Top 10 Things to See at the Meditation Garden and Nearby

The garden is more than just a park. It is a work of art and a site of memory. Here are the top items to include in your visit. We have mixed iconic sights with nearby day trips for a full experience.

• Quick picks:
• Best overall: The Way of the Cross sculptures
• Best for families: Radyně Castle Ruins
• Best rainy-day: Adolf Loos Interiors
• Best free: Bolevec Ponds

1. Name: The Way of the Cross Type: sight Why go: Twelve life-sized sandstone statues tell a powerful story. They were created by sculptor Roman Podrázský. Best for: Art and history lovers. Where: Throughout the garden paths. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Included in garden entry. Getting there: Walk the main circular path. Tip: View them in numerical order to follow the narrative.
2. Name: Chapel of Saint Maximilian Kolbe Type: sight Why go: This modern chapel has a unique, meditative atmosphere. It honors a priest who died in Auschwitz. Best for: Reflection and architecture fans. Where: The heart of the garden. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free with entry. Getting there: Follow the central paved walkway. Tip: Look up at the wooden ceiling for intricate details.
3. Name: Memorial to the Victims of Evil Type: experience Why go: This is the official name of the garden. It honors all people persecuted by totalitarian regimes. Best for: Understanding local Czech history. Where: Near the entrance gate. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Included. Getting there: It is the first major site you see. Tip: Read the dedication plaques for context.
4. Name: Conifer and Ornamental Tree Collection Type: nature Why go: The garden features hundreds of rare species. Luboš Hruška planted many of these himself. Best for: Nature enthusiasts and photographers. Where: All garden sectors. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Included. Getting there: Wander the side paths. Tip: Visit in late spring for the most vibrant greens.
5. Name: The Central Altar Type: sight Why go: An outdoor space used for masses and concerts. It feels like an open-air cathedral. Best for: Peaceful sitting. Where: Adjacent to the chapel. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Included. Getting there: Follow signs for the chapel. Tip: Check the local schedule for summer choir performances.
6. Name: Radyně Castle Ruins Type: day trip Why go: These 14th-century ruins offer the best views of the region. It is a short drive from the garden. Best for: Families and hikers. Where: Starý Plzenec. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Approximately 100 CZK. Getting there: 15-minute drive or local bus. Tip: The climb to the tower is steep but worth it.
7. Name: Bolevec Ponds Type: nature Why go: A series of historic ponds perfect for a walk. It shows the natural side of Plzeň. Best for: A relaxing afternoon stroll. Where: Northern Plzeň. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take tram line 1 from the center. Tip: Bring a towel if you visit in July for a swim.
8. Name: DEPO2015 Creative Zone Type: experience Why go: A former bus depot turned into a cultural hub. It features art, food, and workshops. Best for: Younger travelers and creatives. Where: Cukrovarská Street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free entry; exhibitions vary. Getting there: 10-minute walk from the main square. Tip: Try the coffee at the onsite bistro.
9. Name: Adolf Loos Interiors Type: sight Why go: See world-famous modernist apartment designs. They are hidden gems in the city center. Best for: Design and architecture lovers. Where: Multiple city locations. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Around 300 CZK. Getting there: Book a guided tour from the Tourist Info center. Tip: You must book these tours in advance.
10. Name: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Type: iconic sight Why go: You cannot miss the birthplace of Pilsner beer. The tour includes historic cellars. Best for: Most adult visitors. Where: U Prazdroje 7. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: 15-minute walk from the center. Tip: Book your brewery tour online to skip lines.

Essential Meditation Garden Plzeň Visiting Info for 2026

When planning your trip, keep seasonal timing in mind. The garden is not open year-round. It usually welcomes guests from April 1st to October 31st. Opening hours typically run from Wednesday to Sunday. Most people spend about one to two hours here. This allows enough time to see the statues and sit in the chapel.

The cost of entry is very affordable. Expect to pay a small fee of around 60 to 100 CZK. Discounts are often available for students and seniors. It is best to bring cash in local currency. Some small sites in Plzeň do not take cards. This is a key piece of Meditation Garden Plzeň visiting info for international guests.

Getting to the garden is quite simple. You can take a local bus from the city center. Look for lines heading toward the Doudlevce district. For a detailed route, see our guide on how to get to Meditation Garden Plzeň. Taxis and ride-shares are also available and relatively cheap.

The garden is mostly accessible for those with mobility issues. Most paths are flat and paved with stones. However, some side paths may have gravel. There are benches located throughout the grounds for resting. It is a very quiet zone, so please keep voices low. This respects the meditative nature of the site.

The History of the Luboš Hruška Memorial

The garden has a deeply moving origin story. It was founded by Luboš Hruška, a former political prisoner. He spent years in communist jails during the 1950s. While imprisoned, he made a solemn vow. He promised to build a place of peace if he survived. You can read more about the history of Luboš Hruška memorial garden on our site.

After his release, he converted his family orchard into this park. He worked on it for decades with his own hands. He wanted to create a space that promoted reconciliation. The garden eventually became a symbol of hope for the Plzeň Region. It stands as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit.

In the 1990s, the garden was gifted to the Bishopric of Plzeň. This ensured its preservation for future generations. Today, it remains a site for both prayer and secular reflection. It is recognized as a significant cultural monument in the Czech Republic. Many locals visit to find peace during stressful times.

Planning Your Plzeň Itinerary

We recommend visiting the garden in the morning. The light is soft and perfect for photos. It is also much quieter before the afternoon visitors arrive. After your visit, you can head back to the center for lunch. Plzeň has a growing food scene with many great options. Check out our list of best microbreweries in Plzeň for a local meal.

If you prefer a full day of nature, combine this with a trip to the river. The garden is located near the Radbuza River. There are walking paths that follow the water back toward the city. This is a great way to see the local neighborhoods. You will see a side of Plzeň that most tourists miss.

Always check the official website before you go. Sometimes the garden closes for private events or weddings. This is especially true on Saturdays in the summer. Having the latest Meditation Garden Plzeň visiting info ensures you won't face a closed gate. It is a small but vital step in your planning.