A one-way walk from Černošice to Dobřichovice in the hills above the Berounka: 9 km (extendable)

• Dobřichovice is an excellent choice as a destination (or starting point) for various countryside walks within easy reach of Prague, not least because of the frequent train connections with the capital city. The popular commuter town is located on a pretty stretch of the Berounka river, boasts a fine Renaissance chateau and has some excellent restaurants and cafes.
• An easy short (3 km) walk in the area around the town available is outlined here, while heading into the Hřebeny hills on the right bank of the river provides an opportunity to visit some fine rocky viewpoints. However, For a nice walk long the prominent ridge to the north of the the town, consider the route outlined in the map below.
• This walk starts in Černošice, two stops closer to Prague along the same train line. There are some good views on the route, particularly from the Krásná Stráň nature reserve, where ancient oak trees line the rocky ridge. For a slightly longer walk, take the train to Radotín and walk the additional 6 km directly beside the river following the cycle path. This standalone short walk is described here.
• The flood plain of the Berounka river, in the area around today’s town of Dobřichovice, has been occupied for over 4000 years. Stone Age and Bronze Age relics have been unearthed from the fertile ground surrounding the town and the neighboring village of Karlík. The site gained strategic importance in the first millennium when, it is believed, the town was founded by the Slavic family of Dobřich. A fortress was built to protect a ford over the Berounka.
• In the 13th century, the village of Dobřichovice, the fortress and surrounding land was given to the recently founded Order of Crusaders of the Red Star. This Military Order was created in the mid 13th century in connection with the foundation of a Prague hospital by St Agnes, daughter of the King of Bohemia Ottokar I. This was the only male Order ever to be founded by a woman, and the only Order founded in Bohemia.
• Over the centuries, the fortress on the Berounka was transformed several times. It was destroyed during the Hussite Wars of the 15th century, then rebuilt in a Renaissance style in the 16th century by Grand Master Hynek Berka of Dubé. In 1631, the castle was burnt by the Swedes during the 30 Years war, rebuilt and then destroyed by another fire in 1779. The final reconstruction to its current late Baroque form occurred in the late 18th century. Dobřichovice castle is still owned by the Order of Crusaders of the Red Star and is used for cultural events.
• There are a number of excellent options for refreshments in Dobřichovice town including the excellent Panská Zahrada restaurant (in the new hotel complex just west of the chateau) , the Italian delicatessen/wine bar La Fontana (which serves good coffee and sandwiches) and the attractive Café Černý Dorty (on the 5 května street).

Note: click ‘Show on map’ above to go to a full screen version directly on the mapy.cz site. This can be used for online navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file

Directions

• Starting at the Černošice train station, join the BLUE hiking trail heading towards Vonoklasy. The route heads up the hill along the road and then heads into the forest after 1 km
• After 2.2 km reach the U památného dubu junction and there turn left onto the YELLOW trail heading towards Krásná stráň
• Remain on the YELLOW trail for 2.8 km to reach the Krásná stráň – sedlo junction. There, join the GREEN trail which heads directly into Dobřichovice
• The GREEN trail leads through the town, past the chateau and across the river to reach the train station