The Plzeň Region lies in western Bohemia, in the Czech Republic, and is best known as the home of Pilsner beer. The brewing tradition is central to any visit, and the historic Pilsner Urquell Brewery is the obvious starting point for many travellers. Yet the region has considerably more to offer than its best-known export.
Towns, castles and countryside
Beyond the city of Plzeň, the region is made up of picturesque medieval towns, ancient castles and rolling countryside. The landscape is patterned with traditional hop fields, a reminder of the ingredients that have long shaped local life. Travelling between villages by car, bicycle or on foot gives a good sense of how the land and the brewing culture fit together.
Architecture and food
Visitors interested in buildings can explore Gothic cathedrals and Renaissance architecture, which appear across the towns and give each place its own character. Authentic Czech cooking is part of the experience too, and a meal in a local restaurant pairs naturally with a glass of the region's beer.
The Plzeň Region suits those who enjoy a mix of history, architecture and the slower pace of the countryside. It works well as a day trip from Prague or as a stop of several days, with the brewery as an anchor and the surrounding towns and castles giving the rest of the visit its shape.
