Czech Central Mountains and Žatec Area

If you want to make a grand entrance into the region, then choose as your entry point the picturesque stretch of the Elbe valley where the steep slopes of the České středohoří Mountains form an imaginary gateway to the plains of Bohemia. This is the Bohemian Gateway, aka Porta Bohemica, a short distance from Litoměřice where your enchanting trip into the Garden of Bohemia begins, a place where for centuries hops, fruit and vineyards have thrived.

The České středohoří Mountains, actually extinct volcanoes boasting a range of bizarre formations, cones and lava overhangs of clinkstone and basalt, gives visitors the impression they have been transported back to the creation of planet Earth. Milešovka (837m) the area’s highest mountain, is regarded as one of the windiest places in the country and things can get pretty stormy up there. If you are a fan of places of historical interest, beer, wine and colourful cultural events, head to Žatec, Kadaň and Louny, the biscopal town of Litoměřice, the Baroque fortress town of Terezín or some of the region’s castles a chateaux such as Krásný Dvůr, Libochovice or Ploskovice.

Litoměřice – This town sports a historical core, almost encircled by well-preserved Gothic defensive walls, and a bishop’s residence; it’s also the centre of a wine producing area. Other interesting attractions here include the town’s period cellars and a handmade paper workshop.

Žatec – This town where hops have been transformed into beer for 800 years has kept its impressive complex of brewery buildings, lanes and a square near the medieval town walls. You will also find the world’s largest hop museum, and the local brewery offers tours that end with a tasting session.

Terezín – This fortress town encircled with huge ramparts was used during WWII as a ghetto where Czech and central European Jews were interred. The Lesser Fortress served as a prison belonging to the Prague Gestapo. Several exhibitions trace the history of the town; other locations include the crematorium and the Jewish cemetery.

Ploskovice Chateau – Originally a Baroque summer residence, this was the private home of Emperor Ferdinand V, the last Austrian monarch to be crowned King of Bohemia. Paintings inside are the work of Josef Navrátil, a well known painter of the Romantic era.

Budyně nad Ohří – This Gothic moated castle dating from the late 13th century was given a neo-Classical makeover in the early 20th century. The late Gothic and Renaissance interiors, remarkable murals and an intriguing exhibition on alchemy are all open to the public.

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