Plzeňsko and Český les

Mention Pilsen, and most people will immediately think of the city’s famous ale and imagine lazy days spent in cosy pubs over a pint or two. No one can be blamed for making these associations, but it would be a shame to overlook the area’s other attractions. The Pilsen region also includes the western reaches of the Brdy Hills, the northern edge of the Šumava, the distinctive Chodsko area and the tranquil North Pilsen District, which for centuries has been farmed and developed by Cistercian monks from Plasy.

Not many people can claim to really know the slopes and peaks of the Bohemian Forest, a huge but very picturesque border area unspoilt by industry and with many kilometres of marked cycling and hiking trails. The Pilsen District is also about majestic monasteries and pilgrimage sites, castles, chateaux, industrial heritage and famed rivers such as the Berounka,a Mecca for canoeists. At the rare water-powered smithy in Dobřív you can, with a bit of skill, gain a smith’s certificate and at Pilsen’s Techmania Science Centre you canlearn the secrets behind some of the mysteries of physics.

Pilsen – The fourth largest city in the Czech Republic. The tower belonging to the Cathedral of St Bartholomew on Republiky Square is the tallest in the country (102m). Other noteworthy sights include the Great Synagogue, Pilsener Urquell Brewery including the Na Spilce beer hall, the Brewery Museum, the Techmania Science Centre, the Puppet Museum, the city’s historical underground passageways, the zoo and the Dinopark.

Rotunda of SS Peter and Paul in Starý Plzenec – This Romanesque rotunda dating from the late 10th century is the oldest surviving architectural site in the country. It stands on the site of a former royal fortress.

Former Benedictine Monastery in Kladruby – This monastery was founded in 1115 but in the early 18th century the complex was rebuilt in the Gothic Baroque style by the architect Jan Blažej Santini. The tour includes the Church of the Ascension, an exhibition of statues by Baroque sculptor Braun and another on John of Nepomuk.

Castles and chateaux – These are popular tourist destinations which you shouldn’t miss. For instance, why not head out to the Renaissance castle at Horšovský Týn, the chateaux at Zbiroh, Kozel, Manětín, Nebílovy and Poběžovice or the castle at Radyně. Nor should we forget the Chodský Castle in Domažlice or the Romanesque ruins of Přimda Castle.

Konstantinovy Lázně – This spa town is the smallest and most peaceful of the West Bohemian spas. The mineral-rich water here is drawn from a depth of 40m and has the highest levels of carbon dioxide of all the Czech Republic’s mineral waters.

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