Nevřeň: Kaolin Mine, Educational Trail and History

Nevřeň and Kaolin Mining

Kaolin mining provides a clear theme for a stay in Nevřeň. You can explore it in different ways: on guided tours of the mine, along the POD ZEMÍ educational trail and in the multimedia exhibition at Centrum Caolinum. If you would rather experience the history in underground passages, you can take a guided tour; if you prefer to get around on foot, the routes offer a different perspective. The exhibition at the visitor centre explores the history of mining. This lets you choose the focus of your visit according to how you would like to explore the subject.

Guided tours of the kaolin mine take you through underground passages and introduce you to local history and former mining methods. The temperature underground is around 10°C, so plan to bring an extra warm layer for this part of your visit. If a guided tour is part of your travel plans, check the current tour options in advance, as arrangements may change.

Routes with Different Focuses

The signposted POD ZEMÍ educational trail runs from Centrum Caolinum to the mine entrance; this section takes about 20 to 30 minutes on foot. The trail explores underground ecosystems and the long-term effects of human activity. Along the route, there are carved wooden figures of mushrooms and earthworms, as well as climbing structures for children. Check the trail conditions locally; individual installations may change.

The “Skryté příběhy” route is an approximately 6 km circular walking route accompanied by a mobile app, and it ends at the kaolin mine. Before your trip, check whether the app is available digitally. The route is inspired by the fairy-tale film “Čertí brko,” which was filmed, among other places, in the former underground kaolin mine in Nevřeň. For POD ZEMÍ, you can use the walking time from Centrum to the entrance as a guide; for Skryté příběhy, the focus is on the approximate length of the circular route. Walking time and route length answer different planning questions.

Exhibition and Architectural Heritage

Centrum Caolinum Nevřeň is a modern visitor and community centre. Its multimedia exhibition is dedicated to the history of kaolin mining; the centre also has spaces for cultural events. As well as serving as the starting point for the educational trail, it offers its own way to explore local history.

Nevřeň’s architectural heritage includes the fire brigade climbing tower, a landmark built of concrete by local residents in 1936. It is unique in Czechia for its architecture and choice of building material. This structure adds a distinct chapter in local architectural history to the themes of the mine and kaolin mining.

Getting There

You can reach Nevřeň from the centre of Plzeň by car or bus in about 20 minutes. Actual travel time may vary depending on traffic and the timetable. If you are travelling by bus, check the service for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Blatnice, Štichovice, Ostrov U Bezdružic, Chříč, Lochousice, Nová Jezná, Lipno, Pnovany-Rajov

For the broader travel overview: Plzeň-Sever District.