Zlatá ulička (Golden Lane) is the most romantic and famous part of Prague Castle — a tiny, impossibly picturesque street of miniature 16th-century houses built directly into the castle fortifications, originally home to the castle’s goldsmiths (hence the name), later to Kafka (who lived at number 22 in 1916–1917 and wrote much of his early work here), and now preserved as a museum of a medieval street that looks like it has been lifted from a fairy tale. The tiny, brightly coloured houses — each one a different hue, with low doorways and leaded windows — are now shops, exhibitions, and a museum of everyday life, and the street is one of the most Instagrammed locations in Prague.
Quick Facts: Golden Lane, Prague
- Best time to visit: Included in the Prague Castle circuit; the lane is most atmospheric in the late afternoon when the crowds thin; it’s much quieter after the castle interiors close (5pm) when the lane itself remains open — visit after 5pm for the best photo conditions
- How to get there: Golden Lane is inside Prague Castle at the eastern end; access is included in the Prague Castle circuit tickets
- Entry fee: Included in Prague Castle circuit B (~CZK 250/€10) which covers the castle interiors; the lane is free to walk through after the museum houses close
Golden Lane (or Zlatá ulička in Czech) was created after the construction of the northern ramparts of the Prague Castle, in the 16th century. The area of northern moat was used to build decent homes, which are now the last remains of the small-scale architecture from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance in Prague Castle. The houses were homes to the castle servants, e.g. goldsmiths or the castle marksmen and various artisans.
Houses were occupied until the Second World War, but the area was protected already for several years, and no changes which would change the character of the street or houses were allowed. The writer Franz Kafka lived here in the house no. 22 between 1916-1917. The last owners and the tenants moved out in 1948, and despite of receiving high quality houses, they left with protests.
Golden Lane was reopened to the public on 1 June 2011 after one year of reconstructions. It is probably the most romantic and famous part of Prague Castle. You can access the Golden Lane if you buy a ticket for a Long (350 CZK) or Short (250 CZK) Tour around the Castle.
You can take really interesting Virtual Tour by visiting the following website:
https://virtualni.praha.eu/nocni/zlata-ulicka.html
View Zlatá ulička (Golden Lane) – the most romantic and famous part of Prague Castle Czech Republic in a larger map
Have you visited Kafka’s house on Golden Lane or discovered Prague Castle’s fairy-tale street? Share your Golden Lane memories in the comments! 🏘️
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