Tips for nearby trips
Velíz Hill near Kublov
Velíz Hill is located not far from the village of Kublov. Many interesting things can be found here. There is a spring water which has the same temperature in winter and summer. Velíz itself is a sacred place of the Slavic god Veles - the god of agriculture, wealth, protector of cattle. He was assigned to the underworld, which was depicted as a meadow where human souls graze. At the very top of the hill is a symbolic statue of the god. You can expect a beautiful walk to the top and on the top itself with a wonderful atmosphere and views of the surrounding area.
Skryjská (Hidden) lakes
The Hidden lakes are one of the pride of the Křivoklátska region. The most beautiful is a pleasant walk from the village of Skryje, which, by the way, is famous for its fossil sites, especially trilobites, where you can also find a museum. It is not that hard to find a trilobite fossil on the stones around the village. On the way to the lakes themselves, you will be enchanted by the beautiful landscape. The lakes fall under the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area, situated on the Zbirožský brook, and it is a popular place of peace and rest.
Křivoklát Castle
A majestic castle that was built in the 12th century. Charles IV spent his adulthood and childhood here. The castle is registered as a national cultural monument. A tour of the castle will certainly interest every fan of history, which is very rich here. The castle has also become a frequently visited place for filmmakers. Films such as The Three Veterans, The Third Prince, How the Princesses Wake Up, Angel of the Lord and Honza the Little King were filmed here. Of course, the walks around the area, which are marked by hiking signs, are perfect for relaxation with beautiful views of this castle.
Týřov Ruins
Týřov is a ruin of a castle in the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area, which is associated with many legends. The road to the ruin leads from the village of Skryje with beautiful views of the Berounka River. The path along the river, which is called the Monkey Trail, will surely attract everyone. The climb up to the ruins will be felt even by an experienced hiker, but the amazing view at the top is fascinating. At the top you will find the ruins of Týřov Castle with an interesting, though not always happy, past and a view of the surrounding Křivoklát forests, the Berounka River and the surrounding hills. Týřov was in its time the largest fortress in our territory.
Velká Buková Viewing Tower
A pleasant stop in the Křivoklát region is certainly the Velká Buková viewing tower. You can find a parking lot just below the tower. The viewing tower is 15 metres high and there are 72 steps leading to the top. At the top of the tower you can see the national nature reserve Týřov and Velká Pleš.
Vraní Skála (Rock)
Vrani Rock is situated in the forest above the village of Svatá. The walk to the rock leads through a beautiful forest along hiking trails. There is a fireplace and seating area under the rock. The climb to the rock itself is very adventurous. You walk directly on the rock while holding the railing. Vrani Rock is renowned as one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the area. At the top you can really see everything. The view of the town of Beroun, the Čertovy schody, the Točník Castle, the forests of Křivoklát, Hořovicko. If you are returning towards Králův dvůr, you will pass through the village of Svatá in the direction of Trubín. Stop the car just after you go down the hill from Svatá. There is a magical hill which, when you put the car in neutral, will pull you up the road.
Alkazar
A beautiful walk between Beroun and Serbia along the Berounka River. On this path you will come across rock-lined patterns where the Alkazar limestone quarry is located. Inside the rocks, you can enter caves where abundant numbers of bats of various species reside. You can visit these caves at any hour without an entrance fee. Be sure to prepare a torch in advance, the paths through the former quarry are 600 metres long. This unique limestone is a very visited place, mainly because it is a famous cycle path, so ideal for pedestrians, rollerbladers, cyclists, strollers.
Karlštejn Castle
Karlstejn is a royal castle built in 1348 by the Emperor and King Charles IV. It was built as a place to store royal treasures, especially collections of holy relics and imperial crown jewels. It is situated on a limestone rock, where it protrudes above the Berounka River. This majestic castle offers several sightseeing tours, which are certainly worth exploring, everyone will surely choose from a wide range of options. The path to the castle leads through a picturesque alley with several souvenir shops. Near the castle there are several viewpoints of this jewel of the Bohemian beauty.
Velká a Malá Amerika (Big and Little America)
Big and Little America are flooded limestone quarries. You are only allowed inside the shafts and tunnels on open days, but the view and walk around these quarries is spectacular. The sight of a huge limestone quarry with turquoise clear water is unique. There is a legend of a forgotten Nazi soldier from World War II, Hans Hagen, who stayed here and still kidnaps people into the bowels of the shafts. There have been a few known cases of people who never returned after visiting the shafts of the Great America Quarry.
Views of the Berounka River
There are many beautiful sightseeing spots around the Berounka River, from which you can see how the river winds through our region. Ota Pavel wrote his books about this river and spent a lot of time on it. The famous ferry and Uncle Prošek's cottage can still be seen. The views of this river are especially beautiful.
The viewpoint at the cross - Korno
The viewpoint Na Plazu
The viewpoint Na Plasích
The Devil's Rock near Týřov
Srbsko
Tetínská vyhlídka
Kotýz, Axamit Gate, Jelinek Bridge
Kotýz is located in the Bohemian Karst Protected Landscape Area. It is famous for its findings from the Bronze Age. According to legend, it is named after the goddess Kotos. When climbing from the west side you will come across the Axamit Gate. It is a rock formation resembling a gate.
At the top of Kotýz, near one side of the edge, is the Jelinek Bridge. It is a natural bridge over a fissure 9 metres deep. The niches of the rocks of Kotýz are called Elephant Heads. The path to the top from Havlíčkův mlýn will surely excite every sportsman and experienced hiker.
Koukol Mountain
Koukol Mountain is a sacred place near Zdice. The path from the small car park at the five-way crossroads is not long. There is a cave 65 metres long under the peak. The iconic chapel was built on the top by the rector of Charles University Antonín Karel Mudroch. On the top you can take a look around the surroundings, you can also find seating area here.
Plešivec Mountain
Plešivec with its Devil's Pulpit is a beautiful place with a view of the surrounding countryside. When climbing to the top, don't forget to stop at Viklan. Viklan is a huge boulder formed by weathering. On the south side of Plešivec you can find the small Emerald Lake. The peak itself will surely captivate you, especially the view of the region. Plešivec was the site of one of the largest hillforts from the Late Bronze Age. The site is associated with the mythical figure Fabian. Fabian is actually a spirit, the lord of Brda and its protector.
Tetín
The place and the name are associated with the legends of Krok's daughter Teta, but the fortress, perhaps more likely a manor, was built for Princess Ludmilla, whose body was buried here according to legend. It is a very magical place. Václav Hájek of Libočany, who wrote the Czech Chronicle, lived here. A three-day pilgrimage to St. Ludmilla is held here. Behind the cemetery you will find the remains of the fortress and above all a beautiful view of the town of Beroun and the Berounka River.
Koněprus Caves
The Koněprus Caves are the longest cave system in Bohemia. Their length exceeds 2 kilometres. The caves are an important archaeological and paleontological site. They were formed in the Devonian limestone up to 410 million years old. Tours are guided by guides. November - March the caves are closed. Photography is allowed for personal use and without flash. Be sure to take a walk around the surroundings of the Koněprus Caves. You will find views of the landscape, and other limestone quarries. The new House of Nature of the Bohemian Karst is open here.
St. Jan under the Rock
St. Jan under the Rock is a small village near Beroun. When you arrive in the village, you will see a protruding rock. This dominant feature of a massive limestone formation is a special place. Approximately halfway to the viewpoint at the cross on the top of the rock is the Baroque Chapel of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross from 1714. On top of the rock there is a cross where there used to be a hillfort. In the village itself there is the Church of the Nativity of St. Jan the Baptist with the Cave of St. Ivan. The cave is decorated with original stalactite decorations. Next to the church there is a spring of healing water. The spring of St. Ivan.
Točník and Žebrák Castle
Točník Castle, which is a state castle, was built as a small hunting lodge. Only after the lower Žebrák castle burned down, after 1395, a majestic castle was built by Wenceslas IV. The castle was never conquered from the outside, but unfortunately from the inside by local people who were hiding from the Swedes during the Thirty Years' War. The castle attracts visitors for its wonderful walks, views and above all historical tours. Two bears have been placed in enclosures under the bridge that leads to the castle. Originally they were always at the castle, but then they were moved and now after a few years this tradition has returned to the castle. The state castle Žebrák is already a ruin, unlike Točník. Žebrák Castle was originally built as a guard castle on the roads to Křivoklát and Zbiroh. King Charles IV despised this castle because his first-born son Václav died here. After the castle burned down and he resigned to repair it, it is now in ruins. However, the view from the tower to the surroundings and to the opposite castle Točník is beautiful. The walls of the ruins are a reminder of the castle's not so happy history.
