A 2 km walk around the English park at Červený Hrádek Baroque chateau, close to Chomutov

• Chomutov is a town in northwest Bohemia, situated just below the Krušné hory (Ore mountains) that straddle the Czech-German border in northern Bohemia. Chomutov is mostly known as an industrial town, with a coal mining history. However, the town actually dates back to at least the mid 13th century, when it was acquired by the Teutonic Knights.
• The historical town center in Chomutov is a protected zone due to a wealth of different architectural styles, ranging from the rare early Gothic Church of St. Catherine to the Renaissance town hall and Baroque former Jesuit college. The main square is dominated by the neo-Gothic tower (which actually dates from the early 16th century).
• The attractive historical center is definitely worth a visit but is quite small, so exploring the few streets does not really qualify as a proper walk! If driving to Chomutov (or staying there) consider a trip out to the nearby village of Jirkov (8 km from Chomutov centre) where the fine early Baroque chateau of Červený Hrádek awaits.
• Červený Hrádek chateau has a very rich history having been constructed on the site of a Gothic castle. The chateau was besieged and occupied by invading foreign troops on a number of occasions. Today, the chateau is owned by the town and part of the complex is run as a boutique hotel and part as a restaurant. The rest can be viewed on guided tours from April to October (or by appointment in other months).
• Surrounding the chateau is an extensive English park, which is worth a stroll around, especially in spring or autumn, perhps before a visit to the chateau restaurant. On a low ridge the 19th century tomb of the Hohenlohe-Langenburg family can be found. The Hohenlohe’s were the last aristocratic family to own the property.

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Directions

• Červený Hrádek is on a bus route out of Chomutov. There is a large free parking area below the chateau
• There is no particular route recommended. There are signposts around chateau grounds and a couple of maps showing the different features, so it is difficult to get lost.