What are the Hidden Dungeons at Naplavka?

The hidden dungeons are officially known as the Naplavka vaults or "kobky" in Czech. They are part of the massive stone embankment wall along the Vltava River. These spaces sat empty and neglected for many decades. In 2019, the city completed a massive renovation project to bring them back to life. This project turned dark storage units into modern social hubs.

Each dungeon features a giant, rotating glass door. These doors are the largest of their kind in the world. They pivot on a central axis to let visitors inside. The design blends old stone with modern glass and steel. You can find more about these unique spots in our list of local favorites in Prague.

Inside, the vaults stay cool even during the hot summer months. They host a variety of businesses including bars, workshops, and even a branch of the municipal library. The atmosphere is industrial yet cozy. You can check the Prague.eu portal for current event schedules in these spaces. It is a great place to see how Prague mixes history with new design.

How to Find the Hidden Dungeons at Naplavka Step-by-Step

Finding these vaults is easy if you know where to look. They are located on the New Town side of the river. Follow this simple process to reach them without getting lost.

1. Travel to Rašínovo nábřeží: Take tram 2, 3, or 17 to the Palackého náměstí stop. Walk down the stairs to the river level. Time: 10 minutes from the city center. Cost: 30-40 CZK for a tram ticket. Common mistake: Walking to the Smíchov side of the river instead.
2. Walk South toward Výtoň: Head away from the Dancing House toward the railway bridge. Keep the stone wall on your left and the water on your right. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Common mistake: Staying on the upper street level where you cannot see the doors.
3. Locate the Glass Portals: Look for the massive circular glass windows set into the wall. There are several of them spaced out along the embankment. Time: 2 minutes. Cost: Free. Common mistake: Thinking the doors are just windows and not trying to enter.
4. Enter the Vault: Stand in front of the door and wait for the sensor. The doors pivot automatically or with a light touch. Time: 1 minute. Cost: Free entry (purchases optional). Common mistake: Trying to pull a handle that does not exist.

• Checklist for your visit:
• Comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestones.
• A contactless card for buying drinks or snacks.
• A camera or phone for the unique architecture.
• A light jacket, as the stone vaults are quite cool.

If you plan to visit in 2026, check the Visit Czechia site for seasonal festival dates. The riverbank gets very busy during the Saturday farmers' markets. During these times, the vaults are popular spots for locals to grab a coffee.

What to Expect Inside the Naplavka Vaults

Once you step inside, you will notice the thick stone walls. These walls provide natural soundproofing from the busy street above. Each vault has a different theme or purpose. Some are dedicated to contemporary art exhibitions. Others are lively bars where you can enjoy a local beer. You should also check if is drinking alcohol allowed on Prague riverbank outside the vaults.

The interiors are minimalist and clean. Most have polished concrete floors and simple lighting. This allows the historic masonry to stand out. You will often find locals working on laptops or friends sharing a bottle of wine. It is a much more relaxed vibe than the crowded Old Town Square. If the vaults are full, you can always check out the best boat bars on Naplavka riverbank Prague.

There are also public restrooms located in some of the vaults. These are usually very clean and modern. You might need a small amount of change to use them. The vaults are a great example of smart urban planning. They turn a simple transit path into a destination for everyone.

Troubleshooting Your Visit to the Riverbank

Sometimes your visit might not go perfectly. Here are some common problems and how to solve them. The glass doors are high-tech but can be confusing for first-time visitors.

• Door won't open: The sensors can be slow. Wait a few seconds or look for a small push button nearby.
• Vault is closed: Some vaults are only open for private events. Walk to the next one, as there are several.
• Too crowded: On weekend evenings, the vaults fill up fast. Try visiting on a weekday afternoon for a quiet experience.
• Wrong side of the river: If you see the vaults but cannot reach them, you are likely on the Smíchov side. Use the ferry boat to cross.
• No English signage: Many vaults are local favorites. Use a translation app for menus if they are only in Czech.
• GPS issues: The high stone walls can block phone signals. Download an offline map of the area before you go.