Discover Nevřeň: Kaolin Mine, Nature Trails and Culture

Nevřeň combines the history of kaolin mining with unusual walking routes and special sites that reflect the local culture. At the heart of it all is the Nevřeň Kaolin Mine: underground, the temperature is around 10°C, while the paths around the Centrum Caolinum convey the history and landscape traces of industrial activity. For families, this creates a trip with a variety of ways to explore – from a guided trail to carved figures and climbing elements for children.

Nature Trail to the Kaolin Mine

The signposted “POD ZEMÍ” nature trail leads from the Centrum Caolinum to the entrance of the Nevřeň mine. Via this route, the entrance is about a 20- to 30-minute walk from the Centrum. The trail explores underground ecosystems and the effects of human activity, making it possible to understand not only the mine itself but also its wider context. The nature trail includes carved wooden figures of mushrooms and earthworms, as well as climbing elements for children. These details give the route a playful touch without taking away from its focus on nature, the underground and human intervention.

Two Trails with Different Character

Another option is the “Skryté příběhy” route. This is an approximately 6 km circular walking route accompanied by a mobile app and ending at the kaolin mine. The route was inspired by the fairy-tale film “Čertí brko”. Parts of the film were shot, among other locations, in the former underground kaolin mine in Nevřeň. You can therefore choose between a shorter nature trail from the visitor centre and a longer circular route with digital guidance.

Centrum Caolinum and Local History

The Centrum Caolinum Nevřeň features a multimedia exhibition on the history of kaolin mining. As a modern visitor and community centre, it also provides spaces for cultural events. This makes it an important starting point if you want to learn about the region’s history not only underground but also through exhibitions and events.

One of the town’s striking cultural monuments is the fire brigade climbing frame. This concrete structure dates from 1936 and was built by the residents of Nevřeň. Due to its architecture and choice of building material, it is unique in the Czech Republic. Guided tours of the kaolin mine pass through underground passages and convey the local history as well as former mining methods. This allows you to tailor your visit more towards the landscape, the history of technology or the distinctive features of the town, depending on your interests.

Nevřeň as a Starting Point

Nevřeň can be reached from the centre of Plzeň by car or bus in about 20 minutes. For planning your trip, the town therefore combines a visit to the kaolin mine, short and longer routes, and cultural discoveries in a compact destination. Further destination pages for your research include Pnovany, Úněšov, Újezd Nade Mží, Heřmanova Huť, Zihle, Kunějovice, Myslinka and Úterý.

For the broader travel overview: Plzeň-Sever District.