*The Zlatý kůň limestone nature trail next to the Koněprusy caves – a 3 km walk*

• If visiting the famous Koněprusy caves located in the hills above Beroun, leave some time to explore the old limestone quarry area directly next to the caves system. The marked 3.5 km Zlatý kůň nature trail loops around the undulating terrain offering interesting views, especially the 360 degree panorama from Zlatý kůň hill (475m), and an exciting walk through the 100m tunnel to exit or enter the Na Kobyle quarry.
• Parking is just below the Koněprusy caves and a guided tour of the caves, which are the largest with public access in Bohemia, lasts approximately one hour (note: the caves are only open April to October and during weekdays in November).
• Although it is a relatively short walk, the route has couple of a couple of relatively steep sections, with around 120m of height to climb/ascend. The route shown on the map follows the official order of the eleven numbered information boards on the trail. However, if conditions are icy the trail is best done in reverse as this allows the steepest sections to be taken in ascent. Note, when last walked (January 2022), a number of the trail markers in the section of the route near Na Kobyle quarry were missing. It is strongly advised to follow the route on the mapy.cz application.
• Refreshments should be available in the Trilobit café, which is part of the new visitor centre. If wanting a longer walk starting from the caves, add the 5 km ‘there and back’ walk to the important prehistoric sites near Kotýz hillfort. This walk also starts from the Koněprusy caves parking.

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

Directions

• Start at the large parking area just below the Koněprusy cave area. The car park is easily reached by a short drive from Beroun
• If visiting the caves, walk up the road for 400m to reach the ticket office. The cave entrance is located 150m from the ticket office
• After touring the caves return to the ticket office and there join the Zlatý kůň trail (green-white diagonal nature trail markings) wheich heads left on the good path and leads up to the Zlatý kůň hilltop with its super panorama
• Continue on the trail as it descends from the hill, quite steeply, into Houbův quarry, with views up to the Koněprusy cave entrance
• From there the trail returns to caves’ access road. Cross the road and begin the second loop into the Na Kobyle quarry (note there is a relatively steep section down into the quarry which can get very slippery in winter – which is why the route is best done in reverse at this time of year)
• The enclosed quarry is exited through a 100m tunnel bored through the limestone rock in the last century
• The route returns to the parking area on easy paths