Mníšek to Zbraslav: Gateway to Prague

The surroundings of Mníšek pod Brdy cater to both those who enjoy leisurely cycling trips and avid sports enthusiasts eager to push their limits. As you ride through the picturesque landscape, you’ll have the chance to indulge in cultural landmarks and savor excellent gastronomy. Explore the route between Prague’s Zbraslav, where you can choose the level of difficulty based on your preferred direction.

Do you love to conquer challenges, tackle hills, and push your own limits? Begin your adventure at the endpoint of this route. For a relaxed and easy ride, start in Mníšek pod Brdy. Picture the starting line at the Marjána restaurant, located directly across from the train station and bus stop. Your first stop will enchant fans of history, as the ambiance of the local chateau will transport you back to the era of the First Republic.

• Tip for you: Be sure to catch the captivating tours that showcase the daily life of nobility in the early 20th century. Families with children will especially enjoy the fairy tale tours and costumed guides, where popular storybook characters will lead you through the historic spaces.

Are you a lover of hoppy brews? If so, take a short detour to Kytín Brewery. Here, you’ll find a variety of lagers, top-fermented beers, and dark specialties on tap. The menu will entice you with delicious dishes crafted from traditional recipes. After refreshing yourself, get ready for the climb to the Skalka pilgrimage site. At the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, you can admire the beautifully preserved Baroque architecture and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

• Interesting fact: The interior of the church was designed to resemble a cave, with stalactites covering the walls and ceiling, while the floor was adorned with pebbles from the nearby Berounka River. Unfortunately, only a few remnants of the original decor remain today.

Next, enjoy a gentle descent through the forest, with a short detour to the Korunka lookout tower, where you can take in breathtaking views of the landscape from its peak, rising above the wooded hills.

You can also immerse yourself in the First Republic atmosphere at the Hotel Palace Cinema Brewery, which you’ll pass through in Jíloviště. Here, you can sample more local beer specialties, and the mouthwatering aroma of smoky grilled meats will greet you from the restaurant.

As you continue, you’ll be flanked by the banks of the Berounka and Vltava rivers. You can take in the scenery from Kopanina Hill (411 m above sea level), crowned by the Cukrák television and radio transmitter. While the building itself isn’t open to the public, there’s a lovely resting spot for tired cyclists at the top.

• Interesting fact: If you’re concerned about the future of our planet, you’ll be glad to know that this 193.5-meter-high structure is heated sustainably.

The conclusion of the route leads you to a refreshing stop at the aptly named U Posledního Kelta, where it’s worth taking a break for a delicious meal with a picturesque view of the flowing Vltava River. If you have any energy left, make a quick detour to admire Zbraslav Castle. A stroll through the castle park offers the best vantage point of this architectural gem. As you finish your journey, you’ll cross the Závodu Míru bridge, and at the Praha – Zbraslav train station, you can either wait for your train or continue along the river.