Plzeň Region

A region in western Bohemia, where Plzeň is the birthplace of Pilsner beer, with brewery tours and a Gothic cathedral.

The Plzeň Region lies in western Czechia, bordering Bavaria in Germany to the southwest. The capital, Plzeň, is world-famous for Pilsner-style lager; the Pilsner Urquell Brewery offers tours, and the old town has the Cathedral of St Bartholomew and the second-largest synagogue in Europe. Part of the Šumava mountains in the south lies in the region, with dense forests good for hiking and cycling, as well as several castles and monasteries to visit. Spring to autumn is the best time to go. Plzeň lies on the route from Prague toward Nuremberg and Munich in Germany, and takes about an hour and a half by train or bus.

Destinations

• Plzeň

Itineraries

• West Bohemia Spa Triangle & Pilsen Road Trip – A self-drive loop through UNESCO-listed spa towns, passing Loket Castle, and ending at the Pilsner Urquell Brewery.
• Prague Beer and Food with Plzeň – Historic beer halls, monastery brewing and the Letná beer garden, plus a day at the Pilsner Urquell brewery in Plzeň.
• Czech Republic Grand Self-Drive Loop – Drive a loop around the Czech Republic, connecting spa towns, Český Krumlov, Moravian wine country, and Olomouc.