Everything You Need To Know About Plzen, Czech Republic

Plzen, also known as Pilsen, is located in West Bohemia in the Czech Republic, and is famously known for being the home of world renowned Pilsner beer. History speaks volumes to Plzen’s cultural legacy, it was a technically advanced city in the 19th century, and underwent extensive rebuilding due to major fires in 1599 and 1689, resulting in its strong architectural influence.

Plzen was founded in 1295 by King Wenceslas and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. It has a population of about 165,000 people and is considered the fourth largest city in the Czech Republic. Plzen draws visitors from all over the world who come to explore its history and culture, enjoy its parks and gardens, watch summer festivals and music events, sample its famous beer, and participate in outdoor activities like cycling, jogging and fishing.

History of Plzen

Plzen was first mentioned in documents in the year 1295 when King Wenceslaus II of Bohemia gave the city Magdeburg Rights. Plzen was established as a royal city of the Kingdom of Bohemia in 1364. As part of the Kingdom of Bohemia, Plzen experienced profound economic and cultural development. By the end of the 15th century Plzen became one of the largest and most important cities in Bohemia.

In 1599 a great fire destroyed most of the city’s infrastructure. The wealthy members of Plzen took this as an opportunity to rebuild the city in a more modern style with spacious public squares, wide cobblestone streets and large parks. The city then expanded rapidly during the industrial revolution, becoming a prominent center for lumber and grain milling, papermaking, cotton processing and beer production. Plzen also developed economically during the 19th century due to its close connections with Austria and Germany, as well as its well developed transportation system which allowed for imports and exports with other cities in Bohemia.

The Culture of Plzen

Plzen’s culture comes from its diverse background. The city has a strong architectural influence from when much of it was destroyed by two great fires in 1599 and 1689 and had to be entirely rebuilt. This allows visitors to explore the various styles of architecture throughout the town such as Gothic, Baroque, Art Nouveau and more.

Plzen is also known for its cultural centers such as musical theaters, art galleries, museums, libraries and concert halls. The city offers a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year such as the Five Petals International Music Festival, the Plzen International Film Festival, the Pilsner Jazz Fest and many more.

Beer Tasting

No visit to Plzen would be complete without tasting some of their world-famous Pilsner beer. Plzen is known as the birthplace of pilsner beer which is still brewed today at Pilsner Urquell brewery. A visit to Pilsner Urquell is a must for all beer enthusiasts who want to learn about its history and enjoy some samples of the delicious Czech Pilsner. There are also other local breweries in Plzen such as Kozel Brewery which offer guided tours, beer tastings, and beer-themed events for those who are looking for additional ways to sample some of Plzen’s world-renowned beer.

Outdoor Activities

Plzen is also home to many outdoor activities that visitors can explore and experience during their stay such as horseback riding, biking trails, fishing in rivers or lakes, jogging, Nordic walking and a variety of recreational centers. Such centers provide services like boating centers, climbing walls, swimming pools and saunas. Visitors can also take part in outdoor sports such as golfing, basketball or volleyball while enjoying some fresh air.

The exciting outdoor activity that visitors should definitely make sure to check out when visiting Plzen is the 1.5-Hour Beer Bike with Unlimited Beer in Pilsen offered by GetYourGuide. This local experience will take you around the city while having unlimited beer on tap – perfect for groups of friends looking for a way to explore the city while having some fun!

Shopping in Plzen

For those who would like to explore some of Plzen’s shopping centers, there are plenty to choose from. It is possible to find traditional handcrafted pieces from famous Czech farmers markets like Unyslavy Market or Starky Market or interesting vintage pieces from local flea markets or antique stores. If you’re looking for something more modern or trendy there are also plenty of malls or centers with luxury stores that sell designer products from world renowned brands such as Burberry, Gucci or Dior.

Although shopping centers might be closed due to COVID restrictions, there are still many opportunities to shop around Plzen. Visitors can explore alleyways filled with souvenir shops where travelers can pick up their perfect little Czech souvenir including clothing items like sweet little hand knitted sweaters or interesting books about various artists or local authors – perfect for a special way to remember your trip to Plzen!

Conclusion

Plzen is an amazing city perfect for anyone seeking history and culture mixed in with modern attractions such as outdoor activities and shopping centers. Visitors can enjoy sampling some world famous pilsner beer at local breweries while exploring a city filled with cultural beauty from its unique architecture or struggling days from the past at its historical sights.

It is easy to see why Plzen has gained such popularity with travelers over the years – so invite your friends or family for an unforgettable experience filled with good times, lots of laughs and great memories! Don’t miss out on a 1.5-Hour Beer Bike with Unlimited Beer in Pilsen tour offered by GetYourGuide – an experience you won’t regret!