Kladno

You may pass it on your way to Prague or the Křivoklát Region. When you slow down near Kladno, you will be won over by the industrial face with its historical centre, its modern living facilities and its heart that beats for hockey and other sports. 

The history of Kladno is inextricably linked to coal mining and metallurgy. It was here that the first Czech mines and ironworks sprang up like mushrooms, giving the city its shape and character. Although the industrial atmosphere is still evident today, life here has long ceased to be just about the mines. Old industrial areas are being transformed into cultural spaces.

The mining heritage is commemorated by the area of ​​the Mayrau mine, a listed monument. In places where coal was mined for more than a century, visitors can now see an original open-air mining museum. It’s hard to believe that the area has been out of operation for almost 30 years, because the abandoned mine shaft looks as if the miners just ran off for a snack. Here you can see mining machines, an observation tower, a gallery of industrial art, or an underground full of ghosts. The atmosphere of the 1950s will fill you with excitement when you visit the Kladno towers. The Kladno Tower Museum will guide you from the basement of a panel house with an authentic civil defence shelter, to a model apartment and up to the roof terrace with a view of the entire city.

Not only Kladno’s history can surprise you, but also a wide range of excursion destinations. If you are a nature lover, then direct your steps towards the Kožova hora lookout, from where you will enjoy a magnificent view of the Křivoklát Region, and gourmets will be pleased with the delicacies in the local restaurant. For a larger portion of natural wealth, head to the valley Sítenského údolí, where you can walk through a park interwoven with paths, streams and children’s playgrounds. The park resembles an oasis of peace in the heart of the city. So off to a picnic or quiet contemplation by the surface of the pond.

• Interesting fact: If you stop by the nearby Zoologická Park, you can remember the small zoo that was created in these places in the 1990s by the gradual expansion of the zoological club at the Poldi training school. Currently, exotic animals do not roam here, but the park is decorated with their ceramic effigies created by sculptor Alexandra Koláčková. 

Kladno is undoubtedly a city of sports. Entire generations come here to cheer on hockey enthusiastically, because this is where Jaromír Jágr, a local patriot and world-class legend, comes from. Follow in the footsteps of his famous career and the rich history of the Kladno club in the permanent exhibition of the Hall of Fame in the local shopping centre. In addition to the ice rink, the city also offers other places to play sports, such as an athletics complex, cycling trails, or inline skating trails. You can also have fun in the trampoline park set in the beautiful landscape of the Lapák forest park.

• Tip for you: What to do in Kladno on days when the weather is not good? Not only families with children will enjoy the fun in the modern aquapark, the centipedes, and the wellness zone.  

Culture lovers will not miss a visit to the Kladno Château, where you can admire the works of art in the gallery. Accompanied by a guide, you can also be guided through the entire château. The Zdeněk Miler exhibition will make all children’s eyes light up, and adults will be overcome by pleasant nostalgia. After all, who wouldn’t love the stories of the cute Little Mole. In the section dedicated to the famous author and native, you can look forward to watching his first film and visiting his authentic study. Kids will be thrilled by the Little Mole’s world and the playroom full of animal friends.

What’s next? 

If Kladno has enchanted you and your desire to explore has not yet faded, you are in luck, as there are many other interesting places to visit in the surrounding area. Just a few kilometres away stands Křivoklát Castle, which is admired by history lovers, romantics and film enthusiasts. You can also visit Lány Château, where in addition to the presidential residence there is also a large park perfect for a peaceful stroll. The town of Slaný will also be a pleasant stop with its observatory or the adrenaline associated with conquering the via ferrata Slánská hora.