This Central Bohemian town maintains a 13th-century brewery near the Berounka River. Local landmarks include the Gothic Church of St. George and hiking trails along the riverbank.
Beroun, located 30 kilometers southwest of Prague, lies at the meeting point of the Berounka and Litavka rivers. Climb the medieval Plzeňská Gate tower to see red-roofed buildings in the historic center, or observe Kuba and Matěj, two brown bears living on Městská Hora hill. Walk sections of 13th-century stone walls, browse pottery markets in Husovo Square during spring and fall, and use the town as a starting point for trips to Karlštejn Castle. The area includes cycling paths, kayaking routes along rivers, and museums focused on ceramic production. Beroun provides easy access to hiking, historical landmarks, and local traditions like the annual pottery fairs.
Visit Husovo Square and Medieval Defenses
Begin at Husovo Square, surrounded by Renaissance and Baroque buildings including the 16th-century town hall. Across from pastel-colored merchant houses stands the Gothic Church of Saint James the Great, built when Beroun was founded in the 1200s. Pass through Pražská Gate, one of two remaining medieval towers, to walk along parts of the 1,170-meter defensive wall constructed under King Wenceslaus II. Original bastions and moat sections remain visible near Zámečnická Street. The historic center includes details like sgraffito-decorated building fronts and underground cafes in former cellars, many serving trdelník pastries.
Observe Brown Bears on Městská Hora Hill
Walk ten minutes from Husovo Square to reach Městská Hora hill, where three brown bears live in a wooded enclosure. Kuba, Vojta, and Matěj became local celebrities after appearing in Czech children’s movies. A raised platform allows visitors to see the bears climbing trees or swimming in their pond. The hill’s 1930s observation tower gives clear views of the Berounka and Litavka river valleys. A playground and seasonal food stands make this area suitable for families.
Learn About Pottery Production and Geology
Beroun’s red-and-white pottery became nationally recognized in the 1500s, with examples like Šimon Nemazal’s detailed jugs displayed at the Beroun Museum of Ceramics. The museum occupies the Renaissance-era Reinovský House and hosts workshops on traditional pottery methods. Plan a trip during the Pottery Market in Husovo Square, held each May and September, to watch artisans shape clay on wheels and buy replica historical pieces. Nearby, the Geopark Barrandien uses interactive exhibits to explain the area’s unique rock formations and fossil discoveries.
Kayak, Cycle, or Swim Near the Rivers
Rent a kayak or raft to travel the Berounka River, floating past limestone rock faces and wooded banks toward Karlštejn. A paved cycling path follows the river, connecting to hiking trails in the Bohemian Karst region. Beroun’s aquapark operates indoor and outdoor pools with water slides throughout the year. Golfers can play nine holes at the course near the Litavka River, surrounded by low hills. In winter, ice skate at the Eden sports complex; in summer, watch movies at the open-air cinema by the river.
Take Short Trips to Nearby Landmarks
Ride the train 20 minutes from Beroun to Karlštejn Castle, a Gothic structure that once protected Bohemian crown jewels. From the castle, hike to the Koněprusy Caves for guided tours of 1.5-kilometer passages filled with stalactites and fossilized sea creatures. Southwest of town, explore the paired ruins of Žebrák and Točník castles, built on forested hills used for royal hunts. Experienced hikers can follow marked paths from Mořina village to Velká Amerika, a flooded limestone quarry with clear blue water.
Tour the Restored Jewish Cemetery
The Jewish cemetery on Pod Homolka street, opened in 1886, contains 120 gravestones inscribed in Hebrew, German, and Czech. Though damaged during World War II, recent efforts have restored granite monuments and cleared overgrown plants. A crumbling caretaker’s house still displays the phrase: “What you are, we were; what we are, you will be.” Visitors must arrange access in advance, but the site provides insight into Beroun’s Jewish history before the 20th century.
Travel Directions from Prague
Regular trains reach Beroun from Prague’s main station in 40 minutes, with views of Karlštejn Castle along the way. Drivers can take the D5 motorway southwest and exit at Beroun-východ to reach the historic district. The town’s main attractions are within walking distance, though local buses serve areas like the aquapark and Závodí neighborhood. Václav Havel Airport is a 45-minute drive northeast.
