A changing mix of forest, open country and water shapes the natural landscapes of Tachov District. In the CHKO Český les Protected Landscape Area, border forests sit alongside pastures, meadows, wetlands, open scrubland and moors. Hiking and cycling trails wind through quiet border landscapes. Those who enjoy spending time outdoors will also find varied routes and scenery, from a deeply incised valley to a nature trail with viewpoints.
Border Landscapes and Trails
The Mže Valley is a recreational landscape in Tachov District that has a gorge-like appearance in places. The Kosový potok also shapes a canyon-like landscape within a nature park. On a walk along the Kosí potok, the Čertovce rock formation and a forest waterfall plunging into a deep gorge are among the distinctive natural sights. Despite their similar-sounding names, these are different waterways and landscapes.
For a specific time estimate, the Hradišťský vrch nature trail offers a useful guide: it is approximately 5.5 kilometres long and takes about two to three hours. The route includes a nature reserve and a partially flooded quarry that serves as a natural swimming spot. At 1.6 kilometres, the Skalní Defilé nature trail is considerably shorter. It follows the Mže Valley to a viewpoint on a spilit massif and ends with a panorama of the Svojšín Valley. This makes it possible to compare the two routes by length without assuming a walking time for Skalní Defilé.
Cycling routes also reflect the border location: a dense network of trails extends around Havran, the highest peak in the Tachovsko region, on both the Czech and German sides of the border. A reconstructed observation tower stands on the summit. Around Konstantinovy Lázně, the Dětský cykloráj is designed for families and is also suitable for inline skating. It includes a forest park with play and exercise features. The route is accessible by train and uses local, road and tourist cycling-route markers.
Another natural highlight is in Konstantinovy Lázně: the pavilion at the Prusík Spring and its carbon-dioxide-rich mineral water offer a distinct attraction alongside the landscapes and trails. The Rychta complex in Tachov has parking and changing facilities, with cycling and hiking trails nearby. This is useful for days when you want to combine outdoor activities with a practical place to stop.
Castle Ruins, a Château and Mining History
The Gutštejn Castle ruins date from the 14th century and lie in the wooded Hadovka Valley south of Konstantinovy Lázně. Svojšín Château offers a different kind of historical discovery, with a French garden, restored interiors, a portrait gallery of its owners and a history exhibition. The ruins and the château’s decorated rooms thus provide different ways to explore the area’s history.
The Stříbro Open-Air Mining Museum showcases more than 800 years of mining history and includes an accessible 700-metre-long tunnel. At the Hornické muzeum, the visitor tunnel is almost barrier-free: there are three steps, which can also be managed with a pushchair or wheelchair. Check access conditions again before your trip. The Stříbro Town Museum is housed in a former Minorite monastery. Its topics include local crafts, military history and folk woodcarving.
Chodovar also combines history with a visitor experience. Its historic cellars were carved into granite in the 14th century; the Ve Skále restaurant is located in these cellars. Chodovar is considered the oldest brewery in West Bohemia. Brewery tours include the malt house, brewhouse, open fermentation room and beer tasting. Tour dates and operating arrangements may change; check the latest schedule and details in advance.
At the beer spa in Chodová Planá, the 34°C bath uses Ilsano mineral water, dark bathing beer, live brewer’s yeast, hop residue and crushed herbs. The ingredients and operating details may change; check the latest information in advance. Alongside castles, museums and trails, this offers a specific local bathing experience.
Discover more destinations: Cernosin, Dubec, Butov, Studanka, Konstantinovy Lázne, Stříbro, Třemešné, Vranov U Stříbra, Přimda, Bezdružice, Stráž, Cebiv, Chodová Planá, Chodský Újezd, Halže, Svojšín, Kočov, Kladruby U Stříbra, Lestkov, Ošelín, Kšice, Planá U Mariánských Lázní, Rozvadov, Skapce, Staré Sedliště, Sulislav, Tisová, Zadní Chodov, Benešovice, Erpužice, Brod Nad Tichou, Částkov, Kokašice, Dlouhý Újezd, Horní Kozolupy, Hošťka, Olbramov, Kostelec U Stříbra, Lesná, Lom U Tachova, Milíře, Obora, Prostiboř, Trpísty, Sytno, Únehle, Zhoř, Kříženec, Písařova Vesce.
For the broader travel overview: Pilsen.
