Hey friends!
Today I’m taking you on a little trip around Czechia – just the way I like it! A bit of running, plenty of new smells, and a good dose of history (at least according to my mom). If you have a free day, I totally recommend visiting Kunětická Hora Castle and Hrádek u Nechanic – they’re close enough to explore both in one day!
🏰 Kunětická Hora Castle
We started from Prague in the morning and reached the parking lot below the castle in just over an hour. Parking costs 60 CZK, which isn’t bad at all – that’s about the price of a small bag of dried meat (well, a small one).
The walk up takes only a few minutes, on an easy paved road, perfect even for short-legged or slightly handicapped pups (like me). On the way, we spotted a few deer – at least I think they were deer, since I saw them only from afar (they were in a fenced area, don’t worry).
At the top, you’ll find a courtyard with snacks and restrooms for the two-legged visitors. I, of course, was most excited about sniffing around the castle walls – so many interesting smells! And that view… wow!
📜 Dog Rules:
– Leash required (even if I’d love to run around like a knight on horseback)
– Only small dogs that fit in a bag or in arms are allowed inside the castle buildings
– We big boys can only enter the courtyard – but honestly, the outside is stunning anyway!
(I did try to hint that I could fit in a backpack, but mom said her shoulders wouldn’t survive it)
🐕 Fun Facts for Humans:
– The castle stands on a volcanic hill (306 m a.s.l.) and is visible from miles away – it’s one of the most famous landmarks of the region.
– It was built in the 14th century and flourished most in the 15th century under the ownership of the Hussite leader Diviš Bořek of Miletínek.
– The castle is a popular filming location and has appeared in several Czech fairy tales and movies.
🍕 Lunch Break
After exploring the castle, we headed toward our next destination – Hrádek u Nechanic. Since it was lunchtime (mom said she needed “human fuel”), we first tried Ciao Italia Pinseria, but… no dogs allowed… Their loss!
So we ended up at Pivovar Beránek – and oh boy, what a great choice! I got a bowl of water before mom even got the menu – that’s what I call good service! The staff was super friendly, the place cozy, and the food smelled amazing (mom confirmed it was delicious). Our rating: 10/10!
🏰 Hrádek u Nechanic
After a tasty lunch, we continued our journey. Hrádek u Nechanic completely stole my heart – it looks like something straight out of a fairy tale! Perfectly manicured gardens, endless lawns, old trees, and more scents than I could handle.
Dogs aren’t allowed inside the castle, but I didn’t mind – the outdoor areas are totally worth it. There’s also a café, restrooms for humans, and parking (again 40 CZK).
🐕 Fun Facts for Humans:
– Hrádek u Nechanic is often called the “Little Windsor” because its architecture resembles English country estates.
– It was built in the 19th century for the noble Harrach family.
– Today it serves as a museum and a popular filming location for fairy tales and movies!
Kyon’s Conclusion
This was one of those perfect days when I fell asleep the moment I got home – not even a tail wag left in me.
So many new smells, sights, and smiles! Czechia truly has beautiful places that are worth exploring with your furry friend.
If you’re planning a day trip, I definitely recommend combining Kunětická Hora Castle and Hrádek u Nechanic – the perfect day for both humans and pups alike!
Useful Links
Hrad Kunratická hora – https://www.hrad-kunetickahora.cz/cs
Hradek u Nechanic – https://www.zamek-hradekunechanic.cz/cs
Pivovar Beránek – https://www.pivovarberanek.cz