On the Rails, in the Air, on the Water, on Horseback on the Rails, in the Air, on the Water, on Horseback Table of Contents 1

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On the rails, in the air, on the water, on horseback On the rails, in the air, on the water, on horseback Table of contents 1. On the rails 2 2. In the air 5 3. On the water 9 4. On horseback 13 5. In the countryside 15

Europe Czech Republic Central Bohemia Region www.middleczech.cz Prague On the rails, in the air, on the water, on horseback

You can explore the picturesque landscape of Central Bohemia historic train, in a balloon, on a boat or on horseback, you will in various ways. You can ride a bike or go on foot. But how have time to think about what you see around you. And about trying some less traditional ways of travelling? On a without a doubt the Central Bohemia Region has a lot to offer. 1 1. ON THE RAILS

In a railway carriage, you will realise how much the times have changed. Board the Sázava Pacific trains When the railway began a hundred and The legendary Central Bohemia railway track leads east from Prague along fifty years ago, people were afraid of it. the river, via Čerčany, to Světlá nad Sázavou. Its name, which is one hun- They thought that it would frighten cattle dred years old, was conceived by the so-called trampers. The railway track and that the speed, until then unheard is characterised by numerous bridges, tunnels and viaducts, of which the of, would suck the air out of the carriages most interesting one is probably the Žampach Viaduct near Jílové u Prahy. and suffocate the passengers. In The valley is conquered by this arch, which is 110 metres long and 41.4 comparison with cars, trains are nowa metres high. The Sázava Pacific Railway also offers a nostalgic excursion days considered too slow. However, that train, assembled from historic carriages pulled by a steam locomotive. The is often their advantage, and you will train serves as a reminder of the past, when people did not yet hurry to the discover that the slowness and con countryside in their cars along busy roads. The train ride can be combined centration of the railway tracks are with hiking along the equally famous Sázava Trail, which leads through the unjustly neglected life values. Moreover, canyon of the River Sázava from Kamenný Přívoz to Pikovice. the train brings with it nostalgia, What you will experience: the atmosphere of the Central Bohemia “Wild especially if it is a historic one. Where West” and trampers’ settlements, including technical monuments along should you go on the rails in Central the route. Bohemia? More: www.pacifikem.cz, www.posazavsky-pacifik.cz, www.cd.cz/ zazitky, http://parnijizdy.ic.cz 2 1. ON THE RAILS Follow in the footsteps of sugar in the Elbe Region In 1894, the oldest Czech sugar beet railway was built for the collection of sugar beet. It led from the Kolín sugar factory to Jestřabí Lhota and was nearly eleven kilometres long. It was closed in the 1960s and re-established by enthusiasts after 2007. Today, the Kolín Sugar Beet Railway offers a pleasant excursion by train, pulled by a steam or diesel locomotive on a narrow-gauge track. Depend ing on the weather, you can ride in an open or closed heated carriage, or a carriage for wheelchairs, strollers and bicycles. The train ride can be completed with a walk in the Elbe landscape, mushroom-picking or cycling. There is also an educational trail named “Following the History of the Sugar Beet Railroad and Its Surroundings”. What you will experience: the children’s enjoyment of the locomotives. The same applies to adults! More: http://zeleznicka.bloudil.cz Board the Wobluda locomotive Come to the nineteenth century Near the Monastery of St. John under the Cliff in the Beroun area, there is the Sol- In the Příbram Mining Museum, there is a mining train ride in the area of the Ševčin vay Quarries open-air museum. There are several former mine buildings in the Mine in Březové Hory. Today, a section (approx. 230 metres long) of the track is abandoned Paraple limestone quarry, where there is a permanent exhibition on operational, leading from the mine yard over the rebuilt bridge and along Pod the history of mining and the transport of limestone in the Bohemian Karst. In addi- Struhami Street to the Ševčin Gallery portal. This operational section should be tion to lamps, jackhammers and other exhibits, visitors are also attracted by the followed by another section in the future, leading directly through the Ševčin restored narrow-gauge track that offers train rides. An extensive collection of Gallery under Husova Street to the Vojtěch Mine. The train was operational from mining vehicles is complemented with a number of historic locomotives, with 1884 to 1900 and served for the transport of silver and lead ores. It was re-opened names such as Máňa, Elektrula, Účko and Wobluda. in 2006. What you will experience: the romance of a century-old form of industrial trans- What you will experience: a unique technical attraction for children and adults port that has become a part of history. alike. More: www.solvayovylomy.cz More: www.muzeum-pribram.cz

3 2. IN THE AIR Visit four railway museums Ride a historic train to the The Czech Railways Museum in Lužná u Rakovníka has been engaged in the maintenance and operation of region of hops historic railway vehicles for the past fifteen years. The museum can be found at the Lužná railway station, The steam train on the railway which was used not only to in the beautiful landscape on the edge of the Křivoklát forests. The local collections include steam loco- transport people but also sugar products, wood, hops and motives of different categories and from different periods, as well as historic diesel locomotives, railcars beer leaves from Lužná u Rakovníka during the season (for and examples of railway technical equipment. There are regular events, such as a steam train ride through the timetable see the website below). Come to the station the hop fields. Twice a year, it is the terminal station of the steam-powered Křivoklát Express that goes some time before the scheduled departure so that you can from Prague via Karlštejn and Křivoklát. visit the local railway museum (see “Visit four railway In the Zlonice Railway Museum, located in a renovated farmhouse near Slaný, railway enthusiasts collect museums”). The twelve-kilometre-long Krupá-Kolešovice and restore historic locomotives and carriages. Since 1997, they have collected several dozen, including railway track, known as the “Kolešovka”, was put into ope- unique vehicles, such as a goods wagon that dates back to 1880. You can also see an entire train from the ration on 15 September 1883; it will first take you to Krupá, period between the two world wars. with its Church of St. Gotthard, associated with several The Výtopna Zdice Museum presents an exhibition of historic railway and road technologies. It is located legends (for example, according to one of them, the church in the former depot of the Czech Railways at an important railway junction of the Prague-Pilsen and Zdice- bells start to ring by themselves when the village is in dan- -Protivín routes. The collection contains truly unique exhibits, such as the legendary Škoda RTO bus and ger). The train then stops in Olešná near Rakovník and after the Rosnička T 334.062 locomotive. another five minutes in Chrášťany – named after “chrást”, At the Sudoměř near Mladá Boleslav railway stop, there is a period transport office and a collection of which means loppings. In Kněževes, you can visit an exhibi- authentic tools used for the construction and maintenance of the railway superstructure. At the small tion of historic railway vehicles; after that, you will go railway museum, you can see several engine-powered and self-powered trolleys and trucks. through Přílepy and arrive in Kolešovice after a total of fifty What you will experience: what our forefathers experienced. minutes. More: www.cdmuzeum.cz, http://zmzlonice.draha.net/, www.saxi.cz, www.zinopa.estranky.cz More: www.kolesovka.eu

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Map legend: 5. Solvay Quarries 1. Sázava Pacific Railway 6. Lužná u Rakovníka 2. Kolín Sugar Beet Railway 7. Zlonice 3. Krupá-Kolešovice Railway 8. Zdice 4 4. Mining Museum Příbram 9. Sudoměř near Mladá Boleslav 2. IN THE AIR

The view from above offers a unique and original perspective. First and foremost, Fly along the River Jizera however, it is very refreshing – your problems ... or over Mělník Castle, Kokořín, the Bohemian family. The staff of the public international airport at stay somewhere below you and you will Paradise, Ralsko, Mladá Boleslav, Brandýs nad Mnichovo Hradiště provides passengers and flight perceive everything in a different way. Another Labem... It is up to you what you want to see of Cen crews with comprehensive services related to inter- dimension involves pleasant chills and exciting tral Bohemia. All you have to do is arrange the flight national air transport – customs and passport dizziness. And finally, it is a feeling of lightness, in advance with the operator of the public interna checks, pre-flight service for pilots, refuelling, otherwise reserved only for birds. In the Central tional airport at Mnichovo Hradiště . You will choose accommodation etc. Bohemia Region, there are several places the route and duration of the sightseeing flight What you will experience: intoxicating dizziness where you can experience flying in various according to your wishes. You will see the world from and delight after landing on solid ground. ways. a single-engine Piper 6X aircraft, designed for up to More: www.lkmh.cz five passengers. You can thus take the whole 5 Become a pilot for a while A familiarisation flight is a secret tip for all lovers of flying who would like to experience something more interesting than a traditional sightseeing flight. With the assistance of a flight instructor, you will try everything that interests you in the air above Central Bohemia. After the departure from Bubovice, you will fly in the direction of your selected route and try most of the flying skills yourselves, under the supervision of your instructor. You will thus find out what it feels like to pilot an aircraft. You will learn to perform basic manoeuvres, such as climbing and turning. You will also learn about the basics of communica- tion at airports and in the cockpit between you and the instructor. You will focus on keeping the plane straight and try out your first turns. The instructor will closely supervise everything you do throughout the flight. Using the instructor’s joystick, the instructor can intervene at any time, and you will thus be safe for the entire time. What you will experience: the feeling that you have the aircraft under total control. More: www.pilotak.cz, www.okair.cz Capture your world from above Is your birthplace, cottage or another favourite place in Central Bohemia? Would you like to take a picture of it from a bird’s eye view? Or do you want to surprise your relatives with such a picture, perhaps because you first met your partner during a trip to Karlštejn Castle? There is nothing easier – the Rakovník Aero Club offers special photo flights. Up to three passengers board a Cessna plane and the pilot takes them along a pre-arranged route. Then all you have to do is take out your camera or camcorder and record what you like from above. A photo flight may also be an interesting gift. Has your grand- mother seen her garden from a plane? What you will experience: a view of a familiar location that you have never seen before, completed with an original picture. More: www.lkrk.cz

6 Fly in a balloon for two If you have seen Vratné lahve (Empties), a film by Svěrák, you surely remember the final scene, set in a hot air balloon flying over the Cent- ral Bohemia countryside. In reality, balloon flights are just as beautiful, only much less dramatic. Unlike the ageing teacher and his wife, you do not need to prepare for a romantic balloon flight in advance. Almost anyone can fly and the basket can accommodate up to four people. You can take off from a variety of locations based on an agre- ement with the balloon operator. Popular locations for sightseeing balloon flights in Central Bohemia include the area of the Slapy Lake, the Orlík Lake, Konopiště Castle and the River Sázava. In good weather, you can fly all year roun d – every season has its own charm. From spring to autumn, the flights depart early in the morning and early in the evening; in the winter, you can often fly during the day. What you will experience: the lightness of the Montgolfier bro- thers. More: www.letybalonem.eu, www.ballooning.cz, www.balonovy- ‑svaz.cz, www.balonem.cz, www.hotairballoons.cz, www.vzdu choplavec.cz, www.chadbalon.cz, www.balony-hruby.cz, www. balonpraha.cz

Start with air sports If you are willing to spend some time and effort, you can fly yourself, and thus fulfil the age-old dream of mankind. It is best to start with the motorless flying of a sailplane (glider), which is not just a sub- stitute for powered planes but also one of the supreme disciplines of flying. In a glider, you are completely dependent on your own skills, and all you can hear is the sound of rushing air. Under favourable conditions (rising air currents), the glider can rise and you can fly for hours. As a matter of course, you can also learn to fly a powered plane and even a helicopter. For sports enthusiasts, there are ultralight planes, powered hang-gliders, hang-gliders and paragliders. The advantage of hang-gliders and paragliders lies in that you only have to climb a suitable hill that is high enough, run and... fly. If you want to experience the pleasure of free falling, you can try parachuting. And if you ever fly in a balloon, you will know its magic. Where can you start? It is best to visit the nearest aero club, where you will get advice. More: F-air Flying School (www.f-air.cz), Bemoair Flying School (www.bemoair.cz), Mladá Boleslav Aero Club (www.akmb.cz), Kolín Aero Club (www.aeroklub-kolin.cz), Rakovník Aero Club (www. aeroklub-rakovnik.cz), Beroun Aero Club ( wwwww.akberoun.cz), Jump Tandem (www.jump-tandem.cz), Kladno Aero Club (www.akkladno.cz), Kralupy nad Vltavou Aero Club (http://lksz.sweb.cz), Příbram Aero Club (www.akpm.cz), Slaný Aero Club (www.lksn.cz), Točná Aero Club (www.aktocna. cz), Vlašim Aero Club (www.lkvl.com). For information see also the Aero Club of the Czech Republic (www.aecr.cz) or the Civil Aviation Authority (www.caa.cz). 7 3. ON THE WATER

Areas for take-off and landing of sport Jump from four kilometres aircraft and public airports: 11 Among the most valuable things in life are powerful experiences. 1. Mladá Boleslav You can increase your adrenaline by parachuting. For normal jumps, 2. Kolín 14 you need a pilot’s licence and a parachute, but in the case of tandem 3. Rakovník jumps, you are supervised by an experienced instructor, to whom 4. Beroun 1 you are buckled. In the Central Bohemia Region, you can parachute, 5. Kladno for example, in Dlouhá Lhota near Příbram. At the local airport, you 8 6 15 6. Kralupy 13 will receive brief training and you can also borrow a special para- 16 nad Vltavou 3 5 12 chuting suit. Then you will board the plane, climb to a height of four 7. Příbram kilometres and jump. When you reach a height of about 8. Slaný 1,800 metres, your parachute will open. Even if the instructor falls 9. Vlašim 4 17 asleep, an automatic activation device that monitors the height will 10 10. Bubovice 2 open the parachute. 11. Hoškovice What you will experience: a free fall which lasts about one minute, near Mnichovo Hradiště with a speed of about 200 km/h. After that, there are approxima- 12. Nymburk tely ten minutes of gliding through the air. 13. Borek 7 More: www.jump-tandem.cz, www.tandemove-seskoky.cz, 14. Horní Počaply www.tandemove-seskoky-kolin.cz, www.tandemak.cz, www.4- 15. Loučeň 9 ‑elements.cz. There are also aero clubs (see above). 16. Milovice 17. Vrátkov

8 3. ON THE WATER

Travelling on rivers offers a feeling of lightness and flowing. The land Paddle down the River Sázava or Berounka scape around you will change at a The Czech people are a nation of paddlers, and if you have You can borrow one at a number of places along the river slower pace than when viewed from not yet tried summer boating on one of the Czech rivers, you and then simply return it at another place down the river. a car. The swinging motion, accom should do so as soon as possible. In Central Bohemia, the What you will experience: fun with a group of paddlers, like panied by the splashing of the most suitable rivers are the Sázava and the Berounka, and in the famous book by Zdeněk Šmíd, Proč bychom se neto- waves, relaxes the human brain, anyone will be able to handle the boats after brief training pili (Why We Should Not Be Drowning). and thus helps you to open your (nevertheless, if you do not feel up to going on your own, More: www.posazavi.com, www.rakovnicko.info mind and get new ideas. Travelling you can use the services of specialised boating travel agen- on rivers is therefore an ideal way to cies). On the Sázava, the most beautiful stretch for boating relax. Moreover, our ancestors built is between Týnec and Davle, where the river foams over numerous historic buildings and rocks and creates rapids. On the Berounka, do not miss the monuments along the Central Bo deep wooded valleys in the Křivoklát area, where the writer hemia rivers that you can visit. The Ota Pavel used to go fishing to the Týřov Ruins. The mileage, river will become an imaginary line descriptions of the individual stretches, statistics of sui- connecting the experiences which table days in the individual calendar months and other you might not even have thought of important information on the Central Bohemia rivers can be otherwise. found, for example, at www.raft.cz. Do you need a boat? 9 Experience the thrill of white water Central Bohemia has three man-made canals for kayaking and canoeing between gates. A canal with a slalom course in Bran- dýs nad Labem was recently restored, and the gates will soon be installed. The facility is available to paddlers during the training sessions of local boating club members or at any time by previous arrangement. Another slalom canal with a length of 350 metres is located in the former timber pass of the Miře- jovice weir on the River Vltava near Nelahozeves. The course is composed of wooden gates set in steel frames, steel and earthenware pipes and tyres filled with concrete. Located on the River Berounka at the weir in Roztoky near Kři- voklát, the third Central Bohemia canal is 200 metres long and features a 120-metre slalom course. The local white water courses are suitable for beginners and intermediate paddlers. Paddlers can also enjoy the legendary boating event on the Vavřinecký Stream held on the occasion of the draining of the local pond. What you will experience: the adrenaline thrill of white water. More: www.kanalbrandys.cz, www.kanoistika-kralupy.cz, www.rakokanoe.cz, www.vodacipecky.cz, www.kkroudnice.cz

Try water skiing Of the several locations this adrenaline sport can be enjoyed in Central Bohemia, two are described below. In addition to water skiing and wakeboarding, the SKI course at the Slapy Skalice autocamp on the Slapy Reservoir also offers rides on inner tubes and inflatable banana boats. Would you like to try a different Central Bohemia river? You can water ski on the Elbe in Křenek near Neratovice. And if you are already an experienced water skier, the local course is also suitable for hold- ‑ing races. Instructors are available for teaching beginners. What you will experience: the thrill of skimming across the surface of the water . More: www.water-ski.cz, www.slapy-marine.cz, www.waterskineratovice.cz Boat on the Vltava lakes The Orlík and Slapy lakes are part of the so-called Vltava Cascade. The construction of this impressive system of nine lakes began eighty years ago. During the construction, among other things, the St. John’s Rapids ceased to exist; on the other hand, large bodies of water came into existence in Central Bohemia (which today are ideal for boat trips). Regular lines, over a hundred kilometres long, connect Slapy, Nová Živohošť and Orlík with the South Bohemian Zvíkov. By prior order, you can travel by boat as far as Podolsko or Týn nad Vltavou. The result is a boat connection between traditional Central Bohe- mia resorts and attractive sights that you can easily combine with other types of “soft” tourism in the region. How about a boat trip to one of the local castles or châteaux? What you will experience: a soothing view of one of the largest bodies of water in the Czech Republic. More: www.lodnidopravaorlikslapy.cz 10 Board a ship and explore Central Bohemia The idyllic flat landscape along the Elbe looks awe- also take a ship from Mělník to the confluence of the between 999 and 1517. In Štěchovice, there is the first some from the deck of a cruise ship, and you will also Elbe and the Vltava, below Mělník Castle. lake weir, behind which there used to be the famous St. see it from a different perspective. In July and August, Are you attracted to the River Vltava without any John’s Rapids, which today are flooded. there are regular cruises between Nymburk, Hradi- lakes? Head to the Marina Vltava port and recreatio- Going north to Mělník, you will pass Levý Hradec, near štko, Kersko and Ostrá daily (except Sundays). nal resort near Nelahozeves. Marina Vltava offers an Roztoky, where Bořivoj I, Duke of Bohemia, built the You can thus visit the Equus Kinský horse-riding hour-long ride down the river with a view of Nelahoze- first Christian church in Bohemia in the late 9th cen- school in Hradištko, the Kersko of Bohumil Hrabal, ves Castle, the Miřejovice lock chamber and the town tury. Past Větrušice, the Vltava flows through a deep associated with his book The Snowdrop Festival, or of Kralupy. gorge. After Kralupy, note Nelahozeves Castle on the Botanicus, a village of old Czech handicrafts. You can Alternatively, board a historic paddle steamer in left bank, and the Veltrusy Park on the right. Near Měl- take your bikes with you. You can therefore combine Prague and head in one of the two opposite directions ník, the Vltava flows into the Elbe. You can admire the your boat trip with the Hrabal and Elbe bike trails. (or both, one after the other). During the cruise, you confluence from the Vráz View Point. Another option is a boat trip from Nymburk to Kolín will discover beautiful views of the picturesque land- What you will experience: absolute peace, the smell of and back. Along the way (both there and back), the scape and a part of the Vltava Cascade. the river and views of the remains of the forests of the boat stops at a restaurant at the confluence of the Going south, you will pass the Zbraslav Cistercian Elbe and Vltava floodplain, lock chambers and ancient Elbe and the Cidlina. Shorter cruises to the confluence Monastery, founded in August 1292. A short way from relics of the past. of the Elbe and the Cidlina or in the direction of Nym- the ancient Davle, you will pass the confluence of the More: www.polabinalodi.cz, www.kraljiri.cz, www. burk are offered from Poděbrady. Another possible Vltava and the Sázava, and notice St. Kilian’s Island, marinavltava.cz, www.paroplavba.cz, www.fidelio- option is a cruise from Kolín to Poděbrady. You can where there used to be a Monastery of John the Baptist boats.cz, www.plavbapolabi.cz 11 4. ON HORSEBACK Sail a yacht on the Orlík Lake One of the advantages of the lake on the border of Central and South Bohemia lies in the diversity of its shores and the numerous ports you can use. With a length of more than 60 kilometres, Orlík is also a lake on which you will enjoy the longest cruise in the country. However, it is not just the experience of sailing itself. A yacht can be used as a means of transport for trips to the local Orlík and Zvíkov castles or the lake power plant. On board, you can sunbathe while reading, fish... There are twelve places to anchor your yacht. One of the favourite ones is, for example, Radava, at the widest point of the lake on the border of the Central Bohemia Region. Do you need a yacht? No problem, just borrow one! Several rental companies at the Orlík Lake offer not only the boats themselves (with or without an engine), but also courses in controlling them. And you do not have to stay on the Orlík Lake. Along the River Vltava, you can sail wherever the river is navigable. What you will experience: a feeling of freedom as a result of free movement on the water surface. More: www.yachtclubbarrandov.cz, www.sporteli.cz, www. hacjacht.cz, www.freeyacht.net, www.svetplachetnic.cz, www. marinaorlik.estranky.cz, www.marinanet.cz Map legend: 1. Vavřinecký Stream 8. Kolín Relax on a houseboat 2. Mělník 9. Poděbrady Have you ever wondered what it would be like to spend a few days on a boat? Becoming the 3. Davle 10. Nymburk captain of your holiday and going on an unconventional cruise along the Central Bohemia rivers 4. Roztoky (near Křivoklát) 11. Slapy is easier than it seems at first glance. There are companies that will arrange the whole holiday for 5. Miřejovice near Nelahozeves 12. Orlík you. All you have to do is choose your houseboat and route and book the dates. Are you worried 6. Brandýs nad Labem that you have never steered a boat? A brief training session is enough; there is no need to pass 7. Křenek near Neratovice any captaincy tests. Throughout the trip, you can contact the assistance service. Both the Vltava and the Elbe offer numerous romantic places where time slows down and flows lazily, just like the surrounding water. Even familiar places look completely different from the deck of a boat that you yourself are steering. And you can sleep on the boat, too. 2

5 Labe What you will experience: the wheel in your hands, slight swaying and being your own boss. Vltava Jizera More: www.vltavaslodi.cz, www.napalubu.eu, www.pujcsilod.cz, www.marinanet.cz 7 6 Catch a fish 10 Berounka 9 To be able to fish in Czech rivers and ponds, you need to have a fishing licence 4 and be a member of one of the local fishing union organisations. Does this seem unnecessarily complicated? The other option is private fishing grounds, where Labe 8 no formalities are required. You simply pay for a permit for a certain period of 3 time (such as half a day), borrow a fishing rod and sit by the water. If you catch 1 anything, you can purchase the fish. In Central Bohemia, there are over thirty Sázava 11 private fishing grounds. What you will experience: excitement when your float starts to move and the

primordial feeling of a victorious hunter when the fish is safe in your net. Vltava More: www.rybsvaz.cz 12

12 4. ON HORSEBACK

An old Mongolian proverb says that the best view of the world is from horseback. Horses also bring people other joys. It is not for nothing that contact with them is used in the treatment method called hippotherapy. You can visit horse farms and use these wonderful animals to travel through the Central Bohemia countryside. At the farms, you will enter the imaginary zone of a free flow of time and take a peek into the unhurried lifestyle of our ancestors, often including traditional crafts. Horses will open the gateway to the Central Bohemia countryside, which has been slowly returning to its half-forgotten roots in many places over the last twenty-five years. Where you can rest in the saddle In Central Bohemia, there are a number of horse farms where you can borrow horses and go for a ride – either under the supervision of an experienced instructor or on your own. We have selected the following three tips for equestrian tourism and recre- ational horse-riding in the region: From the Black Riders Ranch in Pozov near Benešov, you can go on day trips, as well as shorter rides in the picturesque Sázava landscape. If you have never rid- den a horse before, the local instructors will teach you. The U Kotvy Ranch in Loděnice near Beroun organises field trips in the Bohemian Karst under the supervision of a leader who knows the local landscape perfectly. Even beginners can take part in the trips. The Voleveč Farm in Košovice near Votice offers riding trips to the so-called Czech Meran (including overnight trips), in addition to on-site riding lessons. Moreover, the farm organises week-long children’s camps combined with riding lessons. The Rakovník area along horse trails Some horse farms will lend you the necessary equip- An ever-increasing interest in equestrian tourism has in the Rakovník area. A system of horse trails, collecti- ment, provide accommodation or even stable your gradually given rise to a network of special horse trails vely referred to as Central Bohemia Horse Trail III, was own horse. With a little planning, you can thus go on in the Central Bohemia area and elsewhere. The horse established there in 2007. The network has three a long trip on horseback from farm to farm. Can you trails are marked with a white square with a coloured colour-coded branches, with red marking the main one. think of a better way to get to know the Central Bohe- dot in the middle. Their network is constantly expanding The network of horse trails in Central Bohemia conti- mia countryside? and seeks to be equal to the networks of bike, hiking nues to expand. What you will experience: the same feeling as that and cross-country skiing trails. If you go for more than What you will experience: a sense of belonging with the experienced by pilgrims on horseback centuries ago. one day, you and your horse will need to sleep animal that you will never experience in a riding school. More: www.konicci.cz, www.equichannel.cz, www. somewhere, rest and have something to eat and drink. More: www.rakovnicko.info, www.jezdecke-stezky.cz, blackriders.info, www.statekvolevec.cz, www.ranc-u- For this purpose, there are riding stations along the hippostezky-vc.info, www.kovarov.info, www.dixina. ‑kotvy.cz, www.equitana.cz horse trails. Are you still hesitating? Try a horseback trip wz.cz, www.equiweb.cz/sk, www.konske-stezky.cz 13 5. IN THE COUNTRYSIDE Equestrian sports Horseback riding is a sport with a beneficial effect on physical and psy- chological well-being. In addition to rides in the countryside, disciplines such as show jumping, long-distance racing and cross-country racing on a course with obstacles can also be enjoyed. Central Bohemia offers excellent equestrian sport opportunities. Many stables, clubs and schools provide information, training and horse boarding possibilities. What you will experience: the joy of riding and competing on horseback. More: www.middleczech.cz in the Tourism – Sport and sports activities section; the websites of stables and riding clubs in Central Bohemia.

14 5. IN THE COUNTRYSIDE

The Central Bohemia countryside offers a peaceful and harmonious environment along with the spectacular yearlong drama of na ture, atmospheric phenomena and the changing seasons. It is no co incidence that the countryside continues to be a powerful attrac tive force for urban dwellers. A wide selection of accommodation is available in villages and even directly on farms. The countryside provides an opportunity to experi ence the natural rhythms of life and the work of our ancestors, to try local foods and to enjoy a walk, a bike ride or an adventure on hor seback. Children and adults alike delight in the large number of ani mals found in rural areas. In addi tion to being a wonderful place to live, the Central Bohemia coun tryside is also a source of unique experiences and opportunities for relaxation.

Taste Central Bohemia food Apples from New Zealand? Potatoes from Poland? Why would you eat those if you can enjoy home-grown and home-made products? Local food is not only environmen- tally friendly but also healthier. If you can trace the farmer, you will be sure of what you eat. Above all, however, such food includes the story of the man who invested his time and experience to feed you. It is best to visit a particular Central Bohemia farmer and buy potatoes, onions, meat or cheese directly at the farm. This way, you will meet the owner of the farm, talk to them, visit the farm... There are also farmers’ markets, held regularly in a number of cities and towns in Central Bohemia. There is usually a wide selection; you can walk among the stalls, taste the food... Such markets thus offer you another dimension in exploring the Central Bohemia cities and towns, in addition to the food itself. What you will experience: the exceptional taste of the local food and a good feeling that you are being envi- ronmentally friendly. More: www.nalok.cz, www.kis-stredocesky.cz, www.poji- zerskefarmarsketrhy.cz, www.polabskefarmarsketrhy.cz, www.dobrichovicketrhy.cz, www.melnicketrhy.cz 15 Experience the countryside What was it like to live in the days of our grandmothers? You can find out during a stay in a Central Bohemia village. In the Central Bohemia Region, there are numerous homesteads, eco-farms and country houses whose owners offer agrotourist stays; such a stay may be the perfect holiday for you. We have selected several tips from the wide range on offer. The Buchov Settlement is part of the tourist area between Benešov and Vlašim below the mythical Central Bohemia mountain, known as the region of the Knights of Blaník. Today’s homestead is about two hundred years old. Currently, it includes a small farm that is based on the principles of agrotourism, with a focus on a return to traditional rural life. The activities in Buchov include, for example, the revitalisation of ponds, the planting of avenues of trees, the maintenance of historic roads and weaving and spinning courses. Guests can simply relax or get involved in the running of a country house. The Adámek Farm is located in Čelina (near Nový Knín) in the hilly countryside of the Cen tral Vltava Region, in the immediate vicinity of the Slapy Lake. The local apartments offer not only the opportunity to observe the running of a traditional farm, but also the possibi- lity of buying fresh farm products (meat, fruit, vegetables, eggs, potatoes, milk). At the farm, you can see cows, sheep, goats and small domestic animals. The Hedecko Farm is located in Břežany near Kralovice, not far from Rakovník. It is a family farm, offering ideal conditions for observing everyday rural life throughout the year. You can help in the stables, ride horses, go fishing in a private pond or go on a trip to the picturesque valley of the River Javornice. Children can have a look at sheep, goats, pigs and other domestic animals. What you will experience: the slow rhythm of the countryside of a century ago. More: www.ubytovani-na-farme.cz, www.kis-stredocesky.cz, www.ubytovaninafarme.cz, www.prazdninynavenkove.cz, www.biofarmy.cz, www.buchov.cz, www.statekadamek.cz, www.farma-hedecko.cz, www.doltonranch.cz, www.capiletka.cz, www.farmakosik.cz, www.kuncluvmlyn.cz, www.kunicek.cz/ubytovani, www.strnadovskymlyn.cz, www.sva- chuvdvur.cz, www.usedlost.cz, www.bucickymlyn.cz , www.dvur-mice.cz, www.farmabla- nik.cz, www.capihnizdo.cz, www.farmagg.cz, www.heroutice.cz, www.jarolimkovi.wz.cz, www.farmamichael.cz, www.zahradnice.cz, www.farmaztracenka.cz, www.favory.cz, www. rancaura.cz, www.arealbarochov.cz, www.penzionblanik.euweb.cz, www.dvur-seletice.cz, www.blackriders.info, ranc-u-kotvy.cz, www.statekvolevec.cz, www.equitana.cz 19 Map legend: 1. Black Riders Ranch, Pozov 16. Míče Farmstead, Pustověty 2. U kotvy Ranch, Loděnice 17. Blaník Farm, Ostrov 3. Voleveč Farm, Košovice 18. Čapí hnízdo Farm, Semtín 2613 29 7 15 4. Hedecko Farm, Břežany 19. Farm GG, Mšeno 5. Dolton Ranch, Svojetice 20. Heroutice Farm 6. Čapí letka Farm, 21. Jarolímek Farm, Vilín 4 16 Krásná Hora nad Vltavou 22. Michael Farm, Nedvězí 2 7. Košík Farm, Tuchom 23. Zahradnice Farm 8. Kunclův mlýn Farm, Svatý Jan 24. Ztracenka Farm, 5 9. Jakub’s Fort – Kuníček, Petrovice Poříčí nad Sázavou 10. Buchov near Postupice 25. Favory Stud Farm, Benice 14 27 24 11. Adámek Farm, Čelina 26. Aura Ranch, Krupá 22 25 12. Strnadovský Mill 27. Barochov Farm 20 11 13. Švácha‘s Farmstead near 28. Blaník Homestead, Světlá 1 23 8 10 Červený potok, Hředle 29. Seletice Farmstead 18 17 6 3 14. Medník Homestead, Krňany 30. Equitana Hotel Resort, Martinice 28 30 9 12 16 15. Bučický Mill, Rožďalovice 21 Travel to the Middle Ages In Ostrá near Lysá nad Labem, there is the historic village of Botanicus, where you can learn more about old Czech crafts (such as those of the tinker, potter, rope-maker, soap-boiler, candle-maker and paper- maker). You can buy their products and natural cosmetics at the medieval market and stroll in the large herb gardens. There is a monastic garden, an oriental garden, a kit- chen garden, a herb garden, lavender produ- ction, and natural mazes and labyrinths. Regular annual events are held in Ostrá, accompanied by historical musicians, theat- res, hawkers and dancers. During such events, you can taste herbal teas and syrups, mead, spiced wines or buckwheat pancakes with honey. What you will experience: a complete introduction to the lifestyle of our ancestors in the Middle Ages. More: www.botanicus.cz

Take your children to see animals There is the Mirakulum family park in Milovice. Children will have fun in the castle, in the rope centre, on a large trampoline, on giant swings or in the maze. You can also take them to the small Zoo, where they can see small donkeys, small Dutch goats and Ouessant sheep. The small forest Zoo is inhabited by other animals. There are fallow deer, foxes, badgers, eagle owls and other mammals and birds from the Rescue Station at Pátek near Poděbrady. Do you want to show your children more exotic animals? Take them to the Zoo at Chleby near Nymburk, where they can see many animals from all continents. What you will experience: your children’s smiles. More: www.mirakulum.cz, www.zoochleby.cz, www.zoopark-zajezd.cz, www.zooparkzelcin.cz, www.ringelland.cz, www.oborazleby.cz. Bears: www.tocnik.com, www.mestokladno.cz, www.mesto-beroun.cz, www. zamek-konopiste.cz

17 Tourist Information Centres

Name Address Phone (+420)* E-mail Website Štěchovice – Masečín Information 242 413 667, Masečín 199, 252 07 Štěchovice [email protected] www.stechovice.info Centre 602 580 963

Štěchovice – Na Zastávce restaurant Štěchovice 383, 252 07 Štěchovice 774 430 370 www.stechovice.info Information Centre

Information Centre – Jan Drda Library nám. T. G. Masaryka 156, 261 01 Příbram 1 318 622 384 [email protected] www.kjd.pb.cz

Information Centre of the Municipal 318 402 381 Tyršova 106, 261 19 Příbram 1 [email protected] www.pribram.eu Office of the city of Příbram 800 555 600 www.sedlcansko.cz/products/ Kamýk nad Vltavou Kamýk nad Vltavou 69, 318 677 171 [email protected] informacni-centrum-kamyk- Tourist Information Centre 262 63 Kamýk nad Vltavou nad-vltavou Sedlčany Regional 318 821 158, náměstí T. G. Masaryka 32, 264 01 Sedlčany [email protected] www.mesto-sedlcany.cz and Tourist Information Centre 734 259 387

Vysoký Chlumec Vysoký Chlumec 14, 262 52 Vysoký Chlumec 318 865 574 [email protected] www.vysokychlumec.eu Tourist Information Centre

Kosova Hora Kosova Hora 127, 262 91 Kosova Hora 776 589 198 [email protected] www.kosovahora.cz Tourist Information Centre

Chotilsko Information Centre Chotilsko 14, 262 03 Nový Knín 734 837 333 [email protected] www.ic-chotilsko.cz

Mr. and Mrs. Toman Centre of Lifelong Palackého 9, 262 42 Rožmitál pod Tremšínem 318 660 008 [email protected] http://icentrum.tremsinsko.cz Learning and Library

Březnice Municipal Library and www.breznice.cz/kultura/ Náměstí 16, 262 72 Březnice 318 683 218 [email protected] Information Centre infocentrum-2

Information Centre www.breznice.cz/kultura/ V Koleji 1, Březnice 262 72 326 531 595 [email protected] at Ludvík Kuba Gallery infocentrum-2

317 834 328, Sedlec-Prčice Information Centre Vítkovo nám. 69, 257 92 Sedlec-Prčice [email protected] www.sedlec-prcice.cz 603 201 583

Information Centre of the City of Dobříš Mírové náměstí 106, 263 01 Dobříš 318 523 422 [email protected] http://ic.mestodobris.cz

Beroun Municipal Information Centre Husovo náměstí 69, 266 01 Beroun 311 654 321 [email protected] www.mesto-beroun.cz

Karlštejnsko Area Information Centre Karlštejn 334, 267 18 Karlštejn 311 681 370 [email protected] www.karlstejnsko.cz

Information Centre of the PLA nám. Svatopluka Čecha 82, 270 23 Křivoklát 313 558 123 [email protected] www.is-krivoklat.cz Křivoklátsko – Křivoklát

Rakovník 313 512 270, Husovo nám. 114, 269 01 Rakovník [email protected] www.infocentrum-rakovnik.cz Municipal Information Centre 601 385 123

Information Office of the Microregion Krupá 14, 270 09 Krupá 313 575 254 [email protected] www.poddzbansko.cz Poddžbánsko Krupá

18 * International prefix Tourist Information Centres

Name Address Phone (+420)* E-mail Website

Kladno Municipal Information Centre T. G. Masaryka 499, 272 01 Kladno 312 604 540 [email protected] www.mestokladno.cz

Information Centre at the Museum of Zámek 1, 252 63 Roztoky near Prague 233 029 055 [email protected] www.muzeum-roztoky.cz Central Bohemia in Roztoky near Prague

Under the Velvary Gate Information Centre Velvarská 136/1, 274 02 Slaný 312 523 448 [email protected] www.infoslany.cz

Hořovice Municipal Cultural Centre – Palackého nám. 2, 268 01 Hořovice 311 545 317 [email protected] www.mkc-horovice.cz Information Centre

Týnec nad Sázavou Tourist Information Centre Klusáčkova 2, 257 41 Týnec nad Sázavou 317 729 050 [email protected] www.centrumtynec.cz

Zruč nad Sázavou Information Centre Zámek 1, 285 22 Zruč nad Sázavou 327 531 329 [email protected] www.mesto-zruc.cz

Sázava Information Centre náměstí Voskovce a Wericha 280, 285 06 Sázava 327 320 763 [email protected] www.mestosazava.cz

Information Centre of the City of Votice Komenského náměstí 177, 259 01 Votice 317 812 505 [email protected] www.mesto-votice.cz and Microregion Džbány

Podblanicko Information Centre in Vlašim Zámek 4, 258 01 Vlašim 317 847 207 [email protected] www.vlasimskypark.cz

Louňovice pod Blaníkem Information Centre Zámek 1, 257 06 Louňovice pod Blaníkem 317 862 022 [email protected] www.lounovicepodblanikem.cz

Týnec nad Labem Komenského náměstí 235, 321 781 505 [email protected] www.tictynec.cz Tourist Information Centre 281 26 Týnec nad Labem

Information Centre of the City of 327 512 378, Palackého nám. 377/5, 284 01 Kutná Hora [email protected] www.kutnahora.cz Kutná Hora – Sankturin House 731 801 004

Sedlec Information Centre Zámecká 279, 284 03 Kutná Hora – Sedlec 326 551 049 [email protected] www.ic.sedlec.info

Information Centre of the City of Kutná K Nádraží 2, 28403 Kutná Hora – Sedlec 605 802 874 [email protected] www.kutnahora.cz Hora – Czech Railways Main Station

Information Centre Barborská 685, 284 01 Kutná Hora 327 515 796 [email protected] www.khfarnost.cz at the Church of St. Barbara

Uhlířské Janovice Pečírkova 168, 285 04 Uhlířské Janovice 327 542 197 [email protected] www.uhlirskejanovice.cz Cultural Information Centre

Čáslav Information Centre nám. Jana Žižky 197, 286 01 Čáslav 327 300 265 [email protected] www.cmuz.cz

317 726 004, Benešov Cultural and Information Centre Masarykovo nám. 230, 256 01 Benešov [email protected] www.kicbenesov.cz 737 205 534

Municipal Information Centre of the Masarykovo nám. 16, 254 01 Jílové u Prahy 241 950 791 [email protected] www.muzeumjilove.cz Regional Museum in Jílové u Prahy

Český Brod Information Centre nám. Arnošta z Pardubic 56, 282 01 Český Brod 321 612 218 [email protected] www.cesbrod.cz/infocentrum

Kostelec nad Černými lesy nám. Smiřických 33, 281 63 311 240 922 [email protected] www.kostelecncl.cz Municipal Library and Information Centre Kostelec nad Černými lesy

Hrusice Information Centre Hrusice 142, 251 66 Hrusice 323 655 326 [email protected] www.obec-hrusice.cz

19 Name Address Phone (+420)* E-mail Website

Stříbrná Skalice Information Centre Stříbrná Skalice 71, 281 67 Stříbrná Skalice 737 886 294 [email protected] www.stribrnaskalice.cz

Čerčany Information Centre Sokolská 28, 257 22 Čerčany 775 410 550 [email protected] www.cercany.cz

Říčany Tourist Information Centre Masarykovo nám. 83/1, 251 01 Říčany 323 618 169 jarmila [email protected] www.maks-ricany.cz

Rondel Tourist Information Centre nádraží Říčany, 251 01 Říčany 727 966 609 [email protected] www.maks-ricany.cz

Mnichovice Tourist Information Centre Masarykovo nám. 83, 251 64 Mnichovice 323 666 311 [email protected] www.mnichovice.info

321 712 021, Kolín Municipal Information Centre Na Hradbách 157, 280 02 Kolín 1 [email protected] www.infocentrum-kolin.cz 774 138 197

321 784 004, Kouřim Information Centre Mírové náměstí 1, 281 61 Kouřim [email protected] www.kourim-radnice.cz 728 137 488

Mladá Boleslav Information Centre Železná 107, 293 01 Mladá Boleslav 326 322 173 [email protected] www.kulturamb.cz/ic

Benátky nad Jizerou Zámek 50, 294 71 Benátky nad Jizerou 326 316 102 [email protected] www.benatky.cz Information Centre

325 585 228, Chateâu Loučeň Information Centre Zámek 1, 289 37 Loučeň [email protected] www.zamekloucen.cz 727 900 616

Mšeno Tourist Information Centre náměstí Míru 1, 277 35 Mšeno 315 693 040 [email protected] www.mestomseno.cz

Bělá pod Bezdězem Masarykovo nám. 140, 326 702 704 [email protected] www.mkzbela.cz Municipal Cultural Facility 294 21 Bělá pod Bezdězem

Mělník Tourist Information Centre Legionářů 51, 276 01 Mělník 315 627 503 [email protected] www.melnik.info

[email protected], Lysá nad Labem Information Centre Husovo nám. 23, 289 22 Lysá nad Labem 325 551 255 www.iclysa.cz [email protected]

Poděbrady Tourist Information Centre Jiřího náměstí 19, 290 01 Poděbrady 325 511 946 [email protected] www.polabi.com

Nymburk Tourist Information Centre náměstí Přemyslovců 165, 288 28 Nymburk 325 512 433 [email protected] www.mesto-nymburk.cz

Brandýs nad Labem – Stará Boleslav Masarykovo náměstí 1, 731 660 933, infocentrum@mesto. www.infocentrum- Information Centre 250 01 Brandýs nad Labem 731 681274 brandysnl.cz brandysko.cz

Tourist Information Centre of the Masarykovo náměstí 97, 326 396 599 [email protected] www.muzeumompv.cz Regional Museum Praha-východ 250 01 Brandýs nad Labem

Mnichovo Hradiště Masarykovo náměstí 299, 326 776 739 [email protected] www.mnhradiste.cz Municipal Information Centre 295 01 Mnichovo Hradiště

Issued by the Central Bohemia Region, 2014 www.kr-stredocesky.cz

Information Centre of the Central Bohemia Region Zborovská 11, 150 21 Prague 5, phone: +420 257 280 111, [email protected] www.middleczech.cz

Published in 2000 copies. NOT FOR SALE

This project is co-financed by the European Union and the Central Bohemia Region.

INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE ROP EUROPEAN UNION CENTRAL EUROPEAN REGIONAL BOHEMIA DEVELOPMENT FUND