A secret path along the Ohře river from Libochovice – a 13 km roundtrip

The river Ohře flows for 316 km from its source in Germany before it joins the Labe at Litoměřice in central Bohemia. It was an important river in prehistoric times with many settlements founded along its fertile banks. The Ohře was navigable for much of its length in Bohemia and must have been as important a trade and transport route in ancient times, as it became in the historical period. Several royal towns and cities were established on the river during the Medieval period, including Karlovy Vary, Žatec, Louny and Libochovice.
The Ohřě is a very scenic river and there are many marked trails that follow its course, particularly in western Bohemia. Curiously, there are fewer sections with marked hiking trails directly beside the river in central Bohemia. Footpaths do exist alongside the river in its latter stages, but most are not part of the marked trail network.
One attractive section of riverside path that (surprisingly) does not qualify for a trail mark, runs westwards from the ancient royal town of Libochovice for 6 km to the village of Křesín. A nicely varied circular walk can therefore be created by taking the riverside path from Libochovice to Křesín and returning via the cycle route that follows the low forested ridge that runs parallel to the river on its south side.
The return route passes the 15th century Gothic church of St. Wenceslas and then the prehistoric fortification of Hradiště Levousy. This relatively large (12 ha) and potentially important regional site overlooking the Ohře river, was occupied in all prehistoric periods from the Neolithic onwards until the Slavic period. The remnants of the rampart walks are visible from the trail.
The total route is 12.8 km long, with only 60m of height gained/lost on the journey. The path along the river passes along the edge of various fields, which might have crops at certain times of year. This might make the route challenging at certain times (but when last walked in August there were no difficulties finding a way through). This is a good winter walk, as the riverside path and the return journey through the forest have more open views without tree foliage. There is a small beach area in the park just at the start of the riverside path, for those brave enough to want to have a dip in the cool river.
There are other walks starting in Libochovice (including a short walk around the lovely park surrounding the Baroque chateau) which can be connected together to form a longer itinerary – search the walks using the Libochovice location for a full list.
There are various refreshment options in Libochovice, with several restaurants on the main street. However, try the newly opened Italian style Café Della Porta, which serves excellent coffee and homemade cakes (located just next to entrance to the chateau). The name is taken from the 17th century Italian architect responsible for the Baroque design of chateau.

Note: click ‘Show on Mapy.com’ to go to a full screen version of the route directly on the mapy.com site. This can be used for on line navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file.

Directions

Start the walk in Libochovice town center (Libochovice is on the regional train line between the main line stations of Louny and Litoměřice. There are also regular bus connections to Louny for the bus station. For drivers there are parking places along the main street, and close to the bridge)
From the main square (or entrance to the chateau) follow the BLUE hiking trail in the direction of Libochovice most (bridge)
Just before the bridge, drop down to the park area on the right side and join the footpath directly beside the the river and head westwards (after 100m there is a small beach area)
Follow the riverside path for 5.3 km, passing various sections of cottages and field areas until reaching the Gothic (15th century) church of St. Wenceslas, on the edge of the village of Křesín
Cross the road bridge next to the church and turn left to follow the track on the opposite side of the river, heading back towards Libochovice (initially in a southerly direction)
After passing through a small residential section, the track passes the prehistoric fortification after 900m and then joins a cycle path
Turn left onto the cycle path (heading eastwards) a nd follow this for 4.8 km until reaching the village of Poplze
In Poplze, turn left onto the BLUE hiking trail and return to Libochovice center after 1.2 km