Easy walk to Jílové near Prague

An easy circular route will take you around Jílové along part of the Jílové Lookouts educational trail. This former royal mining town, where gold was extracted for centuries, offers not only beautiful nature but also cultural experiences, making it a perfect trip from Prague.

Before heading out for your nature walk, be sure to visit the Regional Museum in Jílové u Prahy, which also serves as an information center. Located next to the church, just a short stroll through the park at the lower end of the square, the museum features several exhibits, including “Tramping Still Lives… Not Just in the Lower Posázaví,” an archaeological display titled “Ora et Labora,” and a dazzling gold exhibit with an alchemical workshop.

• Interesting fact: The Regional Museum in Jílové near Prague features three accessible historic tunnels connected to gold mining. The most remarkable is the St. Anthony of Padua tunnel, located in Kocourská Rokle, where gold was likely mined as far back as pre-Hussite times. This tunnel includes two levels linked by a system of seven ladders and walkways within a narrow original shaft. It’s also unlit, so visitors use real miner’s lamps to navigate. For opening hours and tunnel availability, check the museum’s website.

Feeling refreshed and enriched with new insights, you can begin your walk. From Jílové Square, follow the green trail of the Jílové Gold Mines educational path up to the Pepř lookout tower. Here, every viewpoint lover will delight in the stunning panoramic views of Central Bohemia.

You’ll see the hills of Posázaví and Povltaví, the nearby Hřebeny, the Cukrák transmitter, Benešovsko, and the towers of Konopiště Castle, along with the sights of Prague, including the Žižkov transmitter and Petřín Hill. Beyond Prague, you can even glimpse the České středohoří mountains and Říp Hill. Don’t worry about identifying what you see; the lookout features well-crafted panoramic illustrations.

After enjoying the views, you’ll connect to the red trail of Jílové Lookouts, completing a loop back to Jílové. The descent will be more significant than the ascent, and you’ll encounter several beautiful viewpoints along the way, including the lovely Boží skála, perfect for a pause and rest.

• Tip for you: While the walk isn’t long, it’s always nice to have a bite to eat along the way. About halfway through, near the former Podměstský Mill, you’ll find Pizza Mulino, serving delicious pizzas made with quality Italian ingredients from Wednesday to Sunday. If you prefer to wait until you reach Jílové, you’ll have plenty of options. For traditional Czech cuisine, visit U Dušků restaurant in the square, which has a charming seating area under a grapevine-covered pergola. Right next door is the historic Florian restaurant, where dishes are crafted from ingredients sourced from eco-friendly farms. Craving coffee and a sweet treat? Stop by Better Days café just above the square. Across the street, you can enjoy delightful whipped cream and fruit cakes at Ovocenka.