Plzeň, Czechia
Region: Plzeň is located in the Plzeň Region
Geographic Coordinates: 49.747500, 13.377500
Temperature Range: -30.0°C to 40.0°C (-22°F to 104°F)
Population: 175219
Language: Czech
Plzeň, Also known as Pilsen, Is a city located in the western part of Czechia. It is the fourth-largest city in the country and has a population of approximately 170, 000 people. The city has a rich history dating back to the 13th century when it was founded by King Wenceslas II. Plzeň played an important role in Czech history as it was one of the main centers of resistance during World War II. One of Plzeň’s most famous attractions is its beer.
The city is home to Pilsner Urquell, One of the oldest and most popular beer brands in Europe. Visitors can take a tour of the brewery to learn about its history and brewing process, As well as sample some fresh beer straight from the source. Another must-see attraction in Plzeň is St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, Which dates back to the 13th century and features stunning Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. Visitors can climb up to the top of its tower for breathtaking views over Plzeň.
The historic center of Plzeň is also worth exploring with its colorful buildings and charming cobblestone streets. The Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky) is particularly picturesque with its Renaissance-style town hall and striking fountains. For those interested in learning more about Czech culture, There are several museums worth visiting in Plzeň such as The West Bohemian Museum which showcases local art, History, Archaeology; or Techmania Science Center with interactive exhibits on science & technology topics including astronomy or robotics.
nature lovers will enjoy exploring Borský Park which offers miles-long hiking trails through forests dotted with small lakes that are perfect for picnics or fishing trips. In summary: whether you’re interested in beer culture or historical architecture; museums or hiking trails – there’s something for everyone in Plzeň. The city is a perfect destination for those looking to explore the rich history and culture of Czechia while enjoying its natural beauty and delicious beer.
- Pilsner Urquell Brewery
- St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral
- Great Synagogue
- Republic Square (náměstí Republiky)
- Patton Memorial Pilsen Museum
- Techmania Science Center
- Brewery Museum in Pilsen (Pivovarské muzeum v Plzni)
- Škoda Museum in Plzeň (Muzeum Škoda v Plzni)
- Zoo Plzen
- Plzen Underground Tunnels
- Brewing industry: Plzeň is famous for its beer and home to the Pilsner Urquell brewery.
- Automotive industry: Škoda Auto has a large factory in Plzeň, producing cars and components.
- Engineering: There are several engineering companies in Plzeň, including ZKL Bearings and Doosan Škoda Power.
- Information technology: The IT sector is growing rapidly in Plzeň, with companies like IBM and T-Systems having offices there.
- Food processing: Companies like Nestle Purina PetCare and Mondelēz International have factories producing pet food and snacks respectively.
- Tourism: Plzeň attracts many tourists due to its historical architecture, museums, and cultural events like the Pilsen International Documentary Film Festival.
- Health care services: Several hospitals provide healthcare services to the local population as well as medical tourism visitors from neighboring countries.
- Plzeň was founded in 1295 by King Wenceslas II.
- The city is famous for its Pilsner beer, which was first brewed in 1842.
- During World War II, Plzeň was occupied by Nazi Germany and served as a major industrial center for the German war effort.
- Jan Hus, a Czech religious reformer and early precursor to Protestantism, studied at the University of Prague and preached in Plzeň.
- The Great Synagogue of Plzeň was one of the largest synagogues in Europe before it was destroyed by the Nazis during World War II.
- Antonín Dvořák lived and worked in Plzeň for several years during his career as a composer.
- The Battle of White Mountain took place near Prague but had significant implications for the city of Plzeň and its inhabitants as it marked the beginning of Habsburg rule over Bohemia.
- Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk visited Plzen on several occasions to rally support for Czechoslovakia’s struggle for independence from Austria-Hungary.
- May 6th is celebrated as Liberation Day in Pilsen, marking when American troops liberated the city from Nazi occupation during World War II.
- František Křižík designed many important electrical engineering systems used throughout Europe including electric trams that were common sighted in early 20th century’s Pilsen.
- Pilsner Urquell Brewery Museum
- Great Synagogue
- West Bohemian Museum
- St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral
- Techmania Science Center
- Patton Memorial Pilsen – General Patton Memorial Museum
- The City of Plzeň Historical Underground Tour
- Josef Kajetán Tyl Theatre
- Brewery Museum in Prazdroj
- Pilsen Zoo
- HC Škoda Plzeň is an ice hockey team with a successful history, having been founded in 1929 and winning the Czech Extraliga championship in 2013.
- FC Viktoria Plzeň is a football club that has been dominant in Czech football since the early 2010s, having won multiple league titles and made appearances in European competitions. It was founded in 1911.
- BK Děčín is a basketball team based in Plzeň that has achieved some success at the national level, including winning the Czech Cup in 2008.
- TJ Lokomotiva Plzeň was active from the late 1940s to the early 1990s as a cycling team and produced several notable riders who competed at international levels.
- TJ Slavia VŠ Plzeň is a volleyball team based at the University of West Bohemia that has had success both nationally and internationally throughout its history.
- Pilsner Fest is held every August to celebrate the city’s famous beer.
- The International Puppet Festival takes place every September and features puppet shows from around the world.
- Škoda Auto Museum Night is held in May and offers an evening of music, food, and tours at the Škoda Auto Museum.
- Plzeň Jazzfest takes place in November over three days and showcases local and international jazz musicians.
- The Festival of Light and Shadow is an outdoor art installation festival that transforms the city’s streets into illuminated works of art during October.
- The Plzeň Literature Festival is an annual literary event that brings together Czech writers to share their work with readers.
- Christmas Markets are festive markets selling traditional crafts and foods during December.
- May Day Celebrations are traditional celebrations on 1st May including parades with flowers and wreaths being laid at monuments.
- St Bartholomew’s Fair is a multi-day fair celebrating St Bartholomew’s Day on 24th August with live music performances and carnival rides.
- The Prague Spring International Music Festival is a classical music festival which takes place annually from mid-May to early June featuring orchestras from around the world performing at various venues throughout Prague including Pilsen’s Great Synagogue.
- Pilsner Urquell Brewery is renowned for its beer and traditional Czech cuisine.
- Na Parkánu is a restaurant that serves authentic Czech dishes, including roasted duck and goulash.
- U Salzmannů is famous for its homemade sausages and grilled meats.
- Restaurace Rango offers a fusion of Czech and international cuisine, using fresh ingredients as the focus.
- Hospoda na Šumavě specializes in hearty meat dishes such as pork knuckle and beef sirloin.
- Café 15 serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an emphasis on healthy options using locally sourced ingredients.
- U Zeleného stromu (The Green Tree) is a historic restaurant dating back to the 16th century! It’s famous for grilled meats cooked over an open fire pit.
- Borský Park is a vast green space that offers hiking trails, a playground, and a lake for fishing and boating.
- Městský Park is another popular destination for locals with walking paths, green spaces, and sports facilities.
- Štruncovy Sady is an urban oasis that boasts of gardens, fountains, and sculptures.
- Kozel Brewery Grounds are home to the famous Pilsner Urquell brewery tour as well as beautiful gardens and picnic areas.
- DinoPark Plzeň is an amusement park that features life-size dinosaur models and interactive exhibits.
- Zoological Garden Plzeň houses over 200 species of animals including lions, tigers, elephants, monkeys among others.
- Swimming pools in Plzeň include Aquapark Laguna which features indoor/outdoor pools plus waterslides; Slovany swimming pool which has outdoor pools plus slides; Podolí outdoor pool complex which includes several swimming pools plus mini-golf course or Berounka river where you can go kayaking or canoeing through the scenic countryside surrounding the city.
- Golf courses in Plzeň include Golf Park Pilsen (18-hole course), Royal Golf Club Mariánské Lázně (18-hole course), or Karlovy Vary Golf Resort (36 holes).
