Where to go on a trip okres Praha-západ

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.

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.

A Cultural Gem on the Banks of the Vltava River

Zámek Roztoky u Prahy, originally a water fortress rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries, ranks among significant historical monuments in the vicinity of the metropolis. Today it serves as the seat of the Středočeské muzeum and offers visitors a unique combination of history, art, and culture.

What Zámek Roztoky u Prahy Offers Visitors

Zámek Roztoky u Prahy represents an exceptional place where rich history blends with art. Within its premises, interesting permanent exhibitions and regular exhibitions of the Středočeské muzeum can be found, which present regional history and culture. Lovers of architecture will appreciate the magnificent Renaissance halls, the historical castle chapel, and the adjoining picturesque park, which directly invites visitors for relaxing walks. The castle is active with events throughout the year, therefore offering a diverse programme of cultural and social activities. Thanks to its magical environment and historical character, it is also a popular venue for those who wish to organise romantic wedding ceremonies.

Who Zámek Roztoky u Prahy Is Intended For

This castle complex is designed to appeal to a wide spectrum of visitors. It is an ideal choice for lovers of history and architecture who wish to discover monuments of Central Bohemia. Families with children will also find something of interest here, for whom the castle prepares an educational yet entertaining trip full of discoveries. The castle serves as a great tip for tourists who wish to cleverly combine a visit to the capital city of Prague with a trip to the calmer surroundings. Last but not least, the complex is a great destination for couples and groups seeking a valuable cultural or social experience.

How Visitors Can Get Here and What Can Be Explored in the Surroundings

Zámek Roztoky u Prahy is located north of Prague, at Zámecká 1. Visitors can easily get here by train or bus from the Praha-Holešovice station to Roztok u Prahy, from where it is only a short walk. In the surroundings, visitors can explore the Vltava River valley, the Tiché údolí nature reserve, or set out on cycle paths leading along the river.

A Place Where History and Contemporary Culture Meet in Unique Harmony

Visit Zámek Roztoky u Prahy and experience the atmosphere of a beautiful residence just a few minutes from Prague.

A small ski resort near Prague for accessible winter sports

Ski areál Chotouň is located in the Středočeský kraj region in the village of Chotouň (part of Pohoří), near Prague, and offers simple yet well-equipped facilities for skiers, primarily beginners and families. Thanks to its proximity to the capital, it is frequently used by those seeking a quick trip for snow without the need to commute to the mountains.

The resort features several ski lifts and basic equipment for winter operations. There are four lifts available in the area: two parallel POMA-type lifts with telescopic hangers (lengths of approx. 300 m and 280 m, with a vertical drop of around 50 m), a small children's lift (approx. 70 m) with low-level cable routing, and a newly installed moving carpet (approx. 50 m) for the youngest skiers. All transport facilities have smooth speed control. The slopes are generally gentle and suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers. The altitude of the resort ranges approximately between 350 and 400 m. Due to the low elevation, the resort is equipped with a powerful snowmaking system, which utilises several snow cannons and allows for snow production at temperatures from approx. –3 °C. The slopes are groomed by a snowcat daily, and the resort also offers lighting for evening skiing. Furthermore, the area includes a ski and snowboard school, equipment rental and service, and refreshments located at the slope entrance.

How to get there

The resort is situated directly in the village of Chotouň / Pohoří, near Jílové u Prahy. For those arriving by car, free parking is provided in several areas in the immediate vicinity of the lifts. In the case of public transport, it is possible to use the PID suburban bus lines (e.g., line 444), which connect from Prague lines, for example, from metro station Smíchov ("B" line) or Budějovická ("C" line) (with a remaining short section of about 2 km).

What to discover in the surroundings

Several tourist trails and points of interest lead around the resort. From Chotouň or Pohoří, visitors may set off along the yellow tourist trail towards the educational trail Kněží hora – Halíře, which is approximately 8.5 km long. Furthermore, in the town of Jílové u Prahy, one may visit the Regionální muzeum or explore the štola Halíře (Halíře mine), which is accessible from local paths.

The resort thus offers simple yet well-operated conditions for skiing near Prague, suitable primarily for beginner skiers and families in combination with the possibility of trips in the surrounding area.