Planning Your Visit to the Cemetery Complex

Before you head out, you should check the current opening hours. The cemeteries usually open at 8:00 AM daily. In the winter months, they often close by 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM. During the summer of 2026, you can expect the gates to stay open until 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM. Always check the official city tourism portal for any holiday closures.

The grounds are very large and can feel like a maze. It is helpful to download an offline map of the area. You will be walking on uneven stone paths and grass. Wear comfortable walking shoes to avoid sore feet. The site is a place of rest, so please wear modest clothing. This means covering your shoulders and knees when possible.

• Checklist:
• Comfortable walking shoes
• A bottle of water (few shops are inside)
• A small stone (if following Jewish tradition for Kafka's grave)
• A digital map or printed layout
• A head covering for men (required at the Jewish site)

Entry to both sites is generally free for individual visitors. Some people choose to leave a small donation at the gate. This money helps with the upkeep of the historic graves. If you enjoy visiting secret places in Prague, this complex will surely impress you. It is one of the largest burial grounds in Europe.

How to Reach Olsany Cemeteries and Kafka's Grave

Getting to the cemeteries from central Prague is very simple. The public transport system is efficient and cheap. You do not need a taxi or a private car. Most visitors arrive via the underground metro system. This is the fastest way to travel across the city.

1. Step 1: Go to any Metro Line A (Green) station like Můstek or Staroměstská. Time: 2 minutes to enter. Cost: 30-40 CZK for a short ticket. Where: City center. Mistake: Buying a 24-hour pass if you only plan one trip.
2. Step 2: Ride the train toward the Depo Hostivař direction. Exit at the Želivského station. Time: 10-15 minutes. Cost: Included in your ticket. Where: Underground. Mistake: Getting off early at Flora station.
3. Step 3: Follow the signs for "Hřbitovy" (Cemeteries) when you exit the train. Time: 3 minutes. Cost: Free. Where: Station platform. Mistake: Taking the wrong exit toward the bus terminal.
4. Step 4: Walk to the New Jewish Cemetery entrance for Kafka's grave. It is located right next to the metro exit. Time: 1 minute. Cost: Free. Where: Street level. Mistake: Walking toward the tall radio tower instead.

If you prefer to see the city from above, take a tram. Trams 10, 11, and 16 all stop at Želivského. The ride from the National Museum takes about 12 minutes. This is a great way to see the Vinohrady neighborhood. For more travel ideas, check out this walking tour of Olsany Cemetery Prague for extra details.

Finding Franz Kafka’s Grave in the New Jewish Cemetery

Finding the Franz Kafka grave location is the main goal for many. The New Jewish Cemetery is separate from the main Olsany site. It is located on the south side of the main road. The entrance is a large, quiet gate near the metro station. Note that the cemetery is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

Once inside, look for the signposts that point toward Kafka. His grave is located in plot 21, row 14, number 21. The walk from the entrance takes about five minutes. The path is lined with tall trees and ivy-covered walls. You will see a simple white stone monument designed by Leopold Ehrmann. It marks the grave of Franz, his father Hermann, and his mother Julie.

Decision Guide: If you are short on time, visit only the New Jewish Cemetery. It is smaller and easier to navigate. If you have a full afternoon, cross the street to the main Olsany grounds after. Most people spend about 30 minutes at Kafka's grave. This includes time for quiet reflection and reading the memorial plaques nearby.

When you reach the grave, you may see small stones on top. In Jewish tradition, visitors leave a stone instead of flowers. This shows that someone visited and remembered the deceased. If you want to see more unique spots, you might enjoy unusual museums in Prague that focus on local legends. Respect the silence of the area at all times.

Exploring the Historic Sections of Olsany Cemeteries

The main Olsany Cemeteries are located across the street from the Jewish section. This site is massive and contains over two million burials. It is divided into many different sections. Some parts are dedicated to Orthodox Christians, while others are for soldiers. It is a true historical record of the city. You can find more about the city's past on the National Tourism Board site.

The oldest sections are located near the Church of St. Roch. Here, you will find crumbling headstones and beautiful Art Nouveau statues. Many famous Czech artists and politicians are buried here. The atmosphere is peaceful and slightly haunting. It is much quieter than the Vysehrad fortress hidden gems that tourists usually visit. Many locals come here to walk and think.

Look for the Red Army memorial if you are interested in history. It is a large area dedicated to soldiers who died in World War II. The monuments are grand and well-maintained. You can also find a section for British Commonwealth soldiers nearby. The variety of burial styles reflects the diverse history of Prague. Allow yourself at least an hour to wander without a specific plan.

Essential Tips for a Respectful and Safe Visit

Visiting a cemetery requires a specific type of behavior. Always keep your voice low and turn off your phone ringer. Do not step on the graves or touch the monuments. Many of the stones are very old and fragile. If you are interested in spooky lore, you might like reading about haunted places in Prague before you go. However, remember that these are active places of mourning.

• Troubleshooting / common problems:
• Men forgetting a hat: Men must cover their heads in the New Jewish Cemetery. Paper kippahs are often available at the gate.
• Getting lost: The grounds are huge. Use the main paths to find your way back to the gate.
• Early closing: The gates lock exactly at the posted time. Do not stay too late.
• Saturday closures: The New Jewish Cemetery is closed on Saturdays. Plan your trip for a weekday.
• Photography: Taking photos of people mourning is strictly forbidden.
• Uneven ground: Be careful of roots and loose stones to avoid tripping.

Security guards do patrol the area, especially near the more famous graves. They are there to ensure everyone follows the rules. If you need help finding a specific plot, you can ask at the administration office. It is located near the main entrance of Olsany. Most staff speak basic English and are very helpful to tourists.