This industrial town on the Elbe River, 25 km north of Prague, has a large chemical plant and modernist architecture from the 1950s-60s. The nearby forest trails lead to local ponds.
Neratovice, a town of 16,000 people, sits 17 kilometers north of Prague on the banks of the Elbe River. You can walk along the riverside paths, swim in an old sandstone quarry, or explore the grounds of a 17th-century castle. The town's industrial area includes the Spolana chemical plant, one of the largest in Czechia.
Getting to Neratovice
Trains run every 30 minutes from Prague's main station to Neratovice along the Prague–Mladá Boleslav line. The town's three railway stations - Neratovice, Neratovice město, and Lobkovice - connect to local lines heading to Čelákovice and Kralupy nad Vltavou. By car, follow the I/9 road from the D8 motorway, with the drive from Prague taking about 25 minutes.
Along the Elbe
A paved path runs for 3 kilometers along both banks of the Elbe River from the town center to where Košátecký stream joins the river. The path includes several wooden benches and viewing platforms. Visit in early morning to spot kingfishers, herons, and wild ducks near the water. The path is accessible for both cyclists and pedestrians.
Mlékojedy Quarry
The former sandstone quarry at Mlékojedy holds clear water within 15-meter high rock walls. The quarry extends 200 meters in length and locals use it for swimming from June to September. You can find space for sunbathing on the grass areas around the quarry. Several walking paths wind through the former mining area. Remember to bring water and snacks as there are no shops or facilities at the site.
Lobkovice Castle
The castle in the Lobkovice district began as a fortress before its conversion to a Renaissance castle in 1610. Only the tower survived the Thirty Years' War, after which builders added a Baroque wing in 1679. While the Lobkowicz family continues renovation work inside the castle, you can walk around the exterior walls and through the castle grounds daily from sunrise to sunset.