The Klonk National Natural Monument lies 200 to 800 metres north of Suchomasty and gives the village a distinctive geological landmark. The village also lies partly within the ÄŚeskĂ˝ kras Protected Landscape Area and offers specific nature-related attractions and historic buildings. This gives you a clear choice of focus when planning your trip: should the geological history of Klonk, the landscape and its natural features, or architecture from different centuries take centre stage? Suchomasty can be explored from several distinct perspectives.
Klonk, the landscape and wildlife
The Klonk National Natural Monument contains the world’s first internationally designated stratotype for the boundary between the Silurian and Devonian periods. A stratotype is a geological reference point at which such a boundary is defined. The geological boundary represented at Klonk dates back approximately 410 to 418 million years. As a stratotype, Klonk is a site of worldwide importance in stratigraphic geology. Its international significance, the named geological periods and the dating provide a clear framework for the geological subject.
The Klonk monument is also described in specific terms: it was created by academic sculptor Jiřà Novotný and weighs six tonnes.
Suchomasty lies partly within the Český kras Protected Landscape Area. The Suchomasty-zámeček site is also home to a regionally significant summer colony of lesser horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus hipposideros). These natural features operate on different scales: the protected landscape designation applies to part of Suchomasty, while the summer colony is located at a specific site. This offers a choice between the landscape and a particular species’ habitat as distinct topics.
In the area around Suchomasty, the Suchomasty Reservoir is a popular excursion destination, with a marked hiking trail running along its right bank. Another walk leads from the Klonk monument to MlĂ˝nskĂ˝ rybnĂk and is approximately half a kilometre long. This distance gives a specific indication for that route; by contrast, the trail by the reservoir is described by its location along the right bank.
Chateau, chapel and school grounds
Suchomasty Chateau was originally built in the Renaissance style and dates from the 16th century. It was remodelled in the Baroque style in the 18th century. Its architectural history therefore combines a Renaissance origin with a later Baroque transformation. The chateau is not open to the public. Check the current access arrangements before visiting.
The Baroque Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows dates from the early 19th century and is a cultural monument. The protected former school grounds include the school building, a garden and an area enclosed by a stone wall. The chapel extends the view of the area’s architectural history beyond the chateau, while the school grounds reflect the site’s former use as a school in the context of the village. Those interested in Suchomasty’s history can thus find different perspectives on the buildings and their former uses.
Getting there and choosing accommodation
The journey from Prague to Suchomasty by public transport takes about one hour and 27 minutes, including a transfer. As timetables and transfer arrangements affect travel time, check the connection for your travel date.
If you are looking for a holiday apartment for a stay in Suchomasty, first decide whether Klonk’s geology, local history or an excursion to the reservoir should shape your itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Borek, Vráž, Chaloupky, Hvozdec, Chrustenice, Bykoš, Cerhovice, Neumětely
Return to the overview of the wider travel area: Beroun District.
