Where to go on a trip Nové Strašecí

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.

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.

A nostalgic return to a "capricious summer" in Rakovník

In the picturesque valley of the Rakovnický potok, there is a complex that is a true unique among Czech swimming pools. Tyršovo koupaliště v Rakovníku, founded in 1933, has preserved the unrepeatable atmosphere of the First Republic to this day. It is a place where history has stopped in its most beautiful form. The original wooden architecture, the expansive water surface, and the peace of the surrounding nature create scenery straight out of nostalgic Czech films.

What does Tyršovo koupaliště offer visitors?

The dominant feature of the complex is a giant water reservoir with an area of almost 1.5 hectares, which offers natural swimming with a sandy bottom. The greatest architectural value is represented by the original wooden cabins and terraces that line the bank and serve visitors to this day. The water is cleaned naturally, which is especially appreciated by people with sensitive skin. For athletes, the complex features a diving board, a beach volleyball court, tennis courts, and table tennis tables. The youngest visitors have a designated children's paddling pool and playground. Refreshments are provided by a stylish restaurant and stalls with terraces offering views of the entire water surface. Thanks to its size, the complex is ideal for all-day relaxation without any feeling of overcrowding.

Who is the swimming pool intended for?

The place is a dream come true for lovers of retro style, history, and natural swimming. Thanks to its spaciousness and tranquility, it is ideal for families with children looking for space to play, and for seniors who appreciate nostalgia and the shade of mature trees. It is also a popular stop for tourists and cyclists discovering the beauties of the Rakovnicko and Křivoklátsko regions.

How to get there and what to discover in the surrounding area?

The swimming pool is located on the western edge of the town of Rakovník on U Koupaliště Street. Access is easy by car, on foot from the centre, or via the cycle path. It is definitely worthwhile to combine a visit to the swimming pool with a tour of the town's historical centre with its iconic gates (Vysoká and Pražská) and the Baroque town hall. In the immediate vicinity, visitors can explore the majestic hrad Křivoklát or go for a walk in the surrounding forests of the Chráněná krajinná oblast Křivoklátsko.

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.

The Water World of Slaný for Everyone

Aquapark Slaný offers a dynamic combination of swimming training, attractions for children, and a relaxation zone. As part of the sports hall, it is open year-round and provides a comfortable space for sports, entertainment, and rest.

Water Features That Brighten Up the Day

The aquapark offers great activities for all lovers of water and active recreation. For fitness training and free movement, a 25-meter swimming pool with five lanes is prepared, the depth of which reaches up to 1.65 meters. Visitors will enjoy a dose of adrenaline and a brisk ride on the approximately 87-meter-long water slide, which is among the most popular attractions. A wild channel with a current will bring further liveliness and fun to swimming. For the youngest visitors, a children's pool with a depth of 0.6 meters is prepared, which is ideal for first water steps and safe play. After strenuous movement, visitors will appreciate the relaxation whirlpool for perfect regeneration. Massage air beds, a counter-current, and steam rooms, which are available separately for ladies and gentlemen, also serve for the overall revitalization of body and mind. In the warm summer months, visitors can additionally make use of the outdoor grassy area, which invites sunbathing and various leisure activities.

Who the Aquapark Is Most Suitable For

This water world is designed to bring joy and well-being to every visitor. Families with children will find a safe background here in the form of the children's pool and the popular water slide, which reliably entertain all age groups. Swimmers will make full use of the spacious swimming pool designated for regular fitness training and comfortable recreational swimming. Seekers of peace and relaxation will find what they are looking for in the whirlpool, steam baths, and during water massages, which provide relief to the body and mind. The complex is also a great place for groups and schools, which will find an ideal space here for joint sports, entertainment, and a varied program.

Accessibility and Facilities for a Comfortable Day

The complex is part of the multi-purpose sports hall in Slaný and allows barrier-free access. It is excellently accessible by car and public transport, with parking arranged nearby. Visitors will make use of modern changing rooms, showers, toilets, as well as a wet buffet directly in the pool zone and vending machines in the entrance hall to replenish energy.

Aquapark Slaný is a place where water, sports, and relaxation merge into a harmonious experience for all generations.