*Along the river Ohře from Klášterec nad Ohří to the brewery and castle ruins at Perštejn: 9 km*

• The historic town of Klášterec nad Ohří, situated on the banks of the river Ohře in northwest Bohemia, is full of interesting surprises and is well worth a visit. The settlement was probably founded in the 12th century, when a branch of the Benedictine monastery in Postoloprty was established on the riverbank. Today, the town is dominated by two fine Baroque churches and a neo-Gothic chateau with a large well-maintained English-style park area.
• In the 13th and 14th centuries, the town and trading route along the Ohře were protected by fortresses constructed on the surrounding volcanic hills by the lords of Šumburk. Two of the ruins of these medieval castles (Šumburk and Egerberk) can be accessed on easy circular walks from the town center.
• A third castle was constructed on a hill above today’s village of Perštejn, some 4 km upstream of Klášterec, probably in the middle of the 13th century. During the 15th century, the castle was besieged for six months by Hussite troops and subsequently burnt down. The extensive ruins, notable for the characteristic early Gothic round tower, are mostly hidden in the encroaching forest, but the short climb from the village below is still worthwhile.
• Although it is possible to catch a bus to (or drive and park in) Perštejn village, making this a short (2 km there and back) walk, the longer route starting in Klášterec nad Ohří is definitely worthwhile, as the walk along the river is very attractive. If desired the trip can be extended by taking the path up to Šumburk castle ruin – this adds around 4.5 km to the trip.
• The suggested route from the town centre starts by passing through the chateau park to reach the small spa area, established in the late 19th century when the Evženie spring was discovered. The original spring waters are slightly radioactive (!) but a second spring was established in 1990 and these waters are used today for treatments and bottling.
• The path up the castle ruin in the forest is moderately steep, but not difficult. The rest of the trip is on easy footpaths and asphalt roads. There is just over 200m of height to ascend (assuming the diversion to Šumpurk castle is not taken – this adds a further 200m of height to climb and descend). A nice way to conclude the trip is to visit the Chalupník brewery restaurant situated in Perštejn village, before catching the bus back to Klášterec.

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Directions

• Start at Klášterec chateau (reached by a short bus ride from the train or main bus station). There is a parking area below the chateau
• Walk through the chateau park following the signs to the spa area (Lázně Evženie), which is reached after 800m
• From the spa area, continue on the riverside path – the RED marked trail – for a further 2.9 km until reaching the Šumná junction
• The diversion to the Šumburk ruins (4.4 km total there and back) starts at the Šumná junction – following the YELLOW trail
• From Šumná continue on the RED trail for 2.2 km to reach the Lužný junction. Here, turn right onto the BLUE trail heading towards Perštejn
• After 1.5 km reach the village centre (where the bus stops). Continue on the BLUE trail through the village and then uphill, passing between two houses, toreach the ruins in 800m
• Follow the unmarked path though the ruins before rejoining the BLUE trail and continue back down the hill to the village
• The brewery-restraurant is 150m to the left after reaching the village street again