Located an hour north of Prague, this industrial city houses major Škoda and Volkswagen factories. Its old town center has medieval churches, museums, and a park along the River Labe.
Mladá Boleslav, a medieval town 50 kilometers northeast of Prague, combines centuries of history with its role as the home of Škoda Auto. Walk through streets where Gothic arches stand beside factories, visit the 14th-century castle that now holds a museum, or climb the Old City Hall’s tower to see red rooftops and the Jizera River below. The Škoda Museum displays vintage cars like the 1905 Voiturette A and lets you tour working factories. Templ Palace, built in the 1400s, reveals Renaissance frescoes and wooden ceilings. Explore the leaning Putna Tower at Michalovice Castle’s ruins or follow iron plaques in the streets to uncover lesser-known sites. From religious movements to industrial innovation, Mladá Boleslav has much to offer.
Škoda Auto Museum and Factory Tour
Begin at the Škoda Museum, located in the original 1895 factory buildings of Laurin & Klement. Interactive exhibits explain how the company shifted from making bicycles to cars. See early models like the 1905 Voiturette A alongside racing prototypes and modern electric vehicles. Guided tours take you into active production areas where robots assemble engines and chassis. The museum connects the town’s industrial past with its present-day manufacturing.
Mladá Boleslav Castle and Regional Museum
The hilltop castle, rebuilt as barracks in the 1700s, now houses the Regional Museum. Exhibits cover local history, including Bronze Age tools and items from the Protestant Bohemian Brethren. Walk through Gothic halls with vaulted ceilings and a recreated 19th-century pharmacy with glass bottles and surgical tools. Temporary displays often focus on Škoda’s influence on the region. From the castle grounds, you can see the Jizera River and the town’s mix of old and new buildings.
Old City Hall and Lookout Tower
The Old City Hall, with one tower from 1559 and another added in 1779, rises above the main square. Climb 109 steps to the top of the taller tower for views of the surrounding hills. Inside the hall, see historic furniture and ceremonial objects used by town officials. Cafes under the square’s arcades serve coffee and pastries. Follow the Metal Way plaques in the pavement to discover hidden courtyards and lesser-known monuments.
Templ Palace and Gothic Architecture
Templ Palace, completed in 1493, was a gathering place for the Bohemian Brethren. Its restored rooms include a chapel with faded wall paintings and wooden beams from the 15th century. The palace now holds concerts and theater events in its vaulted spaces. A short walk away, the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary retains its Gothic stone structure, though its interior has Baroque altars added after a fire. Look for weathered carvings on the church’s exterior walls.
Michalovice Castle Ruins and Putna Tower
Drive 10 minutes from the town center to reach Michalovice Castle, a 13th-century ruin overlooking the Jizera River. Its Putna Tower leans sharply due to collapsed foundations, creating a striking silhouette. Stories say treasure hunters dug tunnels beneath the tower, causing its tilt. Trails through oak and pine forests lead to viewpoints above the river valley. Wear shoes with good grip—the path to the tower has steep, irregular steps.
Golf Course SandMartin’s Holes
SandMartin’s Holes, an 18-hole golf course, uses natural sand formations and ponds to challenge players. Rent clubs or take a lesson if you’re new to the sport. The restaurant serves dishes like svíčková (beef in cream sauce) with views of the fairways. The course stays open in winter if there’s little snow. Even without golfing, you can stroll the grounds to spot herons and kingfishers near the water hazards.
