Ondřejov: Observatory, History and Trails

Ondřejov combines astronomical discoveries with marked trails and visible local history. At its centre is the Ondřejov Observatory on Manda Hill above Ondřejov. This special destination is complemented by exhibitions, a historic church and Baroque buildings in the village.

The Observatory on Manda Hill

The Ondřejov Observatory has stood on Manda Hill above Ondřejov for more than a hundred years. The yellow- and red-marked hiking trails run directly through its grounds. The grounds of the Ondřejov Observatory are freely accessible to the public. This makes it possible to combine a visit to the astronomical site with a hike, without having to treat the two interests separately.

From the visitors’ gallery, you can view the largest Czech telescope, with a mirror 2 m in diameter. The observatory’s two-metre telescope is called Perkův dalekohled. The name is therefore associated with a clearly recognisable detail of the place, making Ondřejov’s astronomical focus tangible.

Exhibitions and Guided Tours

During a guided tour of the Ondřejov Observatory, an exhibition on the development of the observatory is presented in a historic dome. The Cosmic Laboratory building also houses an exhibition about meteor observation. At events, the Meteor Research Group organises guided tours with commentary through its exhibition on observing bolides. The subjects thus range from the history of the observatory to the celestial phenomena studied by the researchers.

Hiking, Cycling and Nature Observation

Cycling routes of Ladův kraj run through Ondřejov. For walks, a woodland walk in Ondřejov is also an option, during which the relationships between plants and animals are explored. Marked hiking trails around the observatory grounds, cycling routes through the village and observing nature in the woodland appeal to different interests without reducing the place to a single attraction.

Local History Around the Church and Square

The historical side of Ondřejov includes the church Kostel sv. Šimona a Judy. It is a Romanesque building that was remodelled in the Baroque style in 1668. The church has a Baroque-style rectory, built in 1778–1780. Two Baroque statues of Saint Andrew and Saint John of Nepomuk stand in the square in Ondřejov. House No. 15 is also located in the southern part of the square; it is an example of a Baroque Central Bohemian farmstead. Thus, astronomical topics, nature observation and several clearly identifiable testimonies to local history come together in Ondřejov.

More Places for Your Travel Planning

If you would like to compare other places for your travel planning in addition to Ondřejov, you can also find Mochov, Úvaly, Káraný, Větrušice, Štíhlice, Nový Vestec, Předboj and Černé Voděrady.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Praha-Východ.