*Hořovice and its beautiful chateau, on the edge of the Brdy highlands: 4 km to 9 km*
- The central Bohemian town of Hořovice lies just north of the Brdy highland area in the Beroun district. Hořovice has a history dating back as far as the 10th century, but its main attraction for visitors today, is its magnificent 18th century chateau and park area. The park is freely accessible year-round, while the interesting chateau interior can be visited on guided tours (usually from April to end of October).
- The English-style park area is not large but is well maintained with some nice mature trees. At the far end of park is a lovely 18th century iron gate from the workshop of the famous architect and sculptor, Matthias Bernard Braun. There is also an excellent Bistro-café in the chateau, with an outside seating area, that is definitely worth visiting.
- If travelling by train, the station is 1 km from the center of town, but for drivers there are various paid parking areas close to the center. On the main square is a fine Baroque church and intriguing neo-Renaissance town hall. If planning on just visiting the chateau and park, this is a 4 km round trip from the station.
- For a longer walk, after visiting the chateau area, consider heading along the tree-lined avenue past the hospital towards the village of Kotopeky. On the edge of the village, in the middle of small pond, is the island home of the Baroque Chapel of Saint John of Nepomuk. There is some evidence that the site was a small, moated fortress in the Middle Ages.
- The route can be managed with a stroller and there is less than 100m of height to ascend-descend over the 9 km. There are a number of other refreshment options in town, if the excellent café-bistro in the chateau is closed. A good place to try for modern Czech food is the Na Krétě restaurant (a recommendation from Lukáš Hejlík). See map point 8.
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Directions
- Starting at the Hořovice train station, follow the BLUE trail for 1 km to reach the main square, where the Baroque church and town hall are located
- From there, join the GREEN trail which leads to the chateau area in 900m. Visit the park area
- If wanting to extend the walk, continue on the GREEN trail on the outside of the walled chateau park, past the modern hospital and along a tree-lined avenue for 1.5 km
- Just after entering the forested area, turn left to follow an unmarked footpath on the edge of the forest. This leads to the (signposted) Chapel of Saint John of Nepomuk
- From the chapel, follow the side roads for 300m (best followed using the mapy.cz application) for 300m to reach the main road
- Cross the main road and turn left onto the cycle path. This leads back to Hořovice after 2.4 km, where the BLUE trail is rejoined leading back to the train station
