Vacation in the Plzen Region
The area surrounding Plzen, the Plzeňský kraj, is a region full of contrasts and hidden treasures, ranging from the dense forests of the Bohemian Forest to Baroque gems and lively traditions. Away from the metropolis, western Bohemia unfolds its own unique charm, often quieter and closer to nature.
The region is diverse and the ideal destination for a vacation in Czechia. The southern part of the Plzen region is dominated by the Šumava National Park and Protected Landscape Area. This extensive, sparsely populated low mountain range is a true paradise for nature lovers and active vacationers. Hundreds of kilometers of marked trails lead through unspoiled forests, along glacial lakes such as Černé jezero (Black Lake) and Čertovo jezero (Devil’s Lake), and across high moors. In the midst of this beautiful natural landscape lie picturesque towns such as Sušice, the “gateway to the Bohemian Forest,” and Kašperské Hory (Bergreichenstein) with its imposing Kašperk Castle, which once guarded the trade routes. In this region, your vacation is bound to be wonderful!
In addition to the large natural areas, the river valleys of the region also offer ideal conditions for recreation. The valley of the Berounka River, which was praised by the writer Ota Pavel, is a popular destination for anglers and water sports enthusiasts. The Hracholusky reservoir west of Plzen is a popular swimming lake in summer and a center for water sports such as sailing and windsurfing.
However, the region around Plzen offers more than just beautiful nature. It is also home to impressive architectural monuments that underscore the former importance of western Bohemia. Plasy Monastery is an architectural masterpiece by Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel. The convent building stands on 5,100 oak piles in marshy ground – a technical masterpiece of its time. Equally impressive is Kladruby Monastery with its unique Church of the Assumption, a highlight of Baroque Gothic architecture. Švihov Water Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Czechia. Horšovský Týn Castle impresses with its well-preserved interior. The ruins of Radyně Castle tower over the landscape, visible from afar, and offer fantastic views. Anyone traveling in the region will be amazed at how many incredible buildings there are to visit.
Places of interest in the Plzen region
We are sitting in a steaming tub, surrounded by the spicy scent of hops and malt. Next to us is a tap from which we can pour ourselves a cool, freshly drafted beer at our leisure. This is not a fantasy, but the heart of a trend that uniquely combines wellness and Czech beer culture:…
On our road trip through the Czech Republic, Klatovy (known as Klattau in German) was originally planned as just a quick pit stop. We stayed for one night and were immediately enchanted. This city, located only about 40 kilometers south of Pilsen, is definitely worth a visit.
There are beers you drink and immediately forget. And then there are those that just won't let you go. The lager from Chodovar was one of those cases for me—remarkably smooth, aromatic, and with an unmistakable character that sparks curiosity.
In western Czechia, not far from the German border, lies a place where beer is not just drunk, but celebrated with all senses: Chodová Planá. It is the home of the Chodovar family brewery, renowned for its excellent beer and the "Real Beer Bath®". We took a dip in the beer tub to reveal why…
Only a few minutes by car from the world-famous spa town of Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad) and just a few kilometers from the German border lies the small town of Chodová Planá. If you're in the mood for a beery time with wellness, a brewery, good food, and of course, beer from the Chodovar family brewery,…
Please stay on the red carpet and, above all, don't ask any questions - that will probably stick in my head forever. Our guide said this exactly 100 times during the tour of the beautiful baroque Manětín Castle.
We arrive by car in Rabštejn nad Střelou and have already driven past again. The small town claims to be the smallest town in Central Europe… it almost seems like it's true.
A microbrewery reopened in 2015 is located on the grounds of the monastery in Plasy. The Plasy brewery continues the brewing tradition of the monastery on site. I felt very comfortable there, and not just from a culinary point of view.
Imagine a place that has been around for centuries and has a mixture of two totally different architectural styles. This is Mariánská Týnice in the Czech Republic!
Around Pilsen there are numerous former monasteries, which today invite you to visit them. Each monastery has something special and many facilities are architecturally unique. Plasy Monastery is one of the largest monasteries in the region.
A little more than 30 kilometres from Pilsen, in Kladruby in the west of the Czech Republic, lies the beautiful Kladruby Monastery with its associated castle building. I was very impressed by the visit to the monastery church, what a beautiful and above all large building.
Who doesn't know the popular story "Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella"!? What I didn't know until now, is that the filming of 1972 also took place in the Czech castle of Švihov. But that's not the only good reason to visit the castle, there's a lot to see.
Accommodation tips in the region
Zamek Hradek u Susice
Magnetit Hotel Šumava
Spa Hotel Garni Löwenstein
Chalet Belveder Železná Ruda Martina
Maringotka Gerlovka Šumava
Vyhlídkový srub “Na kraji Brd”
Travelinformations
How to get there
By car:
The car is the most flexible option for getting there and exploring the rural areas later on.
- From northern Bavaria: The easiest way to get there is via the A6 motorway, which merges seamlessly with the D5 on the Czech side and leads directly to Pilsen.
- From southern Bavaria: The best route is via the A93 to the A6.
- From Saxony: Via the A72/A93 or via the A4/A7 and Prague (D5).
Important: A digital vignette (elektronická dálniční známka) is mandatory for using Czech motorways (identified by the letter “D”).
By train:
Pilsen is an important railway junction and is well connected to the international network.
- From Germany: There are regular direct connections from Munich via Regensburg and Furth im Wald to Plzen. There are also good connections from Nuremberg, often with a change in Cheb (Eger).
- From Prague: Trains run every half hour to hourly from Prague Main Station to Plzen. The journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
By bus:
Various long-distance bus companies offer regular connections from many German cities to Plzen.
By plane:
The nearest major international airport is Prague Airport (PRG). From there, there are direct bus connections to Plzen, or you can take the bus to Prague Central Station and continue by train.
Getting around the Plzen region
By car
To discover the many castles, chateaux, monasteries, and remote beauties of the Bohemian Forest, having your own car is unbeatable. The network of gas stations is well developed and road conditions are generally good.
By train
Regional trains (Osobní vlak) and express trains (Spěšný vlak) connect all major cities such as Plzen, Domažlice, Klatovy, Sušice, and Železná Ruda.
By bus
A dense network of regional buses complements the train service and also connects smaller villages. Buses are often the only way to get directly to certain hiking car parks or sights that do not have their own train station. Please note that buses to some places run rather infrequently.
By bike
Along the rivers (e.g., Berounka Cycle Route) and through the Bohemian Forest, there are numerous well-signposted cycle paths ranging from flat family tours to challenging mountain bike trails.