reaches its end, maybe a 5 minute walk. Turn right and then cross using the crosswalk just up ahead of you. Once you cross over the street, turn left and you'll see the side entrance to the park.

Take the green line A to Petřiny. Take the escalator to the top and when you reach the street you have two options. Either hop on any tram going to your left and take it one stop, then follow the green directions above. Or, turn left and walk down the street to your left until you reach the tram stop. You'll continue walking along the same street essentially but the tram traffic circle ends its natural progression. From the tram circle, follow the green directions above.

Visiting Hours & Practical Info

Entrance: The park is open daily and free to enter.
Palace access: The Star Palace opens seasonally April 1 to October 31.
Facilities: Benches and rest areas are scattered throughout. There's a café near the main entrance and one near the Palace. Both may operate seasonally.
Best time to go: Mornings or late afternoons are especially peaceful, and weekdays are wonderfully quiet.

I would count on spending at least an hour here. If you want to visit the palace, the permanent exhibition is small and 30-45 minutes will be plenty - not including any temporary exhibition.

NOTE: a visit requires a good amount of walking. Vehicles are not permitted inside the grounds and even if you get dropped off outside, you'll need to walk 15 minutes or so to get to the palace. The east side entrance provides the closest access to the palace.

Places Near the Prague Star Palace to Explore

If you’d like to turn your trip to Hvězda into a half-day adventure, there are several great spots nearby — all within easy walking distance or a short tram ride.

Ladronka Park – a long, open park popular for cycling and skating, with cafés and city views.
Břevnovský Klášter (Břevnov Monastery) – a beautiful working monastery with Prague’s oldest brewery.

These fit perfectly with a relaxed, local-style day — far from the usual tourist circuit, yet easy to reach.

In Summary

Obora Hvězda is a peaceful blend of history, geometry, and greenery. It's one of my favorite places to stand beneath centuries-old trees and look up at a palace shaped like a star. It's a wonderfully unique Prague experience.

It’s the kind of spot that reminds you Prague isn’t just spires and squares, but also serenity and space to breathe. And all it takes to get there is to stay on Tram 22 for a few more stops (past the Castle).

Enjoy!

Got questions, I'm here to help you sort it out. Go ahead and contact me.