Dobřichovice on the Berounka: Castle, Trails and Český kras

Dobřichovice combines the Berounka with culture, events and the landscape of Český kras. The town stretches along both banks of the river and lies on a main railway line with regular electric suburban train services to Prague. The river is not only a landscape feature, but also a setting for trails, water sports and fishing.

Berounka, cycling trails and paths across the river

The Berounka particularly clearly defines the character of Dobřichovice. A footbridge and cycling bridge crosses the river approximately 1 km downstream from Dobřichovice’s road bridge. On the left bank, a developed cycle path runs with rest areas and signposts. The section between the castle and the footbridge also serves as a promenade and an area for inline skaters.

Dobřichovice is also located on the popular Prague–Karlštejn tourist route. The Berounka is used by water sports enthusiasts and anglers. In addition, there is a campsite on the riverbank with refreshments and facilities for water sports enthusiasts during the summer season. The bridge approximately 1 km downstream and the signposts on the left bank provide specific points of orientation along the route. Rest areas complement the path, while the section between the castle and the footbridge describes another use of the riverbank as a promenade.

Natural landscape and viewpoints

The northern boundary of Dobřichovice and Karlík also forms the boundary of the Český kras Protected Landscape Area. In the broader landscape, limestone cliffs, light deciduous forests, steppes, flowering rocks and the canyon-like valley of the Berounka alternate. A prominent viewpoint is the Hvíždinec quartzite rock. From there, you can see Řevnice, Třebaň and the tower of Karlštejn; from Dobřichovice, the viewpoint can be reached via a 270 m ascent. The 270 m ascent places the viewpoint as a destination in its own right alongside the riverside paths; the transition from the watercourse to the quartzite rock therefore also shapes the character of the excursion.

There is also a special natural monument within the town: the Svatojánská lípa is a legally protected commemorative tree planted in 1729 in front of the Knights of the Cross’ castle. Such individual examples complement the larger landscape with a specific historical reference.

Castle, festivals and local traditions

The chapel of St. Jude Thaddeus is located in the west wing of Dobřichovice Castle. The castle is also a venue for recurring events. The Dobřichovice Wine Festival has been held annually since 2003 towards the end of the summer holidays. The “Cesta mramoru” sculpture symposium is held in Dobřichovice every odd-numbered year. The “Všechny chutě světa” food festival is also held annually at Dobřichovice Castle and in its surroundings. The castle therefore represents both the chapel and recurring events; the food festival additionally includes its surroundings.

When choosing accommodation, you can therefore first consider which part of the town and its surroundings is the main focus of your trip: the Berounka and its paths, the natural landscape with the Hvíždinec viewpoint, or the castle, chapel and events programme. For additional orientation, you can also view Středokluky, Tachlovice, Roblín, Třebotov, Číčovice, Trnová, Karlík and Únětice.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Praha-Západ.