A trip to Břasy offers different points of interest in cultural history, mining and landscape. The themes range from an Empire-style crypt and a local railway to a coal seam, a lookout point and a lake created by earlier mining activity. You can focus on architectural and scientific history, traces of industry or outdoor destinations. Visiting conditions vary when planning: the crypt opens only on special occasions, while Kamenný kruh Hovězák is reached on foot and is not accessible by car.

Cultural History and the Local Railway

The Šternberk Crypt was built in 1827 in the pure Empire style. Kašpar Maria hrabě ze Šternberka, regarded as one of the founders of palaeobotany, is buried there. Its construction date, style and biography offer several points of interest in cultural history. There is one clear restriction for visitors: the crypt opens only on special occasions. Check in advance whether it will be open during your visit rather than planning on regular access.

The Stupno Railway Museum Stupno was ceremonially opened on Saturday, 7 September 2024. It is dedicated to the history of the local railway from Chrást to Radnice. Alongside the crypt’s architectural and scientific history, the story of a regional rail connection stands as a subject in its own right. If you are planning a museum visit, check current visiting arrangements in advance, as they may change.

Mining and Industrial Traces

The Naučná stezka po stopách důlní činnosti na Břasku trail focuses on numerous remnants of mining and industrial operations. These can be found around Břasy, Stupno, Kříše, Vranovice and Darová. At the start of the route, the Bašta natural monument offers a view of a preserved remnant of the mighty upper Radnice seam of high-quality hard coal. The seam remnant makes mining tangible from the outset as geological evidence; the trail’s theme also extends to traces of industrial operations in the surrounding area.

The Ultramarinka leisure centre also connects a present-day activity with an industrial past: an ultramarine factory originally stood on its grounds. The leisure centre has obstacle features for cyclists. Here, the site’s former use as a factory and a specific offering for cyclists come together, without the need to switch to a different theme.

Views, a Stone Circle and Water

Kamenný kruh Hovězák can be reached on foot from Vranovice or Újezd u Sv. Kříže and is not accessible by car. Allow for the walk when planning your visit and check route conditions beforehand. The stone circle consists of eight stones around the perimeter, with a meditation seat in its centre. It also offers an almost complete panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. The design and the view provide different points of interest: the layout of the stone circle can be seen directly, while the view across the surroundings broadens the sense of space.

The “Na Vrchách” lookout tower was built in 2013 beyond Břasy in the direction of Liblín. Its location is thus specifically described in relation to Břasy and the direction of Liblín.

Vranovické jezero was formed when areas mined underground were flooded by groundwater. Today it is a body of water measuring about 1.2 ha, with a maximum length and width of approximately 180 × 100 m. The lake is used for recreation, swimming and fishing. In this example, its formation through earlier mining activity and its present-day recreational use are part of the same landscape theme.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Svojkovice, Lhota Pod Radčem, Mýto V Čechách, Medový Újezd, Hrádek U Rokycan, Těně, Podmokly.

See the overview of the wider area: Okres Rokycany.