Where to go on a trip Plzeňsko a Český les

Memory of liberation hidden in the heart of the city

In the very heart of Plzeň, a place is located where 20th-century history materialises into powerful human stories. Patton Memorial Pilsen represents an exceptional museum dedicated to the dramatic events of May 1945, when the American army liberated the West Bohemian metropolis. It is the only museum of its kind in the entire Czech Republic that comprehensively maps the advance of the allied forces from the historic landing in Normandy to the very end of the war in western Bohemia. It opens its doors to the public annually from May to October and continuously develops its permanent exhibition, which has been built since 2005. It is a space where the past steps into the present through the eyes and soul. Authentic artefacts, the silence of history, and an atmosphere full of respect leave a deep mark on every visitor and remind them of everything that had to happen for peace to take a breath once again.

An expedition through the museum as a true journey through time

The exhibition itself is a true journey into the past, featuring more than a thousand authentic artefacts and personal items belonging to direct participants and veterans. Among the greatest treasures are the original cap of General George S. Patton and rare relics directly from European battlefields. The exhibition details the journey of the troops from D-Day through the bloody Battle of the Bulge to the famous arrival of American units in western Bohemia.

When walking through the halls, visitors will encounter fascinating details such as a bayonet for the M1 Garand rifle, historical ammunition, a complete field kitchen, original American equipment, or time-worn anti-tank obstacles popularly known as "Czech hedgehogs". Moreover, the museum also considers deeper education and offers the possibility of guided tours for school groups or organised expeditions, which can even be arranged outside regular opening hours upon prior agreement.

A place that appeals to every generation

The museum in Plzeň has much to offer to various types of visitors. Enthusiastic history lovers will find unique testimony here regarding the key moments at the end of the Second World War, while school groups and students will appreciate a living history lesson that helps better understand the reality of that era through real artefacts. For family visitors, the exhibition is a sensitively mixed experience capable of engaging all generations, and photographers or admirers of details will find satisfaction in examining precisely preserved uniforms, equipment, and weapons.

Practical information for your visit

Patton Memorial Pilsen lies directly in the historic centre of Plzeň, from where it is easily accessible on foot, by public transport, and by car, with necessary parking facilities available nearby. Basic services, including restrooms and a cloakroom, await visitors directly on the premises, while a wide range of refreshments is available in the immediate vicinity of the museum. Whether visitors travel to Plzeň for monuments, beer, or history, a visit to this museum will become an unforgettable part of their trip.

Ski Slopes with a View of the Oldest Stone Castle

Lyžařský areál Přimda is a smaller yet cozy resort located on the eastern slope of Mount Přimda in the Český les mountain range. The resort is popular for its family atmosphere and is ideal for beginners and slightly advanced skiers, as well as for families with children. The resort lies at an altitude of approximately 700 meters above sea level and offers the opportunity for skiing with a magnificent view of the dominant ruins of Přimda Castle.

The resort offers two main ski slopes with a total length of 820 meters, which are regularly groomed and artificially snowed. A 330-meter-long blue ski slope is available for beginners and children, while advanced skiers can make use of the more demanding 490-meter-long red ski slope. The shorter slope is illuminated, which enables evening skiing. For lovers of other winter pleasures, a snowtubing track and a practice meadow for the youngest visitors are also available.

How to Get There

The ski resort is located near the town of the same name, Přimda, in the Tachov Region. The best accessibility is by car. The resort lies near the D5 motorway (Prague – Plzeň – Rozvadov), from which one easily turns off towards the town of Přimda. Parking is provided for visitors directly by the ski resort. For travel by public transport, bus connections to the town of Přimda can be utilized, from which the resort is accessible on foot or via local transport.

What You Can Explore in the Surroundings

The Český les area around Přimda offers rich opportunities for hiking and discovering history. The most prominent landmark is the ruins of Přimda Castle, the oldest stone castle in Bohemia, to which the Naučná stezka Přimda trail leads. Nature lovers should not miss the Naučná stezka rašeliništěm Podkovák trail in the Český les Protected Landscape Area. Another point of interest in the wider surroundings is the Muzeum Českého lesa in nearby Tachov and the Rozhledna Milíře near Rozvadov, from which a great view of the surroundings is offered.

Guardian of the Český les with the Kurzova věž

Čerchov, at an altitude of 1,042 metres above sea level, is the highest peak of the Český les mountain range and a significant symbol of the landscape around Domažlice. Its summit is well known for the stone Kurzova věž, which serves as a lookout tower and was built between 1904 and 1905 by the Klub českých turistů. Between 1950 and 1990, the summit was inaccessible to the public as it was occupied by the military, which established a military base here and built an unsightly concrete radar tower. Following the revolution, the Kurzova věž was returned to the KČT in 1999 and reopened to the public in 2000 after reconstruction. From the viewing platform of the tower, which is 19.2 metres high, a panoramic view is offered of the Šumava, Brdy, Plzeň, and, under exceptionally good visibility, even as far as the Alps and the Krušné hory.

How to get there

Several marked hiking trails lead to the summit of Čerchov. The most frequently used ascent starts from the village of Capartice (near Klenčí pod Čerchovem), from where an approximately 4.5 km long red hiking trail leads with an elevation gain of over 330 metres. This path is partially paved and also suitable for cyclists. Other starting points include Pec pod Čerchovem (following the blue trail, approx. 4.5 km with a greater elevation gain) or Česká Kubice, from where the historical Hanova stezka leads (red and subsequently blue trail), approximately 7.5 km long. A car park is available for motorists in Capartice. During the tourist season, bus transport to the summit is also usually available.

What you can discover in the surrounding area

The surroundings of Čerchov are crisscrossed by hiking trails that lead to the points of interest of the Chodsko region and the Český les. Directly below the summit is the Emerichova studna, once a modified spring. Near Čerchov, visitors can visit the picturesque market town of Klenčí pod Čerchovem, the centre of the Chodsko region. In a southerly direction lies Česká Kubice and the border crossing into Germany, from where one can continue into the Bavarian borderland. In the wider surroundings is the historical town of Domažlice, which is known for its Chodsko culture, a typical square with a dominant tower, and the Chodský hrad. For hikers, the route to Sádkova skála or towards the Haltrava summit is of interest.

A system of pools and waterfalls in the Central Bohemian Region

Skryjská jezírka, situated in the Central Bohemian Region within the Týřov nature reserve, represent a picturesque system of waterfalls and small pools on the Zbirožský potok stream. This natural monument is known primarily for the Velký Skryjský vodopád, which is approximately 1.5 metres high. The pools were formed by the erosive activity of the stream in hard shales. The locality is an important geological site and a habitat for protected species of plants and animals. The area is part of the extensive Křivoklátsko region.

Access

Skryjská jezírka are located in the deep valley of the Zbirožský potok near the village of Skryje. Access by car is possible as far as the village of Skryje, where a free car park is available. From there, it is necessary to continue on foot along the red-marked tourist trail through the valley, with the walk to the pools and waterfall being approximately 2.5 km long. The nearest railway station, Skryje (line 176), is about 3 km away. The area is accessible all year round, but the best conditions for hiking are during the season from April to October. During the winter, the trail can be slippery.

What is worth seeing

In the vicinity of Skryjská jezírka, visitors may explore the Zřícenina Hradu Týřov, which is located on the opposite slope above the Berounka river. Visitors may also tour the town of Rakovník with its Husovo náměstí and Baroque town hall. Another point of interest is Hrad Křivoklát, an extensive royal castle which serves as a symbol of the region and is one of the most significant medieval castles in the Czech Republic.