Discover Pilsen: Beer History, Architecture and Nature

If you are looking for a hotel in Pilsen, focusing your trip can help you narrow down your choice of destination: beer and city history, technical exhibitions, wildlife and plant life, or paths around ponds and peat bogs all offer different activities. Pilsen brings these interests together in one trip, without requiring you to focus on just one theme. The places and activities below give you specific ideas to help plan your visit.

Beer History and Underground Pilsen

The first batch of Pilsner lager was brewed in Pilsen on 5 October 1842. The Pivovarské muzeum presents the history of beer production and consumption. It is housed in an original brewing-rights house dating from the 15th century, bringing architectural history and brewing tradition together in one place.

An underground passage connects the museum to the Plzeňské historické podzemí, so you can combine both visits. The approximately 800-metre tour takes you through a maze that has been developing since the late 13th century. The guided tour also includes a visit to a historic waterworks dating from the first half of the 16th century. A visit thus focuses on both the history of brewing and the city’s underground structures.

Architectural History, Synagogue and Views

Construction of the cathedral dedicated to Saint Bartholomew, Pilsen’s patron saint, began when the city was founded in 1295 and was completed in the early 16th century. Its tower is 102.26 metres high. Climbing nearly 300 steps takes you to the viewing gallery, which offers views across Plzeň and the entire region. Architecture and views come together here, giving you a tangible sense of the size of the city and its surroundings.

In addition to serving religious purposes, the Velká synagoga is also used as a concert and exhibition hall. The upper galleries house the permanent exhibition “Tady žili Židé”. A guided tour visits the interior and the rabbi’s house; you can also climb one of the towers. If you plan to take this tour, check the current schedule, as dates may change.

Technology, Animals and Seasonal Programmes

The Techmania Science Center features hundreds of interactive exhibits across 7,000 square metres. Its exhibitions cover the laws of nature and the animal kingdom, as well as the history of industry and technology and energy from renewable resources. The themes range from basic natural phenomena to technological developments and energy issues.

At Zoo Plzeň, animal exhibits sit alongside a botanical area that includes a meditative Japanese garden. Falconry demonstrations and keeper talks during feedings, for example with penguins or butterflies, are held especially at weekends, in the peak season and during the summer holidays. Exact dates vary by season, so check in advance which events fall during your travel dates.

Cycling Paths, Ponds and Transport

Dozens of kilometres of paths for pedestrians and cyclists run through the city of Pilsen. Depending on the section, traffic shares the same paths or uses separate ones. Pilsen also lies on international cycle route No. 3 between Regensburg and Prague. This information helps distinguish between paths within the city and a long-distance cycle route.

A cycling route around the Bolevec ponds leads to Velký bolevecký rybník, where swimming is possible. Check bathing conditions before you set off. The route also passes Senecký rybník and Arboretum Sofronka on the way to Kamenný rybník and its peat bogs. Another stop along the route is the technical monument Kolomazná pec. The ponds, arboretum, peat bogs and industrial heritage offer different points of interest along the same cycling route.

Public transport in Plzeň includes trams, trolleybuses and buses. Travellers can also take trains on all five railway lines running through the city, for journeys within Pilsen and to its surrounding area. As network details and timetables may change, it is advisable to check connections in advance for specific journeys.

Discover more destinations: Kyšice, Tymákov, Nezbavětice, Chrást, Chválenice, Lhůta, Radčice, Vstiš

For the broader travel overview: Okres Plzeň-Město.