What is the Plzeň Park Ring Green Belt?

The Plzeň park ring green belt is a unique urban feature. In the past, thick stone walls protected the city. In the 19th century, the city decided to remove them. They replaced the walls with a series of connected parks. This created a horseshoe-shaped green space around the old town. It is one of the most beautiful urban designs in the Plzeň Region. The ring is roughly two kilometers long in total. It connects several different gardens, each with its own style.

Walking through these parks is like traveling through time. You will see Baroque houses on one side and modern art on the other. The city maintains these spaces very well for visitors. You will find many benches, fountains, and clean paths. It is the perfect place for a morning jog or an evening stroll. Many cultural events happen here throughout the year. You can learn more about the city history on the official municipal portal. The green belt is truly the lungs of the city.

10 Must-See Spots on the Plzeň Park Ring Green Belt

Before you start your walk, check these quick picks for your trip:

• Best overall: Mlýnská strouha
• Best for families: Šafaříkovy sady
• Best rainy-day: The Great Synagogue
• Best free activity: Smetanovy sady

Here are the top ten attractions to visit along the green belt.

1. Name: Smetanovy sady Type: sight Why go: This is the most elegant part of the belt. It is named after the famous composer Bedřich Smetana. You can see the beautiful J.K. Tyl Theatre here. The flower beds are always colorful and well-kept. Best for: Classic architecture and garden photos. Where: Western edge of the historic center. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Visit in spring to see the tulips in bloom. Check out this walking guide to Smetanovy sady for more details.
2. Name: Kopeckého sady Type: sight Why go: This park features the impressive Town Library building. It also has a unique musical fountain that plays at night. The paths are wide and shaded by old trees. It is a very relaxing spot in the afternoon. Best for: Reading a book or watching the fountains. Where: Southern part of the ring. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Look for the statue of František Křižík, a famous local inventor.
3. Name: Šafaříkovy sady Type: experience Why go: This park is home to the famous Spejbl and Hurvínek statue. These are iconic Czech puppets that were born in Plzeň. Kids love taking photos with them. The park also has beautiful views of the nearby museum. Best for: Families with children. Where: Southeastern corner of the ring. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: There is a small playground nearby for younger children.
4. Name: Křižíkovy sady Type: sight Why go: This section features the massive Theatrum Mundi mural. It is one of the largest outdoor paintings in Central Europe. It shows famous people from Plzeň's long history. The park is quiet and tucked away from traffic. Best for: History buffs and art lovers. Where: Eastern side of the belt. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Bring a camera to capture the detail of the mural.
5. Name: Mlýnská strouha Type: sight Why go: Locals call this the "Pilsen Venice." It is a restored water channel with a small lake. You can see colorful, modern statues sitting in the water. It is the most romantic part of the Plzeň park ring green belt. Best for: Couples and evening walks. Where: Near the Marriott Hotel on the east side. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: The area is beautifully lit after sunset for a night walk.
6. Name: The Great Synagogue Type: sight Why go: It is the second-largest synagogue in Europe. The building sits right at the edge of the park ring. Its red towers are a major landmark in the city skyline. The interior is breathtaking and hosts many concerts. Best for: Culture and architecture. Where: Smetanovy sady edge. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small entry fee for the interior. Tip: Read this Great Synagogue walking guide before you go.
7. Name: Štruncovy sady Type: activity Why go: This is the active heart of the city's parks. It sits where two rivers meet near the football stadium. You can find climbing walls, skate parks, and running tracks here. It is much larger and more open than the inner ring. Best for: Sports and outdoor exercise. Where: Just outside the main ring loop. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Tip: You can see the fountains and statues in Plzeň city parks as you walk here.
8. Name: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Type: day trip Why go: No trip to Plzeň is complete without visiting the brewery. It is a short walk from the green belt. You can tour the historic cellars and taste unfiltered beer. It is a world-famous industrial heritage site. Best for: Beer lovers and history fans. Where: 10-minute walk from the park ring. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Paid tours. Tip: Book your Pilsner Urquell brewery tour in advance. You can find more info at the official brewery site.
9. Name: Bolevec Ponds Type: day trip Why go: If you want more nature, head to the north of the city. This system of ponds offers sandy beaches and pine forests. It is a great place to swim in the summer. The air is fresh and the trails are easy. Best for: Nature lovers and hikers. Where: 15 minutes by tram from the center. Time: Half-day. Cost: Free. Tip: Follow the Bolevec ponds nature trail for the best views.
10. Name: Radyně Castle Type: day trip Why go: This medieval castle ruin sits on a high hill. It offers the best panoramic view of the entire Plzeň region. The walk up is steep but very rewarding. You can see the castle towers from miles away. Best for: Viewpoints and medieval history. Where: South of the city in Starý Plzenec. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Small fee for tower access. Tip: Try the Radyně castle hike from Plzeň for a full day of adventure.

Essential Tips for Visiting Plzeň Parks in 2026

Planning your visit to the Plzeň park ring green belt is easy. The parks are open 24 hours a day. However, they are best enjoyed during daylight hours. In 2026, many parks will host special floral displays. Most paths are flat and paved, making them very accessible. You can easily push a stroller or use a wheelchair here. Always stay on the designated paths to protect the grass.

Safety in Plzeň is generally very high. The parks are well-lit and patrolled by local police. You should still keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas. Public toilets are available in several spots around the ring. You can find them near the Grand Theatre or the museum. Most of these require a small coin for entry. Keep some Czech koruna on hand for this purpose.

Local etiquette is simple and friendly. Czech people value their quiet time in nature. Try to keep noise levels down while walking. Do not pick the flowers or disturb the wildlife. Many parks have small cafes where you can grab a coffee. These are great spots to watch the world go by. Remember to recycle your trash in the bins provided. This helps keep the green belt beautiful for everyone.