TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Whether you are drawn by the aroma of freshly baked chodské koláče (traditional Chod pastries), majestic cathedrals, the romance of water canals or shopping and café life in Germany, everything is within easy reach of Železná. We have put together a selection of the best from both sides of the border. Set out to find living traditions in the characterful Chod villages, explore the royal towns of western Bohemia, or cross the border and let yourself be charmed by Bavarian elegance and hospitality.
POSTŘEKOV
Postřekov is one of the oldest and most distinctive of the Chod villages, lying at the foot of Český les. Unlike towns where history sleeps in the chronicles, in Postřekov the traditions are still remarkably alive. The people here are proud of their roots, of the Chod dialect and of their merry festivities, the best known of which is the celebrated and exuberant Postřekovský masopust, the Postřekov Shrovetide carnival.
The village's true gem is the Museum of Chod Folk Costumes, housed in the old school building. It grew out of a private collection and the enthusiasm of local seamstresses, and it preserves an astonishing collection of dozens of complete original costumes – from everyday wear to festive dress, the oldest exhibits among them more than 200 years old. The tour comes with a personal commentary in which you will learn how a Chod headscarf is correctly tied, or how the costumes differed from one corner of the region to another. We recommend combining a visit to the museum with a walk around the local chain of ponds.
DOMAŽLICE
Domažlice is a charming town known for its well-preserved historic centre, which offers a pleasant combination of history, culture and natural beauty. The origins of the town reach back as far as 993, and in the Middle Ages it played an important role as a fortified royal town.
One of the most important landmarks is the Chodský hrad, the Chod castle, which today houses the Muzeum Chodska with exhibitions devoted to local folklore and the traditions of the region. Domažlice is also known for the Chodské slavnosti, the Chod festival held every August, where visitors can experience the local folklore at first hand and taste traditional Chod kolache pastries.
The town is also home to one of the oldest breweries in the Czech Republic. Beer has been brewed here since 1318; the brewery keeps a strong tradition alive while at the same time using modern technology. It occupies a beautifully restored malthouse that also contains a characterful beer hall and a small museum of brewing. We also recommend a visit to the Muzeum Chodska, the museum of the Chodsko region.
WEIDEN (IN DER OBERPFALZ)
Let yourself be charmed by the unique atmosphere of the town of Weiden. The historic charm of the picturesque old town goes hand in hand with a lively bustle. People here live, work, attend conferences, eat, celebrate and enjoy life to the full. Weiden in der Oberpfalz is a German town lying in the Upper Palatinate in Bavaria. With almost 300 000 inhabitants in its catchment area, Weiden is classed under Bavaria's regional development programme as a "higher-order centre" and is the hub of trade and services for the northern Upper Palatinate.
Renowned markets are held in Weiden every Wednesday and Saturday. In the old town, around the old town hall, regional traders offer the most varied produce. At the weekly market and the farmers' market you will find everything you need to fill your basket, from vegetables and fruit through bread, eggs and meat to fresh pasta. When there is a public holiday, the market is held the day before. The history of the market reaches far back. Market privileges for the town of Weiden are first recorded as early as 1331. In 1607 the market regulations were revised. From then on the market was held in the avenue. After the pedestrian zone was created in 1984, the market returned to its present location.
AMBERG
Amberg is a Bavarian gem lying just a short way beyond the better-known Weiden. This historic town has preserved its medieval heart, encircled by an almost intact ring of walls with four gates. The absolute landmark and symbol of Amberg is the iconic Stadtbrille, the "Town Spectacles" – a unique double stone bridge over the river Vils whose arches are mirrored in the water in the right light and form the perfect shape of a pair of glasses.
The town offers a captivating blend of Gothic and Baroque architecture, picturesque corners, cafés along the water channel and a rich brewing tradition. A stroll along the river or a trip in a traditional wooden boat known as a Plätte will carry you back into older times at once. We recommend a visit to the Gothic church of St Martin on the main square, a tour of the town hall and a walk along the preserved town walls.
PILSEN
Plzeň, known around the world as Pilsen, is a lively city and the fourth largest in the Czech Republic, famous worldwide as the birthplace of Pilsner beer. Founded in 1295 at the crossroads of important trade routes, it quickly grew into a major commercial centre. The city is renowned for its beautiful architecture, including the Gothic Cathedral of St Bartholomew and the Renaissance town hall. A fascinating look into its past is offered not only by the historic underground passages but also by a number of industrial monuments. Plzeň is proud of its Great Synagogue, the second largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world. This striking Moorish-Romanesque building is distinguished by two tall towers with onion domes and a richly decorated interior. In 2015 the city was named European Capital of Culture, a reflection of its vibrant arts scene with numerous theatres, galleries and much-loved street festivals.
REGENSBURG
Regensburg is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval cities in all of Germany. It lies at the picturesque confluence of the Danube and the Regen and can boast a rich history reaching back more than 2,000 years; its foundations were laid by the ancient Romans as the fortress Castra Regina. The entire Old Town is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and will enchant you with the inimitable atmosphere of its narrow stone lanes, Romanesque towers and patrician houses.
The landmark of the city is the magnificent Gothic cathedral of St Peter with its superb stained glass, and the unmissable Stone Bridge (Steinerne Brücke) from the 12th century, which offers the iconic view of the whole city skyline. Right next to the bridge you will also find the oldest continuously operating sausage kitchen in the world (Historische Wurstkuchl), where after your walk you can enjoy the traditional delicacy in a bread roll. Whether you are exploring architectural gems, enjoying the busy cafés on sunny squares or heading for the renowned August or Advent markets, Regensburg offers a perfect blend of a magnificent past and a lively present.
NUREMBERG
Nuremberg is a fascinating Bavarian metropolis where magnificent medieval glory meets key moments of modern European history. The heart of the city is the historic Old Town (Altstadt), dominated by mighty stone walls, above which the Imperial Castle (Kaiserburg) rises majestically – one of the most important medieval fortresses in Germany, offering a splendid view over the entire city and its red roofs.
Besides its fairy-tale lanes and the historic Dürer House (Albrecht-Dürer-Haus), dedicated to the famous Renaissance genius, the city also offers a profound educational dimension. Visitors can look in on the Memorial of the Nuremberg Trials in the Palace of Justice, which gives a powerful insight into post-war history and justice. Nuremberg will win you over with its food as well – at the market you simply have to try the traditional little Nuremberg sausages in a bread roll (Nürnberger Rostbratwürste) and the famous juicy gingerbread (Elisenlebkuchen). During Advent the main square then turns into a winter fairy tale with the celebrated Christkindlesmarkt, one of the most beautiful markets in all of Europe.
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