Fall Adventures Await: Discover Miniature Parks

Brutalist Miniatures at Klárov

At the end of October 2022, a new exhibit opened in Prague’s Klárov Pigeon Park, featuring miniature models of brutalist buildings by Kryštof Kintera. These tiny replicas showcase notable Prague Brutalist buildings, including some that are still standing, some that no longer exist, and designs from the past. Among the displayed models are the Anchor Department Store, the Central Telecommunication Building (often referred to as Prague’s Mordor), the Emmaus Monastery, the Žižkov transmitter, and also structures that have been demolished, like the Prague Hotel and the Transgas in Vinohrady. The total weight of the models and their pedestals is five tons. Even though brutalist architecture isn’t everyone’s favorite, they harmonize well with the original girl with a dove sculpture, which was created by Václav Šimek in 1958. The miniatures are beautifully lit in the evenings.

Miniature Park Mills in Česká Kamenice

In 2021, a renovated miniature museum opened in the Mlýnky area, which is situated above the swimming pool in Česká Kamenice. This miniature park features replicas of buildings found in Česká Kamenice, arranged along the local stream. Some of these models can move, and the water from the creek makes parts like the mill or sawmill turn. But why was it rebuilt? A similar miniature park existed in this area, created by carpenter Anton Gampe before World War I. Unfortunately, after his passing, that original miniature park gradually fell into disrepair. The new park is open to the public all year round, and local school children are helping to enhance the area by adding more houses, figures, and various decorations in workshops at school.

Historical Miniatures in Bystřice nad Pernštejnem

An outdoor exhibition known as the Bystřický park of miniatures has been developed over several years alongside the stream valley in Nový Dvůr in Bystřice nad Pernštejnem, and it was completed in 2022. The miniatures are made at a 1:50 scale and showcase the historical peak of these monuments from the 14th and 15th centuries. In addition to Çepička Castle near Tišnov, you’ll find models of Porta Coeli Monastery, Skály Castle, Zubštejn, Pernštejn Castle, Dalečín, Aueršperk, Pyšolec, Trmačov, Kunštát, and more. The replica of Pernštejn is about seven meters long at its largest point. Recent additions include the monastery in Doubravník and the settlement of Havírna. The miniatures began to take shape in 2018 under the guidance of modeler Zdeněk Brachtl, who chose a piece of land resembling the Svratka River near Jimramov in the Žďár region. He cleverly used the land to create contrasting hills for building castles, some extending to nearly ten meters, reinforced with iron support. The miniature park welcomes everyone to explore freely.

Boheminium in Mariánské Lázně

At Bohemia in Mariánské Lázně, you can discover over 75 carefully crafted miniatures that depict significant architectural and technical monuments from across the Czech Republic, all set within beautifully landscaped areas of a large park. Notable sights include Karlštejn Castle, Loket Castle, Ještěd with its transmitter, Červená Lhota Castle, Lednice, and a miniature railway, among many delightful surprises. Additionally, since 2020, mini horses that grow to 75 cm tall at the withers have been introduced in Boheminium. These rare Miniature Horses are not easy to find. This park is likely the only place in the country where visitors can see them up close. A lively herd of mini-goats also adds to the charm of the park. It operates daily from 10 am to 6 pm, except during severe weather. The park is located on Krakonoš hill, which visitors can reach via cable car or public transport, and is enveloped by lush forests and meadows. The entrance fee is 190 CZK.

A Fairy Tale and Miniatures at Berchtold Castle

At the Berchtold Castle Hotel in Kunice, close to Prague, you can find miniatures of castles, chateaus, and other historical landmarks, along with various whimsical characters like goblins, devils, and even a gingerbread house. This location is not just a hotel but also a popular hangout for sports lovers and families. In the park, children can enjoy a special area called Children’s Paradise, which features many miniatures of Czech castles and chateaus. Similar to the setup in Mariánské Lázně, you’ll find Červená Lhota Castle with its pond, Trosky, Karlštejn, Orlík Castle, Říp Mountain, the Tanečnice lookout tower, and the monument of Horymír’s horse Šemík, from Neumětel. Additionally, there’s a mini zoo and a fairy tale land brimming with elves, Vítězslava Klimtová’s ghosts and fairies, and even an underground hell populated by devils. The area is available year-round, but do remember that some displays in the children’s paradise might be put into storage for the winter months, from November to March. Visitors can also see the local mini zoo, learning about pets like geese, swans, various dove species, and dwarf Dutch tits. There are safe areas in the pen for small children that don’t require picking them up. Entrance to Children’s Paradise costs 190 CZK (130 CZK for children).