Břasy – Mining History, Water and Unique Cultural Sites

Between Mining History, Water and Unusual Cultural Sites

Břasy is an interesting choice if you are looking for more than a single attraction on your trip. The documented experiences combine cultural history, traces of mining, water and distinctive landscapes. This allows you to shape your stay in different ways: around a historical theme, a destination for a hike or an outing for swimming and fishing. This mix also offers options for families with different interests, without everyone having to follow the same daily schedule.

Culture and Industrial History with Its Own Character

One notable cultural site is the Sternberg Crypt. It was built in 1827 in the pure Empire style. It is the burial place of Kašpar Maria Count of Šternberk, who is considered one of the founders of palaeobotany. There is an important restriction to bear in mind when planning: the Sternberg Crypt is opened only on exceptional occasions. It is therefore not a regular attraction accessible at any time, but rather a special opportunity when an opening has been announced.

Another historical theme leads to the railway. The Stupno Railway Museum Stupno was ceremonially opened on Saturday, 7 September 2024, and focuses on the history of the local railway line from Chrást to Radnice. The Naučná stezka po stopách důlní činnosti trail also explores the numerous remains of mining and industrial operations in the area around Břasy, Stupno, Kříše, Vranovice and Darová. At the beginning of the route, the Bašta Nature Monument offers a view of a preserved remnant of the mighty upper Radnice coal seam, consisting of high-quality hard coal.

The Ultramarinka leisure centre also combines the present with the past: an ultramarine factory originally stood on its grounds. It also has obstacle features for cyclists. Industrial heritage and active use therefore exist side by side, without the two aspects creating the same experience.

Water, Panoramic Views and Destinations on Foot

Lake Vranovické was created when groundwater flooded areas that had been mined underground. Today, it is a body of water measuring approximately 1.2 hectares; its maximum length and width are around 180 × 100 m. The lake is used for recreation, swimming and fishing. This makes it possible to add a waterside destination to your stay, while its origins also recall the area's mining history.

The Kamenný kruh Hovězák offers a distinctly different landscape experience. It can be reached on foot from Vranovice or Újezd u Sv. Kříže and is not accessible by car. The stone circle consists of eight stones around the edge, with a meditation seat in the centre. It also offers an almost complete panoramic view of the surrounding open landscape. If you plan to visit this destination, reaching it on foot is an essential part of the experience.

The “Na Vrchách” lookout tower was built in 2013 behind Břasy in the direction of Liblín. It adds another attraction for anyone who wants to experience the landscape from more than ground level. Together with the stone circle and the waterside destinations, it creates a range of options in which you can choose between panoramic views, a walk and time by the water.

Which Accommodation Location Suits Your Stay

When choosing your accommodation, it is therefore worth deciding first what you want to focus on. For cultural and industrial history, the Sternberg Crypt, the Railway Museum and the educational trail are the main attractions. Those who prefer water can base their stay around Lake Vranovické; for an outing centred on a fixed walking route, the Kamenný kruh Hovězák is a destination in its own right.

For comparison with other destinations, you can also look at Raková, Těně, Liblín, Osek, Dobriv, Kamenec and Hlohovice.

For the broader travel overview: Rokycany District.