Jáchymov, a former silver mining town, became notorious for its forced labor camps during the Communist era. A 10 km nature trail educates visitors about its rich history, ecology, and mining legacy.
Category: West Bohemia
Routes around the historic town of Ostrov, in the foothills of the Ore Mountains: 2 km to 12 km
The mining town of Ostrov has an important place in Czech history, its attractive Renaissance/Baroque core funded by Ore Mountain silver and then blighted by Communist era uranium processing.
*A visit to Valeč chateau and park, with an optional extension to Orlík viewpoint: 2 km – 10 km*
Valeč chateau/ park is one of the best kept secrets in west Bohemia. This remarkable Baroque complex is well worth a trip. Extend the walk to visit a volcanic rock viewpoint.
*A long circuit to the very best viewpoints and landmarks in and above Karlovy Vary: 23 km*
This walk attempts to capture all the best viewpoints (and cafés) in the hills ringing Karlovy Vary, in a single day trip! The route includes Goethe’s and Diana’s towers, Vítkův vrch and Linhart park.
*The Diana lookout and Svatý Linhart deer park trail above Karlovy Vary – 11 km*
This excellent walk first visits the famous Diana lookout tower above Karlovy Vary and then heads into the forest to visit the game reserve, returning via the spectacular Westend villa area.
A circular route to the Vítkův vrch viewpoint and restaurant from Karlovy Vary: 9 km (extendable)
The circular hike from Karlovy Vary to Vítkův vrch is a popular easy half day trip, with a great view at the top and a pleasant restaurant terrace to relax on after the climb.
*A circuit to the historic Goethe viewpoint and tower, above Karlovy Vary – 6 km*
The Goethe lookout tower is a great destination for a short hike uphill from Karlovy Vary. The tower has a fascinating (naming) history, super views and nice café. A perfect short trip!
*A circuit around the Mattoni spa area at Kyselka, near Karlovy Vary: 3 km to 10 km*
The historic spa of Kyselka is the home of the famous Mattoni mineral water. Tour the fascinating spa area (in different stages of renovation) and maybe climb up to Mattoni’s lookout tower.
A short walk to the Kapučín rocks from Ležky village, just off the road to Karlovy Vary: 3 km (extendable)
Kapučín rocks, near Ležky village is a great spot to stop for a picnic if weary of the traffic on the Prague to Karlovy Vary road. There is a super view from the top!
*An easy walk around the historic western Bohemian town of Cheb: 3 km*
Cheb, a historic town in western Bohemia with roots from the 9th century, offers picturesque medieval streets, notable structures like the Špalíček, and is easily explored in this short walk.
A tour around Klabava reservoir, via the Vršíček pilgrimage church, near Rokycany: 12 km
Historic Rokycany, in west Bohemia, is well worth a visit. Combine a trip with a tour around Klabava reservoir and a walk up to Vršíček church, which has an interesting story!
An easy walk from Rokycany to Plzeň, along the Pan-European cycle path: 20 km to 23 km
The Pan-European cycle path segment between Plzeň and Rokycany is not just for cyclists, but is a nice walk for hikers too! It connects two historic towns, well worth exploring…
A short walk around castle Seeberg/Ostroh near Františkovy Lázně: 3 km (extendable)
There are various ways to combine a visit to Seeberg (one of west Bohemia’s oldest castles) with an easy walk in pleasant countryside, including a number of education trails near the castle.
*Along the Berounka river to Krašov castle and the medieval church of St Peter & Paul: 6 km to 24 km*
Here are a few walking options to visit the Gothic 13th century Krašov castle ruins and the unique restored chapel of St. Paul & St Peter, both overlooking the beautiful Berounka river.
*A short visit to Nepomuk and Zelená Hora chateau in west Bohemia: 5 km to 10 km*
Combine a visit to historic Nepomuk with a tour of storied Zelená Hora chateau. Take an easy walk in the surroundings and visit one of a number of good eating establishments!
A short walk around the remarkable Žinkovy chateau in west Bohemia: 2 km – 5 km
For those who enjoy the fairy-tale style of neo-Renaissance architecture Žinkovy is a ‘must see’ chateau. It is currently for sale, so take the chance before it becomes fully inaccessible…
*An easy, nicely varied walk from historic Planá to the Chodovar brewery: 6 km to 10 km*
The short walk from picturesque Planá to the Chodovar brewery is full of interest with a pilgrimage church, a scenic pond, an old Jewish cemetery and several excellent refreshment options!
A trip to see the Nebílovy chateau, including a loop around the village nature trail: 5 km
Nebílovy chateau was built in a High Baroque Viennese style at the beginning of the 18th century. Visit to see how the reconstruction is going combine the trip with an easy local nature trail.
A walk along the Bradava mill stream, starting in historic Spálené Poříčí: 6 km (extendable)
Spálené Poříčí is a small west Bohemian town, with an interesting history. Take a short walk along the attractive Bradava stream (continuing if desired into the nearby Brdy hills).
*Manětín to Nečtiny with an optional return along the Mlýnská stezka: 6 km to 13 km*
Visit the splendid Baroque chateau in Manětín, one of west Bohemia’s hidden gems, and combine the trip with an excellent walk in the forests of the Manětínská nature park.
*A varied circuit in the hills near the west Bohemian town of Přeštice: 20 km*
Přeštice boasts the largest Baroque church outside Prague and its attractive countryside make a trip highly worthwhile. There are some hidden ruins and rocky ridges to discover. Perfect walking terrain!
*A tour of the Horní Střela granite rock formations, with a start in Žihle: 8 km to 18 km*
The relatively unknown nature park of Horní Střela (some 70 km west of Prague) has some amazing granite rock formations, hidden in the attractive forest landscape.
Along the river Střela from Mladotice to the historic monastery town of Plasy: 9 km
Take the challenging riverside path from Mladotice to Plasy, where the impressive Baroque monastic complex monastery, redesigned by Santini, waits to be explored!
A circuit in the Slavkovský forest around the spa village of Lázně Kynžvart: 19 km to 21 km
This varied circuit in the upland Slavkovský forest area visits the famous 19th century Kynžvart chateau, an old castle ruin and an excellent peat bog nature trail at Kladská.
*An easy walk along the unique Kladská peat bog nature trail: 3 km*
There are several protected upland peat bogs in the Slavkovksý forest area. One of the most accessible is next to the historic Kladská hamlet where there is an excellent nature trail around a lovely pond to discover.
A walk around the English park at the historic Kynžvart chateau: 3 km
Kynžvart chateau, owned for over 300 years by the Metternich family is one of the finest neoclassicist buildings in Bohemia. Tour the chateau and its attractive English park area on this easy walk.
A circuit to the Kamýk rocks from the Gothic-Renaissance water castle of Švihov: 9 km
Švihov castle is one of most attractive moated fortresses in Bohemia. combine a visit to the castle with this easy walk into the hills, for some fine views and unusual rock formations.
The ‘Via Czechia’ trail system: with specific focus on the 1058 km ‘northern route’
The ‘Via Czechia’ is a series of six multiday long distance routes crossing different regions of the country. The northern trail – discussed here – is the longest and most challenging.
*The Šipín nature trail and Gutštejn castle ruins, near Konstantinovy Lázně: 8 km (extendable)*
The romantic Gothic ruins of Gutštejn castle are within easy reach of Konstantinovy Lázně and there is a linked nature trail along nearby ridges passing important Slavic sites.
A circuit around the Hradišťský vrch prehistoric site near Konstantinovy Lázně: 6 km (extendable)
The Hradišťský vrch nature trail starts close to the Konstantinovy Lázně spa area. It is a nice walk on an elevated forested plateau, following the rampart of a large Bronze Age hillfort.
A circular tour around Křížový vrch (487 m) starting at Chotěšov Monastery: 15 km
On a tour of west Bohemia, stop at the impressive 13th century monastery in Chotěšov and then perhaps explore the nearby countryside with a traverse of the hill, Křížový vrch.
*A walk around the Söos nature reserve, with an extension to Vildštejn Castle: 2 km to 11 km*
Söos is a unique peat and mineral bog located close to Františkovy Lázně, well known for its bubbling ‘mud volcanos’. Visit the reserve and then extend the trip to see the 12th century Vildštejn fortress.
A circular walk from Konstantinovy Lázně to Krasíkov/Švamberk castle : 18 km
Konstantinovy Lázně is a pretty spa village, located 40 km northwest of Plzeň. Various walks are possible in the attractive countryside, including this trip to a romantic Gothic castle ruin.
A circuit around the unique Baroque landscape of Kladruby monastery: 8 km
Kladruby is the site of one of Santini’s most famous works, the reconstructed Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Tour the Baroque landscape around the monastery on this easy circuit.
Circuits around the Hracholusky reservoir starting in the silver-mining town of Stříbro: 6 km to 20 km
A visit to the atrractive historic mining town Stříbro in west Bohemia is highly recommended. Extend the town visit with a walk around the scenic Hracholusky reservoir.
An easy walk along the educational trail in the historic monastery town of Plasy: 5 km
Plasy monastery, redesigned by the incomparable Santini, is one of Bohemia’s most extraordinary Baroque complexes. Tour the complex and nearby Střela river landscape on the short nature trail.
An ‘out of season’ visit to Manětín and the Chlumská hora (651m) viewpoint: 9 km
The Baroque chateau in Manětín is one of western Bohemia’s most popular attractions. It is still worth visiting out of season, when the chateau is closed, for a quiet walk in the nearby hills.
Scenic walks along the Berounka and Střela rivers from Liblín: 6 km to 16 km
There are some nice walks above the Berounka river in the north Plzeň district. Try the excellent short trip from the village of Libín to the ruins of Libštejn castle and the spectacular Havel’s Rock viewpoint.
A visit to the Santini masterpiece at Mariánský Týnec and former monastery lands: 10 km
The monastery at Mariánský Týnec is a relatively unknown Baroque gem: one of the most interesting sites in west Bohemia. Visit one of Santini’s best works and walk around the former monastery lands.
Walks from Rabštejn to Manětín in the Horní Střela nature park: 15 km to 25 km
This is a picturesque walk through the forests of Horní Střela park, mostly following riverside footpaths, either stopping at Manětín, or taking a circular route back to historic Rabštejn.
*The ‘path of legends’ – a circular tour from Žlutice around the remarkable Vladař hillfort: 16 km*
The prominent volcanic hill of Vladař (693m) is a notable western Bohemian landmark. It is also the location of a large Celtic fortress and also the site of one of Jan Žižka’s famous battles…
*A circuit to the Diana lookout tower and viewpoints in the hills above Karlovy Vary – 6 km*
Probably the most famous viewpoint at the UNESCO listed spa of Karlovy Vary is from the Diana lookout tower. Take the long route up and down to enjoy multiple views of this elegant resort town.
*A tour of Rabštejn nad Střelou and the granite boulder fields of Horní Střela nature park: 15 km*
This is a very varied circular route including the medieval town of Rabštejn, the meandering Střela river and the remarkable granite boulder fields located in the forests of Horní Střela.
A short walk around Rabí castle, the largest medieval fortress in Bohemia: 2 km
Rabí probably gets less attention than other more famous Bohemian medieval castles but it is no less interesting. If touring the Šumava region stop by for a walk around its formidable walls.
Andělská Hora and the viewpoint at Šemnická skála, a 9 km trip near to Karlovy Vary
Andělská Hora castle is a prominent landmark for those approaching Karlovy Vary by road. Visit the extensive ruins and then scale the nearby volcanic rocks on Šemnická skála for some super views.
Along the river Ohře from Karlovy Vary to Loket – 11 km to 16 km
Take the easy trail from Karlovy Vary to the spectacular medieval town of Loket, following the river Ohře, which is scenically lined with cliffs, cool forests and dotted with granite boulders.
An easy walk along the river Ohře from Doubí (Karlovy Vary) to the Svatoš rocks – 7 km
The towering Svatošské skály are a highlight of a trip along the scenic Ohře river near Karlovy Vary. Take the easy route along a quiet side road to visit these majestic granite pillars.
A tour around the ‘Key to the Kingdom of Bohemia’: the royal town of Loket – 3 km
The medieval castle and surrounding small town of Loket are majestically situated on a rock outcrop above the river Ohře. Explore the old town and viewpoints above the river, on this scenic short walk.
Exploring the Slavkovský forest north of Mariánské Lázně: 16 km
If visiting the famous spa town of Mariánské Lázně, spend a little time exploring the surrounding forest, which is dotted with bubbling springs and forgotten medieval village sites.
A walk around Bor, a unique West Bohemian castle, chateau and park area: 3 km
The 13th century castle at Bor, situated 50 km west of Plzeň, is worth visiting for its remarkably long and varied architectural history. There is also a nice park area to walk around.
Discovering the different mineral springs around the center of Mariánské Lázně: 8 km
Walk around the central spa areas of UNESCO listed Mariánské Lázně, for the chance to taste the famous waters from different springs dotted around the valley and view the grand Classicist architecture.
Walks in the countryside around Planá and along the river Mže towards Stříbro : 13 km to 40 km
The attractive town of Planá in west Bohemia is a good starting point for walks of many lengths along the picturesque Mže river, as it makes its way eastwards towards Plzeň.
Walks around the meadows of Wolf mountain (704m) starting in Černošín: 9 km to 18 km
The meadows around Vlčí hora (Wolf mountain) are particular beautiful in early summer. Visit the romantic ruins of Volfštejn castle on the ascent and then circle back along the scenic Mže river.
Tours in the hilly countryside near Švihov castle: 12 km to 20 km
Combine a visit to the picturesque moated castle of Švihov with a tour in the surrounding hills, passing a number of other historic fortress sites hidden away in the attractive countryside.
An easy (2 km) walk around the late Gothic water castle of Švihov
The castle of Švihov (home of Cinderella – Popelka – in the Czech fairytale) is one of the most picturesque ‘water castles’ in Bohemia. Take a short walk around the ingenious canal system that fills the moats.
*A walk around Stříbro, historic west Bohemian silver mining town on the river Mže: 4 km to 6 km*
Stříbro has a long history of silver mining, some outstanding Renaissance buildings and is situated on a picturesque stretch of the river Mže. This short and varied walk is highly recommended.
A visit to Krkavec, the highest point in the north Plzeň forests: 10 km
Krkavec hill (504m) is a popular destination for Plzeň based walkers and cyclists. The surrounding pine forests are attractive and on the summit is a stone lookout tower with excellent panoramic views.
Two picturesque nature trails above the meandering Berounka, close to Plzeň: 20 km
Among the many scenic paths along the Berounka are two exceptional nature trails starting near Plzeň, which follow the river as it twists and turns, along high terraces through picturesque forests.
Sigmond’s nature trail around the Bolevec ponds and forests in north Plzeň: 6 km to 8 km
Just to the north of Plzeň is a surprisingly extensive and attractive pine forest area, with hidden attractions including swimming ponds, sandstone caves and historical relics.
A short visit to the historic Plzeň city center from the Pilsner Urquell brewery: 2 km
The city of Plzeň is certainly worth a visit, not just for its famous breweries, but also for some exceptional architecture in the historical center of the old town, which dates back to the 13th century.
*A surprisingly varied walk in the hills of the Berounka nature park near Radnice – 19 km*
This unusually varied and scenic hike in the hills above the Berounka river near Radnice offers excellent viewpoints in an ancient landscape and even a modern interpretation of a stone circle.
*Radyně, Starý Plzenec and Kozel – a grand tour in a unique historical landscape: 20 km*
This super walk explores some of the most important historical locations in Bohemia; the ancient fortified hills near Starý Plzenec, with their prehistoric, Slavic, Medieval and Classicist monuments.
Kozel and the archaeological sites in the Kornatický potok nature reserve – 12 km to 19 km
Explore the sites of vanished medieval villages, ancient burial mounds and a rock outcrop occupied for over 7000 years, on this evocative forest walk starting at the unique hunting chateau of Kozel.
*The unique hunting chateau of Kozel and its park area – a 4 km walk*
The picturesque18th century classicist chateau of Kozel is definitely worth a visit (even when closed in winter). The extensive English park and forest areas have many easy paths for a lovely short walk.
Along the Klabava river valley in the Trhoň nature reserve starting in historic Dobřív – 8 km
An easy walk along the tranquil Klabava river valley, which bisects the Brdy range and the Trhoň nature reserve. The walk starts in picturesque Dobřív, with its famous hammer mill.
Radyně castle and the Andrejšky rocks, a 7 km (extendable) route from Starý Plzenec
An excellent short but challenging hike through the unusual rock formations on Radyně hill from the historical village of Starý Plzenec to reach the impressive medieval fortress built by Charles IV.
The early medieval Přemyslid educational trail around Starý Plzenec – 4 km
Starý Plzenec, located 6 km southeast of Plzeň, was in medieval times the most important location in western Bohemia. Take the scenic educational trail around the Hůrka hill to discover more.
Walks to the viewing tower on Kotel hill near Rokycany: 4 km to 12 km
For a fine view of the countryside near the Plzeň region town of Rokycany, take the easy paths to the summit of Kotel hill (575m) and climb the spiral staircase up the new viewing tower.
*A short historical walk near the village of Březina in the western Křivoklátsko hills – 5 km*
This scenic short walk in the Křivoklátsko forests passes an Empire style mansion, a pretty chapel and a medieval castle ruin on the route to one of the earliest Slavic hillforts in Western Bohemia.
From Holoubkov to Rokycany through the beautiful Trhoň nature reserve – a 15 km walk
Traverse the beautiful and quiet mixed forests and rocky peaks of the Trhoň nature reserve, starting and finishing at two mainline train stations on the Prague-Plzeň line.
*Walks around Žďár (629m) – the dominant peak in the Trhoň nature reserve: 5 km to 12 km*
The beautiful mixed forests of the Trhoň nature reserve, near Rokycany are little known, except by mushroom hunters. Take a walk around the peak of Žďár to discover the magic of these forests.
Walks around Přimda, the oldest stone castle in Bohemia: 3 km to 8 km
A short walk from the village of Přimda leads to the unique 12th century ruins built on a prominent hill close to the D5 highway near Rozvadov. The walk may be extended into the forested nature reserve.
A tour of the varied landscape of Český les from Lesná village: 7 km to 11 km
Český les is surprisingly varied. It is not just dark pine forests. Try this varied walk from Lesná to experience the variety of forest, meadow and pond landscape on offer in this region.
A short exploration of the Český les landscape near the Baroque chateau of Diana – 7km
The Kolowrat trail in the Český les protected nature area passes through the old village of Diana, with its Baroque hunting chateau and attractive forest and water meadow areas.