Where to go on a trip Srbsko

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.

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.

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.

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.