Prague: Psychiatric Hospital and Abandoned Cemetery Tour

Fascinating and Unique Tour of Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital and Cemetery in Prague

This 3-hour walking tour in the Central Bohemian Region offers a compelling look into the history of psychiatry in Europe. Priced at $32 per person, it is designed for those interested in dark history, psychological treatments, and eerie sites. The tour is led by a live English-speaking guide and takes place at the Bohnice Psychiatric Clinic and nearby cemetery, making it a perfect choice for history buffs and curious travelers alike.

What sets this experience apart is its combination of inside knowledge of psychiatric practices, visits to a still-functioning hospital, and a walk through a haunting abandoned graveyard. Although the tour involves some walking around historic grounds, it’s important for visitors to be comfortable in walking shoes and prepared for potentially emotional or unsettling stories. The tour is suitable for older audiences, as it includes sensitive historical content related to mental health treatments.

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Key Points

• Price and Duration: Priced at $32 per person for a 3-hour experience.
• Starting Point: Begins in front of the Psychiatric Hospital in Bohnice.
• Highlights: Includes a guided tour of the hospital, insights into psychiatric treatments like lobotomies, and a walk through an abandoned cemetery.
• Guide: Led by a knowledgeable live guide who explains the dark history of the site.
• Accessibility: Requires comfortable walking shoes; not recommended for small children due to dark historical content.
• Availability: Check current scheduling as times vary; cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The Starting Point at Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital

The tour begins at the main entrance of the Psychiatric Hospital in Bohnice, located at Ústavní 91, Praha 8. Travelers can reach the meeting point via public transport by taking the metro line C to Kobylisy station and then catching bus 177 or 200 to Katovická. After alighting, visitors walk back toward the first crossroad, turn left onto Ústavní street, and walk until they see the metal gate with number 91.

This central, easily accessible location helps ensure a smooth start to the experience. For those choosing a taxi, the address is straightforward, and a ride from Prague’s city center typically costs around 350 CZK (15 EUR) via Uber or Bolt.

Inside the Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital

The guided tour of the Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Visitors receive detailed explanations about the history of psychiatry in Europe, with particular focus on treatments used in the past. The guide shares stories about famous patients and controversial methods, including shock therapies and lobotomies.

The hospital grounds include active wards that still serve patients today, offering a rare glimpse into the ongoing mental health care facilities. The expert guide ensures that complex and sometimes disturbing topics are presented clearly and thoughtfully, making the experience both informative and respectful.

Exploring the Abandoned Cemetery of Bohnice

Following the hospital visit, the tour takes a 30-minute pass-by of the Bohnice cemetery. This abandoned graveyard is famous for being the final resting place of patients, criminals, and other lost souls from the hospital’s history.

The eerie atmosphere of the cemetery, with its overgrown gravestones and historical significance, adds a haunting layer to the tour. Visitors get to walk along familiar pathways and reflect on the fate of those buried there. This part of the tour is especially appreciated by those interested in mysteries, dark history, and historical cemeteries.

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Walking Through the Grounds of Bohnice

Throughout the breath-taking walk on the hospital grounds, the scenic surroundings and big, beautiful area create a thought-provoking contrast to the dark stories shared. The large grounds provide plenty of space to explore, with views that evoke both peace and somber reflection.

This part of the tour allows for close-up encounters with the historic architecture and abandoned structures, giving visitors a tangible sense of the tragic past of many patients and residents.

Learning About Medieval Rituals and Psychiatric Treatments

The guide offers insights into medieval rituals used in mental health treatment, contrasting them with more recent methods like lobotomies. This historical perspective helps visitors understand how psychiatric care evolved and why some treatments are now viewed as both shocking and outdated.

The stories shared help contextualize the dark aspects of psychiatric history, providing a comprehensive picture of the cultural and medical changes over centuries.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour is designed for comfortable walking but involves some standing and outdoor activity. Comfortable shoes and a reusable water bottle are recommended for an enjoyable experience. The meeting point is easy to find, and public transportation options make it accessible from Prague’s city center.

The tour is available as a private group, offering a more personalized experience, or as a shared tour with other visitors. The activity is cancelable up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind for planning.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This experience’s strong points include in-depth stories from a knowledgeable guide, the chance to step inside an active psychiatric hospital, and the haunting walk through an abandoned cemetery. Many reviews note the professionalism and friendliness of the guide, which enhances the atmosphere and understanding of the dark history.

While weather conditions can affect the cemetery visit—such as rain making visibility and comfort more challenging—the overall interest in the stories and site remains high. The $32 price point offers good value considering the length, depth, and unique access provided.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This tour appeals especially to those fascinated by dark history, mental health treatments, or abandoned sites. It is ideal for older teens and adults comfortable with sensitive topics like mental illness and historical treatments. Visitors seeking a thought-provoking, informative experience will find this tour offers a rare glimpse into Prague’s lesser-known dark past.

It’s less suitable for small children or those seeking light entertainment, as the themes can be emotionally intense. The knowledgeable guide ensures that the stories are delivered with respect and clarity, making it both educational and respectful.

The Sum Up: A Compelling Look Into Prague’s Dark Past

The Prague: Psychiatric Hospital and Abandoned Cemetery Tour offers an engaging, well-organized journey into the history of psychiatry and haunting sites on the outskirts of Prague. At $32, it provides a depth of knowledge and access to intriguing locations that are both informative and atmospheric.

While weather can influence the cemetery visit, the guided explanations of treatments, inside look at the hospital, and walking through the cemetery create a memorable experience. This tour is best suited for adults or teens interested in history, psychology, or ghostly stories. Visitors appreciate the professionalism of the guides and the powerful stories that unfold along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour includes dark historical content about psychiatric treatments, making it not recommended for small children.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts 3 hours, with 2.5 hours spent exploring the hospital and 30 minutes passing by the cemetery.

What should I bring?
Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring a reusable water bottle for hydration during the walk.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, the tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The tour starts in front of the gate of Psychiatric Hospital Bohnice, accessible by public transport or taxi from Prague’s center.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby