The observatory has stood on Manda Hill above Ondřejov for more than a hundred years. Here, astronomical insights meet hiking trails, while church architecture, Baroque details and cycling routes in the village offer further points of interest. This gives you more than one main focus when choosing a destination: you can give astronomy, local history and outdoor activities different levels of importance.
The Observatory and Trails in Ondřejov
The observatory grounds are open to the public free of charge. The yellow- and red-marked hiking trails run right through them. Hiking and the observatory therefore share a concrete connection to the same place: the trails cross the grounds rather than merely passing by the facility. Visitor arrangements may vary seasonally; check the latest information before your visit.
Cycling is another option to consider when choosing what to do in the area: the Ladův kraj cycling routes pass through Ondřejov. The routes differ clearly in where they go: the marked hiking trails cross the observatory grounds, while the cycle network runs through the village. If you want to plan your trip around activities, you can weigh up a visit to the observatory, a hike and cycling as distinct options.
Telescopes and Exhibitions
The largest telescope in the Czech Republic can be viewed from the visitors’ gallery. Its mirror has a diameter of two metres, and the instrument is called Perkův dalekohled. Gallery visits may vary seasonally, so it is a good idea to check the latest visitor information before planning your trip.
During a guided tour of the observatory, an exhibition on the facility’s development is presented in a historic dome. The visitor programme therefore offers both a view of a large telescope and an introduction to the observatory’s history. Details of guided programmes may vary seasonally.
The Cosmic Laboratory building also houses an exhibition about meteor observation. At events, the meteor research group organises guided tours of its exhibition on observing fireballs. Specific dates are announced separately, so if you want to include this programme, check the event schedule.
The Church, Rectory and Baroque Details in the Village
The Church of Sts. Simon and Jude (Kostel sv. Šimona a Judy) is a Romanesque building that was given a Baroque makeover in 1668. The church also has a rectory in the Baroque urban style, built between 1778 and 1780. The two dates provide a clear timeline for the buildings: the church’s Baroque transformation is associated with 1668, and the rectory’s construction with the late 18th century.
The square also offers several specific points of interest for exploring the village’s history. It is home to two Baroque statues of St Andrew and St John of Nepomuk. At the southern end of the square, House No. 15 is an example of a Baroque Central Bohemian farmhouse. The statues and the house add further, distinct types of evidence to the architectural styles of the church and rectory: religious sculptures and a farmhouse type.
Local History or Nature Observation?
A walk in the woods around Ondřejov draws attention to the relationships between plants and animals. This offers a different focus from the observatory and historic buildings: rather than astronomy or architecture, the emphasis is on ecological connections. Together with the cycling routes that run through Ondřejov, this perspective broadens the options for travellers who do not want to focus their stay exclusively on cultural history.
This lets you choose a destination that suits your interests before looking for accommodation.
Discover more destinations: Teptin, Horousany, Konojedy, Oleška, Podolanka, Lhota, Záryby, Nehvizdy.
For the wider travel overview: Okres Praha-Východ.
