Escape the Mundane: Embark on an Adventure in Brda’s Enchanting Forests!

The Brdy Mountains are situated in the southwest region of Central Bohemia. The best part? You can reach this stunning location from Prague in just a matter of tens of minutes. Whether you’re eager to go for a hike, explore the area on foot, take a bike ride, or simply relax by the picturesque ponds, Brdy will amaze you with its vast offerings. The expansive protected landscape and the nearby towns like Dobříš, Hořovice, Mníšek pod Brdy, Příbram, Rokycany, and Rožmitál pod Třemšínem create a perfect haven for those seeking tranquility and serenity. To summarize, if you’re looking for a getaway where you might encounter more deer than people, where you can wander through a former military area, and admire breathtaking hilltop views, then Brdy and its surrounding regions are your ideal destination.

Where will your feet or wheels take you?

Let’s begin with a classic in the area: Tok (865 m), the tallest mountain in Brdy, which you can conquer easily, making you feel like a true adventurer. Surrounding you are lush forests and old military roads that provide fantastic trails for both hikers and cyclists. A unique spot to check out is the Padrta Ponds, which resemble something out of a beautiful fairy tale and are great for a picnic break. There used to be many villages around these ponds, but today, you will only find stunning nature. If you enjoy a hint of mystery, don’t miss the ruins of Valdek – the romantic remnants of a Gothic castle nestled deep within the woods. Those interested in military history will appreciate the well-preserved bunkers and structures scattered throughout the landscape.

Traces of military infrastructure still echo the times when Brdy served the military, adding a special atmosphere to the area. Notable sites include the Jordan River and the eerie abandoned military airfield, which resembles a scene from a science fiction film. For those who are romantics at heart, experiencing the sunset over the Hammock will leave you breathless – with serene moors, historic military buildings, and panoramic views of the countryside. So, what are you waiting for? Just pack your bags and head out – the Brdy Mountains are eager to welcome you! And remember, the most amazing views can be found where the cell phone signal is weak.

What to do if you don’t want to just relax?

For those seeking a true challenge, try the Brdská magistrála, a route suitable for both cycling and cross-country skiing. Hikers can embark on the Brdská hřebenovka, a 120-kilometre trail stretching from Jíloviště to Spálené Poříčí. This long-distance path connects the core beauty of Brdy, passing through its highest peaks, Tok (865 m) and Praha (862 m), the enchanting surroundings of Padrťské rybníky, and the impressive Mount Plešivec known as the Brda Olympus. And for those that enjoy a bit of a challenging adventure, you can set a goal to climb various peaks in Brdy that cumulatively add up to a magical height of 8,848 metres – an experience akin to climbing your own Everest.

Moreover, you can explore a variety of hiking trails we’ve laid out for you at Where to go if you’re bored:

• • One of the most scenic and easily accessible spots is the Pilská reservoir. You can journey on foot with us, but also consider a slight detour to see the Skelna Hut, the peaceful Láz reservoir, a mysterious cross, and a tranquil forest pond.

• • Families with children and curious adventurers eager to learn more about Brdy’s nature will find the Brdy Nature House to be an excellent destination. Located in the hunting lodge known as Tři Trubky, you can reach it most comfortably from Strasice, where parking is available at the forest crossroads Padrťský potok.

• • Another delightful walk can be taken from the area around Komárov to Hrachoviště and Jedova hora, or to visit Fabian, a legendary figure believed to protect our mountains. You can reach his mystical home on Plešivec in Brdy on foot from Jince.

• • Are you familiar with the book “Schoolboy Kája Marík” and its sequel? These stories were crafted during the First Republic by Marie Wagnerová, and with Kudy z boredom, you can embark on an adventure through the Brdy forests following Kája’s footsteps.

• • The circular cycling route from Orlov to Tok, around Padrta Ponds, and back covers about thirty-five kilometres.

• • From Řevnice, you can hike to reach the peaks of Babka and Pišťák.

• • A little town in the palm of your hand, The Higher Principle, Playing with the Devil, and many delightful and original Czech fairy tales: these are some of the well-known works of the writer Jan Drda (1915-1970). Trace his footsteps to his birthplace in Příbram, visiting places with whimsical names in the surrounding area, many familiar from Drda’s fairy tales – such as Dalskabaty, the sinful village, or the Forgotten Devil.

• • But that’s not all! We have even more “Brda” suggestions for family outings, catering to both small children and older explorers.

• • We’ll also guide you through Příbram, from Svatá Hora to the Mining Museum on foot.

Where to rest your head?

Select accommodations based on what activities pique your interest. You can pair your excursions with additional experiences right at your lodging. For families, consider Mníšek pod Brdy, a small yet vibrant town boasting a lovely Baroque castle and a calm ambiance. The historic center brims with cafés and restaurants where you can savor regional specialties. Another wonderful option is Rožmitál pod Třemšínem, where you can appreciate not only its history but also its ties to Jakub Jan Ryba, the creator of the Czech Christmas Mass. You can also explore Dobříš with its beautiful rococo chateau and French garden, or Hořovice with its own charming castle and lovely park. Accommodation options range across all categories, from wellness hotels and cozy guesthouses to glamping and stylish cabins nestled in the forest, offering you peace and a chance to gaze at the starry sky.