Beroun Travel Guide (Central Bohemia/Czech Republic/Central Europe/Europe)

Beroun is a charming town located in the Central Bohemia region of Czech Republic. It is a perfect destination for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in natural beauty, history, and culture. In this comprehensive travel guide, we have compiled a list of the best places to visit in Beroun along with essential information to help you plan your trip.

Introduction to Beroun

Beroun is a town with a rich history that dates back to the 12th century. The town is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, beautiful landscapes, and cultural landmarks. It is also a gateway to the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area and Český Kras Natural Park, which offer numerous opportunities for outdoor adventures.

List of Places to Visit in Beroun

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Beroun Museum – A museum housing an extensive collection of local artifacts, including ancient tools, documents, and photographs.
St. James Church – A stunning Gothic church built in the 14th century, with beautiful paintings and frescoes decorating the interior.
Royal Palace – An imposing building constructed in the Gothic style, which served as a royal residence during the medieval period.
Pilsen Gate – A 15th-century gate and a significant part of the town’s fortifications during the medieval period.
Sternberk Castle – A beautiful castle located on a hill overlooking the town, dating back to the 13th century.

Natural Attractions of Beroun: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area – A vast area of forests, meadows, and rolling hills, with plenty of hiking and cycling trails.
Český Kras Natural Park – A natural park known for its rare geological formations, such as caves, gorges, and sinkholes.
Berounka River – A beautiful river that flows through the town, offering opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
Krivoklat Castle – A magnificent castle located in the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area, surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills.
Karlštejn Castle – A Gothic castle located on a hill overlooking the Berounka River, built in the 14th century and housing a collection of medieval artifacts.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Beroun

Beroun offers many hiking and biking trails for nature enthusiasts. Some of the most popular routes include:

Beroun-Valley Nature Trail – A 7-km trail that begins in Beroun and leads through forests, meadows, and along the Berounka River.
Křivoklátsko Trail – A 50 km-long trail that passes through the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area, offering stunning views of forests, hills, and meadows.
Bohemian Karst Trail – A 120 km-long trail, which passes through Český Kras Natural Park, and showcases the area’s unique geological formations, such as caves and gorges.

Best Things to Do in Beroun: Activities and Tours

Wine Tasting Tour – Explore the region’s wine culture with a guided tour of local vineyards and wineries, where you can sample some of the best wines.
Kayaking Trip – Take a kayaking trip down the Berounka River, and see the town from a different perspective.
Culinary Tour – Join a guided tour of Beroun’s food and drink scene, with stops at local restaurants, cafes, and bars, where you can sample some of the region’s specialties.
Hot Air Balloon Ride – Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Beroun and its surrounding countryside with a hot air balloon ride.
Guided Tour of Royal Palace – Take a guided tour of the Royal Palace, and learn about its history and significance in the medieval period.

Week-Long Itinerary for Beroun

Day 1: Arrive in Beroun, take a stroll through the historic center of the town, and visit the St. James Church and Pilsen Gate.

Day 2: Visit the Beroun Museum, Karlštejn Castle, and explore the trails of the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area.

Day 3: Take a wine tasting tour, visit Sternberg Castle, and enjoy the scenic views of the Berounka River.

Day 4: Explore Český Kras Natural Park, visit Krivoklat Castle, and hike through the beautiful trails of the park.

Day 5: Take a kayaking trip down the Berounka River and enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Day 6: Take a hot air balloon ride and enjoy a bird’s eye view of Beroun and its surroundings.

Day 7: Relax and enjoy the town’s food and drink scene, with stops at local restaurants and cafes, and souvenir shopping at local markets.

Food and Drink Scene of Beroun

Must-Try Dishes

Svíčková – A Czech national dish made of beef sirloin in a creamy vegetable sauce, served with dumplings and cranberries.
Kulajda – A traditional Czech soup made with mushrooms, dill, and potatoes.

Local Beverages

Pilsner Urquell – A light lager beer, which originated in the town of Pilsen and is one of the most popular beers in the world.
Berounka River Wines – A variety of locally produced wines, which are known for their unique taste and aroma.

Where to Stay in Beroun: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Beroun offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Whether you prefer luxury hotels or budget-friendly hostels, you can find the perfect accommodation for your needs. Some popular options include:

Hotel Maximilian – A luxury hotel located in the heart of the town, offering comfortable rooms and excellent amenities.
Penzion Na Vidouli – A cozy guesthouse, with friendly staff and comfortable rooms.
Hostel Maják – A budget-friendly hostel, offering clean rooms and a friendly atmosphere.

What to Buy in Beroun: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Wooden Toys – Beroun is known for its traditional wooden toys, such as puzzles, trains, and animals, which make great souvenirs.
Berounka River Wines – Take home a bottle of locally produced wine, which is known for its unique taste and aroma.
Bohemian Crystal – The region is known for its high-quality crystal glass, which you can find in many local shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Beroun

The people of Beroun are proud of their culture and traditions, which are deeply rooted in the town’s history. Some of the customs and traditions include:

Wine Culture – Beroun has a long tradition of winemaking, and its vineyards produce some of the finest wines in the region.
Folklore – The town is known for its traditional songs and dances, which are performed during festivals and celebrations.
Traditional Crafts – Beroun has a rich tradition of traditional crafts, including wooden toys, pottery, and embroidery.

Best Time to Visit Beroun

The best time to visit Beroun is from May to September, when the weather is pleasant, and outdoor activities are in full swing. The peak season is in July and August, so be prepared for crowds and higher prices. Winter is also a great time to visit, especially during the Christmas markets.

Do’s and Don’ts of Beroun

Do:

Take a walking tour of the historic center of the town.
Try the local wines and beers.
Visit the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area and Český Kras Natural Park.
Take a hot air balloon ride for a bird’s eye view of the town and its surroundings.
Shop for souvenirs at local markets.

Don’t:

Don’t litter or damage the natural environment.
Don’t disrespect local customs and traditions.
Don’t forget to tip in restaurants and cafes.

Safety and Health

Safety in Beroun

Beroun is a safe town, with low levels of crime. However, like in any other place, it is essential to take precautions to ensure your safety, such as keeping your belongings safe and avoiding dark and isolated areas at night.

Health in Beroun

Beroun has excellent healthcare facilities, with several hospitals and clinics in the town and nearby. It is recommended to have travel insurance before coming here.

Getting to Beroun: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Beroun

The nearest international airport to Beroun is the Václav Havel Airport Prague, which is located about 30 km away. You can get a cab, public or private transportation to reach the town.

Bus Stations Near Beroun

There are several bus stations in Beroun that connect the town with other cities and towns in the region. The most popular bus station is the Beroun Autobusová stanice, which is located in the center of the town.

Other Options

Train – Beroun has a train station that connects the town with other cities and towns in the region.
Private car – You can also rent a car to explore the town and the surrounding areas at your leisure.

How to Get Around in Beroun

Beroun is a small town, and many attractions are within walking distance. However, you can also use public transport such as buses to reach places on the outskirts of the town, and there are plenty of taxi services available in the town.

Where to Go Next from Beroun: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are many nearby destinations that you can explore from Beroun, such as:

Prague – The capital city of Czech Republic, known for its stunning architecture, historical landmarks, and vibrant nightlife.
Karlštejn – A picturesque town, known for its magnificent castle and beautiful landscapes.
Karlovy Vary – A famous spa town, known for its natural springs and traditional architecture.

Conclusion

Beroun is a town with a rich history, natural beauty, and cultural landmarks. It is a perfect destination for those looking for a relaxing vacation away from the city’s hustle and bustle. We hope that this comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your trip and explore the best places to visit in Beroun.