Pilsen: Beer History, Culture and Cycle Paths around the Bolevec Ponds

Pilsen, Czech Plzeň, offers you a remarkable mix of science, beer history, sacred architecture, wildlife and cycle paths.

Science and the Laws of Nature at the Techmania Science Center

The Techmania Science Center features hundreds of interactive exhibits across 7,000 square metres. The exhibitions cover the laws of nature, the animal kingdom, the history of industry and technology, and the energy contained in renewable resources. A visit therefore allows you to combine different areas of knowledge.

Cycling by Ponds and through Green Landscapes

Dozens of kilometres of paths for pedestrians and cyclists, with shared or separate traffic, run through the urban area of Plzeň. Pilsen is also located on international cycle route No. 3 between Regensburg and Prague. A route around the Bolevec ponds leads to Velký bolevecký rybník, where swimming is possible, and runs along Senecký rybník and the Sofronka Arboretum. It then reaches Kamenný rybník with its peat bogs and leads to a stop at the Kolomazná pec technical monument. This route therefore offers various stops for planning your day.

Beer History and Underground Pilsen

The first batch of Pilsner lager was brewed in Plzeň on 5 October 1842. The Pivovarské muzeum is housed in an original 15th-century brewing rights house and presents the history of beer production and consumption. An underground passage connects the museum with the Plzeňské historické podzemí, making it possible to combine both visits. There, a tour of around 800 metres leads through an underground labyrinth created since the late 13th century. The tour also includes a visit to a historic waterworks dating from the first half of the 16th century.

The Synagogue and Cathedral as Cultural Highlights

During a guided tour of the Velká synagoga, you will visit the interior and the rabbi's house; there is also an opportunity to climb one of the towers. In addition to serving religious purposes, the building is also used as a concert and exhibition hall. The permanent exhibition „Tady žili Židé“ is located in the upper galleries. The Katedrála sv. BartolomÄ›je, dedicated to the patron saint of the city of Plzeň, Saint Bartholomew, also features a special climb: its tower is 102.26 metres high, and after almost 300 steps, the viewing gallery offers a view over Plzeň and the entire region. Construction began with the founding of the city in 1295 and was completed at the beginning of the 16th century.

Zoo, Botanical Area and Seasonal Demonstrations

Plzeň Zoo combines animal exhibits with a botanical area that includes a meditative Japanese garden. Particularly at weekends, during the main season and over the summer holidays, you can attend falconry demonstrations and guided feedings, for example of penguins or butterflies.

Transport and Other Places to Include in Your Search

Public transport in Plzeň includes trams, trolleybuses and buses. For journeys within the city and its surrounding area, you can also use trains on all five railway lines that run through the city. Both urban transport and rail connections are therefore relevant points of orientation when choosing your location. You can discover further places via Nezbavětice, Tymákov, Mokrouše, Letkov, Kyšice, Chválenice and Bolevec.

To the higher-level travel overview: Okres Plzeň-Město.

More About the Destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Pilsen - Czech Republic Network.