Beroun

Beroun is a city in Central Bohemia, approximately 30 km southwest of Prague, situated on the Berounka River. The town serves as a convenient base for exploring the Bohemian Karst protected area and its famous castles and caves. With medieval city walls, a Gothic church, and a bear enclosure on the town hill, Beroun blends small-town Czech charm with proximity to some of the region's best natural attractions.

The climate is typical of central Bohemia, with warm summers and cold winters. Spring and early autumn offer the most pleasant conditions for hiking and sightseeing. The surrounding landscape features limestone gorges, forests, and the dramatic Velká Amerika quarry.

Beroun's layout centres on Husovo Square, the main square with St. James Church and remnants of the medieval town walls. The Berounka River runs along one side of town.

By Plane

Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is roughly 40 km northeast. From the airport, reach Prague's Smíchovské nádraží and take the train to Beroun.

By Train

Beroun station lies on the important railway line between Prague and Plzeň (and on to Cheb). Fast trains running to/from Plzeň, and international services to Regensburg, Nuremberg, and Munich, stop at Beroun. The commuter line S7 connects Prague with Beroun with frequent service, stopping at Karlštejn and other attractive villages. From Prague, trains depart from both Hlavní nádraží and Smíchovské nádraží. Journey time is roughly 40 minutes.

By Car / Road

Beroun sits directly on the D5 highway between Prague and Plzeň, making it very accessible by car. The drive from Prague takes about 30 minutes.

Beroun is walkable, with most attractions concentrated in and around the town centre. The Medvědárium bear enclosure is a 10-minute walk uphill from the centre. For hiking in the Bohemian Karst, follow the marked trails from town.

• St. James Church (Kostel svatého Jakuba) – A Gothic church on Husovo Square, the heart of the old town.
• Medvědárium – A bear enclosure on Městská Hora hill, home to three bears (Jakub, Vojta, and Matěj) from Czech bedtime stories. Features a children's playground, kiosk, and a modest lookout tower. About 10 minutes' walk from town centre.
• City Gates – The Prague Gate and Pilsen Gate are remnants of the medieval fortification, with sections of city walls nearby.
• Velká Amerika – A dramatic abandoned limestone quarry, partially flooded, sometimes called the "Czech Grand Canyon." Accessible by hiking trails from Beroun.
• Solvayovy Lomy – A former quarry now showcasing mine trains. Open on weekends in season.
• Koněpruské Caves – The largest cave system in Bohemia, 6 km from Beroun.

Beroun is a relaxed base for hiking in the Bohemian Karst. Marked trails lead through forests, past abandoned quarries, and to viewpoints. Cycling and inline skating routes are available. The Tip Sport Laguna is a small aquapark with a swimming pool for rainy days.

• Berounský medvěd, Tyršova 135 – A family brewery-restaurant 2 minutes from the railway station. Serves house-brewed beer and traditional Czech food. Open daily 10:00–22:00 (until 23:00 Fri–Sat). More than 80 seats in a converted sugar factory setting.

Tap water is safe to drink.

Berounský medvěd brews its own beer and offers a wide selection of house beers. Czech tap water is safe.

• Budget: Pensions and guesthouses in the town centre from approximately 500–700 Kč per night.
• Mid-range: Several hotels in town and the surrounding area offer comfortable stays from 800–1,200 Kč.

The town centre has standard Czech shops and a few souvenir stalls. Beroun is not known as a major shopping destination, but you can find local crafts and Bohemian glass.

• Karlštejn – 12 km southeast. The iconic Karlštejn Castle, built by Emperor Charles IV, is one of the most visited castles in the Czech Republic.
• Velká Amerika & Malá Amerika – Dramatic abandoned quarries with hiking trails.
• Hořovice – 12 km west. A chateau with a park.
• Točník and Žebrák – Ruined medieval castles 15 km south.
• Tetín – An early medieval hillfort site on the Berounka River.