Where to go on a trip Chyňava

The Neo-Gothic Castle Jewel in the Central Bohemian Region, Known for Its Historical Vehicle Exhibition and Miniature Park.

Hrad Červený Újezd, located in the Středočeský kraj (Central Bohemian Region), is a unique new building inspired by historical Gothic castles. It was built at the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century as a private initiative, nevertheless with the aim of creating a cultural and entertainment complex accessible to the public. The castle features elements of Neo-Gothic architecture and, although it is a modern structure, it is built with an emphasis on medieval aesthetics and details. Its premises house several museums and exhibitions, including the extensive Muzeum historických vozidel (Museum of Historical Vehicles) and a historical weapons exhibition. The dominant feature of the complex is also an extensive park with miniatures of well-known Czech and Moravian castles and chateaux.

Access

Hrad Červený Újezd lies approximately 3 km from the village of Neumětely, near road I/4. Access by car is possible from road I/4, turning off towards Hostomice. Parking is available in an extensive free car park directly in front of the castle complex. Bus transport is limited; the nearest stops are Hostomice pod Brdy, náměstí or Neumětely, hrad, from where a short walk is required. The castle is not located near main railway lines. Thanks to its location, it is a popular destination for family trips.

What Is Worth Discovering

Nearby is Hrad Karlštejn, a Gothic castle founded by Karel IV. (Charles IV), which served for the safekeeping of the imperial coronation jewels. Visitors can also visit Zámek Hořovice – an extensive chateau complex with exhibitions and a baroque garden. For nature lovers, CHKO Český kras (Český kras Protected Landscape Area) with the Koněpruské jeskyně (Koněprusy Caves) and the quarries Velká Amerika and Malá Amerika is of interest.

It is said that every Czech person should visit the most famous landmarks at least once in their life, and the hrad Karlštejn undoubtedly belongs among them. It is a monumental medieval royal castle that was commissioned by Karel IV. The main motive for building this monumental Gothic jewel was the protection of the coronation jewels and holy relics, to which he attributed considerable importance. Those interested can reach the castle by car, for example, but there is also a cycling route leading here from Beroun. Finally, the castle is also easily accessible by train.

The history of Karlštejn began to be written in 1348, and from the very beginning of its existence, it held a special position compared to other Czech and Moravian castles. Karel IV himself arrived here as early as 1355 and personally supervised the construction work and the decoration of the interiors. He was particularly concerned with the appearance of the castle chapels, which are among the most sought-after places during tours.

Women at Karlštejn were and always will be

During the Hussite wars, the Czech coronation jewels were moved precisely here because Karlštejn guaranteed that they would be safe behind its walls. It is interesting that the jewels remained here long after the religious conflicts had subsided for some time. It is said that almost 200 years passed from their deposit until their next relocation. The main impulse was the Thirty Years' War, during which the castle was no longer considered impregnable. Few people also know that the castle underwent various reconstructions over the centuries. The historically last one took place in the 19th century in the spirit of purism, and its goal was to restore the castle's appearance to the Gothic period. From the 1950s onwards, only necessary adjustments were made, as required by its ever-increasing tourist popularity.

During a trip to Karlštejn, visitors can look forward to several tour circuits, which include the Císařská rezidence Karla IV., Karlštejnské hradní kaple, the Velká věž with the kaple sv. Kříže, which houses an exceptionally valuable collection of panel paintings from the workshop of Mistr Theodorik, and many others. Visitors should also see the beautifully restored garden on the barbican. Furthermore, women do not need to worry about being denied entry to the castle, because contrary to the popular belief depicted in the Czech film musical Noc na Karlštejně, ladies were not forbidden from accessing the castle.

The best accommodation near hrad Karlštejn is provided by comfortable cottages, holiday homes, and apartments, where one can arrive as a couple or, for example, accompanied by the whole family. We would certainly recommend staying in the area for a few days, as you will discover many other tourist attractions nearby that would be a shame to miss during your holidays. These include, for example, the Muzeum voskových figurín Karlštejn, the Muzeum betlémů Karlštejn, or the Muzeum lehkého opevnění. Given that there is truly a lot to see here, you should definitely not rush your return trip home.

Chráněná krajinná oblast Křivoklátsko was established in 1978 and can be found 30 kilometres from Prague. It covers an area of 628 km² in the west of the Středočeský kraj. From the east, it is bordered by the town of Beroun, and from the west by Rakovník. The area is sometimes also referred to as the land of Ota Pavel, as this writer set his most famous works here, such as Smrt krásných srnců.

One year before its official declaration as a protected landscape area, CHKO Křivoklátsko became an important UNESCO biosphere reserve. At the same time, thanks to its bird area, it also prides itself on its membership in the Natura 2000 network. For the future, a transition from a protected landscape area to the highest level of protection – a national park – is planned.

The drainage of most of the territory of CHKO Křivoklátsko is managed by the Berounka river, which flows through its centre and creates deep canyons in the landscape on its way. In the western area, one can find Skryjská jezírka, which, together with a waterfall, are formed by the Zbirožský potok. Otters, crayfish, and kingfishers live here. A nature trail that is about 3 kilometres long leads here from the nearby village of Skryje. At the same time, visitors will learn that the village is an important paleontological site, famous thanks to the French researcher Joachim Barrande.

Tourists arriving in this area, however, are primarily drawn by the ascent to the highest peak of CHKO Křivoklátsko, which is Těchovín. The mountain rises to a height of 616 metres above sea level, and especially in the winter period, when the forests thin out, there is a magnificent view of the entire Rakovnicko region as well as the Krušné hory and Doupovské hory. Near the summit, there is also an important national nature reserve, Kohoutov, famous especially for its rare flowering beech forests. Roe deer, wild boar, mouflons, and the rare black stork find their refuge here.

And if nature itself does not interest you quite so much and you are more into history, CHKO Křivoklátsko has many interesting destinations for you as well. Probably the most famous historical monument is the Křivoklát castle, which ranks among the oldest castles in the Středočeský kraj and is listed as a national historical monument of the ČR. And that is not all. After Křivoklát, you can also visit the Žebrák or Točník castles, or Krakovec, which is a transitional type of castle. It was converted from an originally Gothic castle into a Renaissance chateau. And if you prefer chateaux, there is also the Zbiroh chateau or the Nižbor chateau with its Celtic exhibition. You can make your visit more pleasant by touring the local Rückl Crystal glassworks.

The area of Chráněná krajinná oblast Křivoklátsko can be visited throughout the year. However, most tourists visit mainly during the warmer period. A great attraction is the Berounka river, which is a significant refuge for boaters from all over our republic. Along the river, there are many refreshment facilities as well as rentals for boats and other equipment.

The beautiful landscape of CHKO Křivoklátsko also attracts cyclists who regularly and gladly use the local cycle paths. The Křivoklátské okruhy are particularly popular, leading mainly along lower-class roads where there is not much traffic. You can thus combine a tour of Křivoklátsko with active relaxation and go to see the Klíčavská přehrada, which is an important reservoir of drinking water for the Kladno region.

Thanks to its diversity, CHKO Křivoklátsko undoubtedly belongs among the popular destinations not only for active tourists but also for those who enjoy endless beauty while surrounded by magnificent nature. If this idea has tempted you, there is nothing easier than finding suitable accommodation in Chráněná krajinná oblast Křivoklátsko and setting off to discover new places. You will certainly enjoy it here.

Water Reservoir Hidden in the Forests of the Lánská obora

Klíčavská přehrada was built between 1948 and 1955 on the Klíčava stream in the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area. Its main purpose is to supply the town of Kladno and its surroundings with high-quality drinking water. The dam wall is a concrete gravity structure and reaches a height of over 50 meters. Below the dam, visitors will find a water treatment plant, which is architecturally interesting and built of red stone.

Currently, the reservoir is part of the Lánská obora and falls within the first protection zone of the water source, which is why it is inaccessible to the public. Visitors are permitted to access only the top of the dam wall, which offers a view of the water surface surrounded by deep forests. Neither swimming nor fishing is permitted here.

Access

A marked red tourist trail leads to the dam from the village of Zbečno (approx. 3 km). For motorists, parking is available on the village green in Zbečno or in a smaller car park near the information board before the no-entry sign (approx. 500 m from the dam). The nearest railway station is "Zbečno".

Things Worth Discovering

In nearby Zbečno, visitors can explore the historical Hamousův statek, which is a magnificent example of folk architecture. Not far away stands the majestic royal hrad Křivoklát with its prison and chapel. Directly at the inlet to the reservoir lies the Svatá Alžběta Nature Reserve with its original beech stands.

A walk to the top of the Klíčavská přehrada is a peaceful trip into the heart of the forests of Křivoklátsko. It offers a view of a significant engineering structure in harmony with the surrounding nature.

The Chráněná krajinná oblast Český kras can be found southwest of Prague, in the Středočeský kraj. This limestone territory, covering an area of 130 km², was declared a protected landscape area in 1972. The locality is unique not only in terms of its landscape, fauna, and flora but also for its geological past and history.

The name Český kras was given to this territory by the famous researcher Jaroslav Petrbok; the reason for this designation was the geological structure and the karst character of the landscape. For geologists, this locality is significant in terms of studying the history of the planet; at Klonk near Suchomasty, there is a global boundary between the formations of the early Paleozoic era, the Silurian and the Devonian.

Karst areas are characterised by the occurrence of caves, and it is no different in the Český kras, where there are over 700 of them. Most of them are small; only ten of them have a length of more than 300 metres. They preserve knowledge about the prehistoric fauna of the Quaternary period as well as traces of human settlement. Paleozoic limestone, shale, and volcanics serving as the bedrock represent an ideal environment for rare plants and animals. In the Český kras, for example, you can find the largest Czech locality of the critically endangered dragonhead (Dracocephalum austriacum). Thanks to the natural environment, some species of reptiles and amphibians occur here, such as the dice snake and the smooth snake, or the European green lizard and the fire salamander. Insect species in this territory are also diverse; 1,390 species of butterflies alone can be found here.

Significant localities with rich fossil finds occur in this area. In this respect, the Český kras was made famous in the 19th century by the French geologist and palaeontologist Joachim Barrande, who described many sites. The most famous localities include Koněprusy, Loděnice, Budňanská skála in Karlštejn, or Lochkov. You can view some fossils in Skryje, where you will also find a monument to the geologist.

Of the hundreds of caves in the Český kras, the most extensive are the Koněpruské jeskyně. These are also the longest cave system in Bohemia discovered to date. The caves have been accessible to the public since 1959, and currently, visitors can admire the stalactite decoration on two levels. The oldest stalactite formations resemble Brussels sprouts and are completely unique. Skeletal remains of animals, up to 1.5 million years old, were found in the cave. For all visitors of an adventurous nature, there are tours by flashlight, always on the last Monday of the month, during which you will get to know the Koněpruské jeskyně just as the speleologists discovered them.

You can discover and admire nature thanks to the educational trails Zlatý kůň, Vodácká naučná stezka Berounka, Svatojánský okruh, or Naučná stezka Karlštejn. For breathtaking photographs, it is recommended to go to the Lom Velká Amerika. However, the Český kras is not just about nature and karst phenomena. Among the most popular tourist destinations is the medieval royal hrad Karlštejn with three tour circuits. In the village of Karlštejn, there is also a Muzeum voskových figurín, where you will get to know personalities of Czech history. Tourists also frequently visit the pilgrimage church Svatý Jan pod Skalou.

Find pleasant accommodation near the Chráněná krajinná oblast Český kras so that you can set off on your sightseeing trip as early as possible in the morning. Try looking for apartments in Srbsko or guesthouses in Mníšek pod Brdy. The district town of Beroun also offers very good options, where you will find guesthouses and apartments as well as cheaper private accommodation or a hostel. You can also reach the Český kras by Pražská integrovaná doprava, so nothing prevents you from booking accommodation in the centre of Prague and comfortably taking a trip to the Český kras by bus or train.

If travelers are preparing to fly on holiday to European or even more exotic destinations, they will in all likelihood travel to Václav Havel Airport Prague. Even though it bears the name of the first president who was in office after the fall of the former regime, until relatively recently it was called Prague-Ruzyně Airport. It is located on the outskirts of the Prague 6 municipal district and is used for both domestic and international flights. In the event that visitors cannot move to the terminals by car, special buses departing from the city centre can be utilized. The best choice will be bus line 119, which among other things connects to metro line A and the route of bus line 100. There is no need to reserve a place in public transport in advance, and standard fares of the Prague Integrated Transport system apply to it.

The history of this airport dates back to 1937, when it first commenced operations. In 1968, it was expanded with a northern section, which is also sometimes referred to as the new airport, and a new terminal. The name change from Ruzyně to Václav Havel Airport took place in 2012 in honor of the former president. An interesting fact is that it is the largest and busiest airport in the territory of the Czech Republic. This is, after all, confirmed by data, as it has an area of 920 hectares and in 2019 alone, the local staff managed to handle a record 17.8 million passengers.

Entertainment at Václav Havel Airport: A Good Choice for the General Public

However, people who are not currently flying anywhere will also find something for themselves at this airport. An unconventional experience can be, for example, a wedding in the departure hall or in a lounge with a view of the apron. For regular travelers, an airport excursion may in turn come into consideration, during which visitors will also look at places they would not normally get to. Part of the route is, for example, the most modernly equipped fire station in the Czech Republic. This program is suitable both for families with children and, for example, for school trips. Tech enthusiasts will in turn be captivated by places reserved for the undisturbed observation of airplanes during takeoff and landing. One of them is, for example, the Kněževes viewing mound. Another tip for visitors can be the Hostivice viewing mound. Alternatively, visitors can book a certified flight simulator. And if even that fails to interest visitors? In that case, visitors can look forward to one of the exhibitions or social events that regularly take place at this location.

Those who do not wish to stress too much about the time limit remaining before boarding before flying on holiday are recommended accommodation near Václav Havel Airport in Prague 6. All the more so since a wide selection of comfortable guesthouses and apartments is available here. However, those whose primary aim is a leisure program will certainly also find accommodation closer to the centre suitable. Moreover, once visitors are here and have a moment of time, they can relax in the area of the picturesque outdoor swimming pool Divoká Šárka. Visitors definitely do not have to be at the airport solely for traveling, so visitors should feel welcome to come and take a look here!

Koupaliště Divoká Šárka in Prague may be further from the city centre, but it offers visitors first-class tranquillity in nature and an atmosphere reminiscent of the First Republic. It is situated in the romantic Šárecké údolí valley with its dramatic rock formations, a popular destination for lovers of fresh air and sports activities. Due to its location, the swimming pool complex can only be reached on foot. However, there is no need to worry about missing it on your way, as the red tourist markers leading along the Šárecký potok stream will guide you directly there.

The history of the Šárecké koupaliště dates back to the 1930s, when it was built on the site of an older pond. Interestingly, the swimming pool has been owned by the same family since its founding, with a primary focus on preserving the period atmosphere and providing high-quality services to visitors. The Veselík family's tradition was briefly interrupted by nationalisation, but after the fall of the regime, the situation returned to its original course. It is also said that this swimming pool has the coldest water in Prague. This phenomenon is due to the fact that the water flows into the pool from surrounding springs. However, this is also what guarantees its perfect cleanliness.

Even though the swimming pool has retained its original character, visitors have plenty to look forward to. Two swimming pools and a paddling pool for the little ones are available. There is also a toboggan for adrenaline seekers. On land, you will find climbing frames, swings, slides, and other attractions, which you will appreciate when visiting with your family. Adults will certainly not refuse a match of table tennis, foot tennis, or volleyball. Lockable changing cabins and refreshments are a matter of course, which will certainly come in handy after a day in the water.

Does the idea of peaceful lounging in beautiful nature appeal to you? In that case, we recommend renting accommodation near Koupaliště Divoká Šárka, which can be found in nearby guesthouses, apartments, and hotels. When you have a moment to spare, you can also walk from the swimming pool to the hradiště Šárka hillfort or the popular Nebušická vyhlídka viewpoint. This trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre will definitely be worth it!

Small zoo, big experiences

Zoopark Zájezd is located in the village of Zájezd (Kladno District), just about 17 km from Prague, and is one of the smallest yet most vibrant zoological gardens in the Czech Republic. It was opened to the public in 2010 and today houses more than 100 species of animals, including lemurs, meerkats, camels, parrots, and the largest public collection of chameleons in the world. Divided into two parts “U lemurů” and “U velbloudů". It offers entertainment for the whole family, educational programmes, and beautiful walks.

Encounters with exotic and domestic pets

In the “U lemurů” exhibit, visitors will find ring-tailed lemurs, tamarins, meerkats, and the largest species collection of chameleons along with exotic reptiles, amphibians, and tropical birds. In the “U velbloudů” section, one can admire llamas, camels, horses, cows, or sheep in the petting zoo, where children can feed the animals. An educational trail with wooden elements leads from the car park down into the complex, offering interactive stops and a walk approximately 1 km long. The “Ušákov” children’s playground with giant rabbits, a picnic zone, and a walk-through aviary with squirrels and pheasants are being developed gradually as part of the expansion of the complex.

General information

The complex is suitable for families with children who will appreciate the petting zoo, playground, and interactive trail; for school groups and zoology enthusiasts who wish to observe exotic and domestic animals up close; and also for individuals, couples, or seniors looking for an easy trip in nature. The complex has wheelchair access, and entry with a dog on a lead is permitted.

How to get here and what is available

The Zoopark is located in the village of Zájezd in the Kladno District. If travelling by car, parking is provided at the upper part of the complex, and the path down leads along a small educational trail to the lower zoo. When travelling by public transport, use the stop in Zájezd, from where a walking route leads to the complex along a marked path. In the complex, benches, gazebos for resting, a children's playground, and picnic areas are available. Refreshments are available at the zoo, including kiosks and a small café by the children's playground offering drinks, fast food, and ice cream.

Zoopark Zájezd is an ideal place for a family trip. It offers a combination of exotic animals, contact with domestic ones, entertainment for children, and a pleasant environment near Prague. It is also suitable for a shorter stay outdoors, is wheelchair accessible, and offers refreshments directly on-site. Free admission and open year-round, it is ideal as a peaceful stop full of experiences and animal inspiration.

The Džbán Reservoir is situated in the northwestern part of Prague and covers an area of 13 hectares. Following the Hostivař Reservoir, it is the second largest natural swimming area in Prague. It is located in close proximity to the Divoká Šárka Nature Reserve on the Litovicko-Šárecký Potok stream. The main reasons for its construction between 1966 and 1971 were recreational and fishing purposes. Additionally, the Džbán Reservoir serves as a balancing element of the watercourse in the event of floods.

In the past, the Džbán Dam had its muddy bottom removed and therefore now offers crystal-clear water. The complex can be divided into two parts. In the standard section, a grassy beach or sun loungers are available to visitors. The rental shop is pleased to provide pedal boats, paddleboards or small boats, allowing visitors to explore all the corners of the reservoir. Should visitors feel hungry or thirsty, the refreshment stalls offer their services.

For naturism enthusiasts, a nudist beach is also available at Džbán. The area is clearly marked to prevent any misunderstandings and to ensure visitors do not find themselves where they did not intend to be. A car park is situated directly in front of the complex, where cars can be parked safely. Given that the Džbán Reservoir lies within the territory of Prague, it is also accessible by public transport.

Thanks to its location near the Šárka Valley, the Džbán Reservoir is an excellent strategic point for spending a pleasant day. Those who do not enjoy lounging by the water can set out on a bicycle or on in-line skates along the nearby cycle path. The stunning nature of Divoká Šárka allows visitors to forget for a moment that they are located in a hectic metropolis. However, if the Džbán Reservoir is to be part of a holiday, suitable accommodation should be found. Beautiful guesthouses, apartments and hotels are available in the capital city. Thanks to the metro, visitors can move from one end of Prague to the other in a relatively short time, making it possible to visit a larger number of attractions in a single day. Therefore, it matters little whether accommodation is booked near the Džbán Reservoir or in its wider surroundings. In any case, visitors are wished a pleasant holiday.

Okoř is a romantic castle ruin located just a few minutes' drive from Prague. Most people know this tourist destination from the lyrics of the tramp song Okoř, which most of us encountered already back in kindergarten. The ruin is situated in the picturesque surroundings of the Zákolanský potok stream. Moreover, compared to many other castles, it was not protected against potential attacks from the surrounding area. One of the few other castles that was in a similarly exceptional position on Czech territory is, for example, hrad Kost. The best way to get to the ruin is to follow the road from the center of the village of Okoř. Since the torso of the castle is clearly visible, visitors need not worry about missing it during their journey.

Hrad Okoř was built in the second half of the 13th century, as archaeological surveys have proven. During this period, the tower, chapel, and wall were built. From a construction standpoint, the chapel was evaluated as demanding, so there is a relatively high probability that the castle was built by the king or another high-ranking person who could afford such an extravagant project. An interesting fact is that as early as the 14th century, the castle was owned by one of the wealthy Prague burghers, which was very unusual in terms of social and financial customs and conditions. All the more so because castles could mostly only be afforded by kings and nobles. Okoř belonged to the Rokycanský family for about 50 years and subsequently passed into the possession of other burghers.

In 1421, the castle garrison surrendered to the Hussites without a fight. Since it suffered no major damage, subsequent owners took turns occupying it, occasionally leaving behind some alterations. The first major blow to Okoř was dealt by the Thirty Years' War, during which serious damage occurred. After the war, the castle came into the possession of the Jesuits from the Kolej sv. Klimenta college, who modified it into a Baroque form and used it as their summer residence. However, this did not last long, because in 1733, following the suppression of the order by the pope, the roof of the castle was torn down and it gradually began to be dismantled for building material. Around 1800, part of the tower even collapsed. In the 19th century, impoverished dwellings were briefly located here, but tourism eventually prevailed.

Interested parties who wish to visit Okoř can look forward to a tour of the tourist circuit, which can be walked either independently or accompanied by a guide who will provide supplementary commentary. A popular attraction is not only the torso of the castle tower, but also the aforementioned Early Gothic chapel. The castle also had an advance bastion with a ditch and ramparts. Throughout the year, historical festivities and other events also take place here, which include the popular Open Air Festival Okoř.

Would visitors like to find pleasant accommodation near Okoř Castle? They will certainly appreciate local apartments and other types of accommodation capacities, from which it is also close to Prague. However, before setting off somewhere else, visitors are encouraged to stop by the shamanic circle Brána jednoho srdce. Families with children and art lovers might also enjoy Nový mlýn u Okoře, which features a system of small ponds and an outdoor sculpture gallery. It is believed that visitors will gladly return here in the future.

Stone tower with a view of the Middle Vltava region

Rozhledna Na Mackově Hoře stands on the hill of the same name (479 metres) near the municipality of Vysoký Chlumec, not far from Orlík in the Central Bohemian Region. This thirty-six-metre-high stone lookout tower was built in 2004 in a historicising style. One hundred and eighty-one steps lead to its viewing platform. The lookout tower offers a circular view of the extensive Střední Povltaví, the Vodní nádrž Orlík reservoir, and, in good visibility, the prominent landmarks of the Brdská vrchovina highlands and the Českomoravská vrchovina highlands.

Access

An asphalt road leads to the lookout tower from the municipality of Vysoký Chlumec. A free car park with sufficient capacity is available for motorists directly below the lookout tower. From there, the entrance is just a few dozen metres away. For hikers, a red tourist trail from the municipality of Svatý Jan, which forms part of an educational trail, leads to the lookout tower. The nearest bus stop, Hrachov, is located about two and a half kilometres away.

What is worth discovering

The immediate surroundings are dominated by the medieval Hrad a Zámek Vysoký Chlumec, which is privately owned. Less than ten kilometres to the south-west lies Zámek Orlík and the extensive Vodní nádrž Orlík reservoir. It is also worthwhile to visit the technical monument of the Žďákovský most bridge and the nearby Hrad Zvíkov at the confluence of the Vltava and Otava rivers.