At the confluence of the Labe and Ohře rivers, Litoměřice lies where the mountains of České středohoří meet the fertile Polabská lowlands. When planning your trip, you can choose from several clearly defined interests: the history of Dómský pahorek and the cathedral, museums and exhibitions, viticulture, and cycling. These themes range from historic buildings to a wine route just over 15 kilometres long.
Dómský pahorek and the Cathedral
Since the 10th century, Dómský pahorek was home to a princely and Přemyslid hillfort area covering around six hectares; it has disappeared without a trace. Around 1057, Prince Spytihněv II founded the Chapter of St. Stephen on the hill. The present-day Cathedral of St. Stephen was built in the early Baroque style from 1664 to 1668, after the earlier church was demolished between 1662 and 1664. These distinct historical phases can be traced: the hillfort area, the founding of the chapter, and the cathedral’s later construction history.
Museums and Exhibitions
The Litoměřice Diocesan Museum is located on Mírové náměstí in a house that was originally Gothic, with the year 1513 on its gable. Since 1995, works from the collections of the Diocese of Litoměřice have been on display there. The Puppet Gallery is housed in a Gothic tower that was once part of Litoměřice’s fortifications. It features more than 250 puppets and fairy-tale sets. The exhibition “Důl Richard v proměnách času” explores a different topic: it is accessible via an underground passage about 160 m long beneath the town hall and documents the history of nearby Bídnice Hill. Information panels along the passage are in Czech, German and English. As access may change, check before your visit.
Wine at the Castle and on the Wine Trail
Litoměřice Castle houses an exhibition providing an overview of the history of Czech viticulture. Wine-tasting tours are also offered there and must be booked at least one to two days in advance. Check current booking availability before your trip. The Litoměřice Wine Trail officially starts in the castle courtyard. It is just over 15 km long and has nine stops with information panels. By prior telephone arrangement, visitors can visit local winemakers along the wine trail and taste their wines. This offers two different ways to explore viticulture: an overview at the castle or a route with stops and pre-arranged visits to winemakers.
Cycling and Other Guided Tours
For cycling travellers, the Hněvice–Litoměřice section of the Elbe Cycle Route is a specific option for a stage of your trip: it runs mostly along a cycle path and partly on quiet Class III roads. Plan for both types of route. As route conditions may change, check the route before setting off.
Dílna ručního papíru offers guided tours starting on the hour at 10, 11, 13, 14 and 15. If you plan to visit, check the current schedule in advance.
Discover more destinations: Martiněves, Sulejovice, Hlinná, Hrobce, Úštěk-Vnitřní Město, Dobříň, Chotěšov U Vrbičan, Trnovany.
For the broader travel overview: Litoměřice District.
