Trips between Prague & Pilsen, where even the journey can be the destination
As the saying goes, all roads lead to Rome. In Pilsen, however, we humbly like to say that quite a lot of them also lead to us. For instance, the road from the capital is lined with many experiences worth the detour. Let’s take a look at the main motorway, including the railway line, that joins Prague to Pilsen, and highlight the interesting stops for adventurous discoverers, wanderers throughout our history, and those who love the outdoors along the Berounka and Klabava Rivers. Because you should get to experience something before arriving in Pilsen, and the same can be said about going in the other direction. So, our end destinations are set and we can now uncover the most interesting things we’ve picked out for you along the way!
Big discoveries for little visitors
The moment we pass Prague’s city limits, it’s time to start watching over your children and their changing moods. If you start to detect a desire for physical activity and discovery from your little travel partners, then there’s nothing easier than getting straight into the action. And a good place to start just outside of Beroun is the Hořovicka Museum in Hořovice, where an interesting, interactive exhibit dedicated to the local tradition of cattle farming and much more awaits entire families. In the summer, you can also cool off at the waterpark, including a 25-metre-long covered pool. And for anyone who enjoys looking at the stars, you’ll have to pass through Pilsen to get to Rokycany. Upon prior arrangement, you can discover the local observatory and its unique exhibit dedicated to astrology. And if you come here between February and April or from September to November, you can observe the night sky every Thursday after sunset. This is an incredible experience for anyone, even children who have a hard time holding still.
Bears at Točník Castle and views over the land at Žebrák Castle
A pair of monumental structures looming over the local region sit on strategic positions along the road between Prague, Pilsen, and Bavaria. The older of the two, Žebrák Castle, has served as a guard castle since the 13th century. However, it was struck with misfortune in the form of a fire, with renovation efforts currently underway. The Romantic ruins are still worth visiting today, in fact, even the famous poet Karel Hynek Mácha enjoyed some time here. And the castle tower offers a truly wonderful view of the surrounding area.
But the same can be said about the second castle Točník, founded in the 14th century by Wenceslaus IV as his place of residence, which was meant even to compete with Karlštejn with its size and beauty. Although this castle, now one of our youngest, was struck with a slightly different fate, it still boasts impressive interior spaces, a palace decorated with sgraffito, and a castle tower that you can climb to the top of as part of the tour. And don’t forget to say hi to the local bears. Simply peer over the castle moat to find the two furry creatures.
The recesses of history at Zbiroh Castle
Without exaggerating, an incredible amount of history played out at the Neo-Renaissance Zbiroh Castle. Since its conception, the greatest royal families have passed through here, which, among other things, earned it its nickname as the Castle of Three Emperors. And even many years later, it still played an important role. Thanks to its strategic positioning and the unique phthanite bedrock that it stands on, it provides the ideal base for intercepting transmitters. Zbiroh Castle, however, served many other purposes.
It was also the place where famous painter Alfons Mucha lived and worked. You guessed it: the renowned Slavic Epic was created right here in the great hall, which you can visit during the castle’s commentated tour. You can also look forward to the legend about the man with the iron mask, Tycho Brahe’s globe, and the Romanesque garden park near the castle. And if anyone needs to burn off a bit of extra energy, you’ll find a mini-golf course here as well as a rope course, open from June through September.
Rokycany and its history on the demarcation line
The closer we get to Pilsen, the more we shouldn’t forget just how important of a role the region played at the end of WWII. It was here that the border between the armies freeing Europe was drawn. The Museum on the Demarcation Line is dedicated to the army, national security, and the battles in this region. The multimedia exhibit deals with the history of the Czechoslovak defences and presents over 150 pieces of authentic military equipment.
The area also features an experience and educational path, where visitors can walk through the underground corridors and replicas of structures that once served as part of the fortifications along the state border. From May to September, between 9-17h, you have the opportunity to peer into these interesting parts of our history. And if you really enjoy this subject, we recommend also visiting the Patton Memorial Plzeň museum, which thoroughly maps the days in May 1945 and the liberation of Pilsen by the American army.
The industrial one-of-a-kind: the Water Forge in Dobřív
The largest and most important of its kind. That’s the historic Water Forge (Hammer), which started out processing pig iron, then semi-finished rods, and finally metal tools. Although at first glance, you wouldn’t notice anything special about this building, behind its walls, it hides a unique exposition mapping the history of metallurgy both in the Brdy region and beyond.
Another place worth visiting is the millrace for four large waterwheels, which used the water’s energy to run the hammer and fan the furnace fires. For lovers of technical monuments, we’d certainly recommend visiting the industrial path of Industry Open, which runs an interesting hands-on programme (during the season), allowing you to watch talented craftsmen while they work and maybe even give a bit of blacksmithing a try for yourself.
Follow the blue trail along the Klabava to the Tři Trubky hunting lodge
Already visited the forge and now you’re looking to spend some time in the forest? This couldn’t be easier! Dobřív is the ideal starting point for hikes into the nearby Protected Brdy Region. For many years, this area was off-limits, but today it’s really come to life. You can arrive here on foot, by bike, or by car. For the first two options, we recommend starting at the Dobřív village green, where you’ll take the blue path about 6 km towards the village of Strašice. This path runs along the Klabava River and features multiple interesting viewpoints, including the remains of Fort Vimberk.
While in Strašice, don’t forget to visit the local Central Brdy Museum, where you’ll learn about this region’s development with greater context. Then continue along the blue path, and once you reach the Klabava River, you’ll know the destination is near. That’s because the Tři Trubky hunting lodge sits at the end of the path, and its truly romanticising architecture will have you feeling like it almost doesn’t belong in this region. Unfortunately, you can’t go inside the lodge, although, the new visitor’s centre The Brdy Nature Home is open here, and if you go a little bit further, you can enjoy a view over the region from the Třítrubecká lookout point.
Libštejn and Krašov castle ruins and views of the Berounka River
After our small diversion, let’s head back towards Pilsen on the D5 motorway heading north. From here, our starting point will be the town of Liblín. And this is no coincidence; this unsuspecting town is the ideal spot for discovering the area. In fact, the North Trail, which joins the country’s northernmost and southernmost points, runs right through here. However, we’ll be following the red hiking trail to the Libštejn castle ruins, which towers over the Berounka River, approx. 3 km against the current.
While en route to the ruins, whose cellars are supposedly haunted by the spirits of its former lords, you can’t skip the view from Havlova skála, one of the most interesting photo points over the Berounka River. It’s certainly worth visiting, even if you have to walk along the road a bit to get there. The path is about 5 km long and is easily walkable with children. And on your way back to Liblín, you can continue a bit to the Krašov castle ruins or even further to the village of Skryje.
The magic of Skryje’s lakes hidden in a canyon
The unique rock pass and its pair of lakes, whose surroundings are famous for discoveries of fossils, are in the middle of the protected Křivoklát region, making the local atmosphere something truly special. You can arrive here directly from Skryje, or from the other side, starting at Podmokelský mlýn. In both cases, two unique bodies of water will await you, home to rare animal species you might even be lucky enough to see.
The Skryje Waterfall is also undoubtedly magical; even though it isn’t necessarily the largest, it has one of the most powerful water flow rates in the country. The trail to the waterfall isn’t ideal for prams, although small children can still carefully enjoy the hike and its many adventurous water crossings and tight rock-wall passages.