Šimkovy Gardens

About

Šimkovy Gardens in Hradec Králové is one of the city’s most beloved green spaces, shaped from former military grounds into a modern park full of water, open lawns, and quiet corners. Its design reflects the post‑war shift toward recreational urban landscapes, with wide paths, gentle slopes, and a naturalistic layout that invites slow wandering rather than formal sightseeing. At the heart of the park lies a large pond, home to ducks and swans, with wooden platforms that bring visitors close to the water. The surrounding meadows are perfect for picnics, while clusters of mature trees offer shade throughout the day. Sculptures and small architectural elements appear along the paths, adding subtle artistic touches without disturbing the park’s calm atmosphere. A popular feature is the network of footbridges connecting Šimkovy Gardens to Jirásek Gardens and the wider riverside promenade, creating a continuous green corridor through the city. Playgrounds, sports areas, and quiet benches ensure the park appeals to families, joggers, and anyone seeking a peaceful break from the urban centre.

Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
Šimkovy Gardens
Location

Šimkovy Gardens is the largest park in Hradec Králové, stretching between Šimkova, Okružní and Buzulucká streets, only a short walk from the city centre and the Aldis congress centre. Created in the 1930s and renewed in recent years, it offers wide lawns, mature trees, ponds with an artificial island and long wooden walkways over the water, making it a popular place for relaxation, picnics and everyday walks. Within the park you will also find a skate park and playgrounds, which bring a lively, urban feel to this green space. From Šimkovy Gardens you can easily continue along nearby streets towards the Elbe riverfront and the historic centre, where attractions such as the White Tower, the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit and Velké náměstí await. The park thus forms a pleasant green gateway when approaching the old town from the modern parts of Hradec Králové, and it can be combined with visits to Jirásek Gardens, the East Bohemian Museum and other riverside sights in a single walking route.

East Bohemian Museum East Bohemian Museum Museum Petrof Museum Petrof Museum Museum Czech Pharmacy Museum and Café Czech Pharmacy Museum and Café Museum Expozice sdělovací a zabezpečovací techniky Správy železniční dopravní cesty Expozice sdělovací a zabezpečovací techniky Správy železniční dopravní cesty Museum Budova Archa Budova Archa Museum White Tower White Tower Tower Cathedral of the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the Holy Spirit Cathedral Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Hradec Kralove Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Hradec Kralove Church Church of St. Nicholas Church of St. Nicholas Church Klicpera Theatre Klicpera Theatre Theatre Drak Theatre Drak Theatre Theatre Jirásek Gardens Jirásek Gardens Park Žižkovy sady Žižkovy sady Park Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants Botanical Garden Observatory and Planetarium Hradec Králové Observatory and Planetarium Hradec Králové Observatory Dřevěná zvonice Dřevěná zvonice Historical Landmark