Tachov District: Border Forests, Trails and Mining History

Tachov District lies among quiet border landscapes, striking valleys and traces of mining. Whether you enjoy hiking or cycling, you’ll find inspiration here, as will travellers interested in historic sites and regional culture.

Border Landscapes and Trails in the Green

The Český les Protected Landscape Area brings together border forests, pastures, meadows, wetlands, open scrubland and peat bogs. Hiking and cycling trails wind through its peaceful border landscapes. The Mže Valley offers a different kind of scenery: in Tachov District, it is deeply incised and, in places, gorge-like.

Along the Kosí potok, Čertovce Rock and a forest waterfall plunging into a deep gorge are among the distinctive sights on a hike. The Skalní Defilé educational trail follows the Mže Valley to a viewpoint on a spilite massif and ends with a panorama of the Svojšín Valley. It is 1.6 kilometres long.

At around 5.5 kilometres, the educational trail at Hradišťský vrch is longer; allow about two to three hours to complete it. The outing also includes a nature reserve and a partially flooded quarry that serves as a natural swimming spot. The two trails can therefore be distinguished by their length, while the time estimate for Hradišťský vrch offers additional guidance for planning your day.

Cycling around Havran and Konstantinovy Lázně

Havran is the highest peak in the Tachovsko region and has a reconstructed observation tower. A network of cycling trails extends around the mountain on both the Czech and German sides of the border. The border itself is an integral part of the character of the routes here.

The Dětský cykloráj around Konstantinovy Lázně is designed as a family route and is also suitable for inline skating. It includes a forest park with play and exercise features. The route is accessible by train and uses local, road and tourist cycling trail markings. Alongside longer rides around Havran, visitors can choose between a specifically family-oriented route and a forest park as different options for a day out.

Castles, a Château and Mining History

The ruins of Gutštejn date from the 14th century and lie in the wooded Hadovka Valley south of Konstantinovy Lázně. Svojšín Château features a French garden, restored interiors, a portrait gallery of its owners and a history exhibition. The two places offer contrasting experiences: ruins in a wooded valley at one, and château rooms, a garden and an exhibition at the other.

The Stříbro Town Museum is housed in a former Minorite monastery. Its subjects range from local crafts and military history to folk woodcarving. The Stříbro Open-Air Mining Museum explores more than 800 years of mining history and includes a 700-metre accessible tunnel. At the Hornické muzeum, the visitor tunnel is almost barrier-free: there are three steps at the entrance, which can also be managed with a pushchair or wheelchair. Check the access arrangements again before your visit.

Chodovar is considered the oldest brewery in West Bohemia. Its historic cellars were hewn into granite in the 14th century; the Ve Skále restaurant is also located there. A brewery tour includes the malt house, brewhouse, open fermentation room and beer tasting. As dates and operating arrangements can change, it is advisable to check in advance.

Mineral Water and Further Information

Konstantinovy Lázně has the Prusík Spring Pavilion and carbon-dioxide-rich mineral water. In Chodová Planá, the beer spa offers a 34°C bath with Ilsano mineral water, dark bath beer, live brewer’s yeast, hop pomace and crushed herbs. The composition and operating details may change; check the current offer before visiting.

For practical information in Tachov, the Rychta complex offers parking and changing facilities, as well as access to nearby cycling and hiking trails.

Discover more destinations: Třemešné, Stříbro, Konstantinovy Lázne, Studanka, Butov, Dubec, Cernosin, Vranov U Stříbra, Přimda, Bezdružice, Stráž, Cebiv, Chodová Planá, Chodský Újezd, Halže, Svojšín, Kočov, Kladruby U Stříbra, Lestkov, Ošelín, Kšice, Planá U Mariánských Lázní, Kříženec, Rozvadov, Skapce, Staré Sedliště, Sulislav, Tisová, Zadní Chodov, Benešovice, Erpužice, Brod Nad Tichou, Částkov, Kokašice, Dlouhý Újezd, Horní Kozolupy, Hošťka, Olbramov, Kostelec U Stříbra, Lesná, Lom U Tachova, Milíře, Obora, Prostiboř, Trpísty, Sytno, Únehle, Zhoř, Písařova Vesce.

For the broader travel overview: Pilsen.