The 5 best places to cool off in summer

1. The water park’s outdoor pool

We really can’t think of a better place to start. Whether you fancy a proper swim or just want to cool off a bit, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the outdoor area of the Příbram water park – the 50-metre pool with eight lanes is simply ideal. When you’ve had enough of the water, simply grab a towel or blanket, spread it out on one of the many grassy areas and lose yourself in your favourite book. The outdoor pool is open subject to weather conditions, so we recommend checking the current situationon the websiteoron Facebook before you visit.

2. Novák

The Nový rybník complex has come to life in recent years and has become one of the most vibrant spots in Příbram. What was once a somewhat forgotten, muddy pond is nowa modernsports and leisure complex. Cooling off in the natural swimming area is just a fraction of what you can get up to at Novák on a warm day: you can sunbathe on the sunny meadows, relax in the shade of the willow-lined avenues, or set off along an adventurous footbridge to the island with its gazebo. On the sandy beach, you’ll feel as though you’re by the sea, and whilst you laze about under a parasol, your children can have fun at the water playground or on the inflatable trampoline. By the way, entry is free.

3. Svatá Hora

The most important CzechMarian pilgrimage siteis amust-visit during the summer months. You can climb up here via the Svatá Hora steps, although you might work up a bit of a sweat on the way. Once you’re at the top, in the cool cloisters, stop for a moment and look up. If you’re not quite ready to leave the basilica, do visit the newly renovated cellars. You’ll learn what purpose they originally served for the Jesuits and what artefacts were found there after they left. You’ll also find shade in the nearby Svatá Hora orchard or on Toufarova Meadow. Can you think of a better way to round off a summer stroll than with a picnic?

4. Příbram Mining Museum

A sure bet. Even in the hottest weather, the temperature underground atthe Příbram Mining Museumnever exceedsten degrees. You can cool off on the water level, known as the ‘Wasserlauf’, which was part of the water system of the Březohory mines. Along the way, you’ll see waterwheel chambers, historic mining galleries and ore chimneys; most of them were built between the 16th and 19th centuries. You’ll also see the face of the first level of the Prokop Mine, the deepest shaft in the Březohory mining district (1,600 metres). You’ll also enjoy your time underground at the Drkolnov Mine, home to a large waterwheel with a diameter of 12.4 metres. You can descend into the mine via a 50-metre slide.

5. Brdy

A landscape of solitude and tranquillity in the heart of Bohemia. Here you’ll find hundreds of paved and unpaved, marked and unmarked forest tracks and footpaths, rocky outcrops, clear springs and streams, extensive bodies of water, striking peaks and forgotten valleys. The central Brdy are an undeveloped mountain range, long since abandoned by the original village communities and closed off for decades as a military zone. The endless forests offer a pleasant refuge, especially on warm summer days. Find inspiration inthe tips and day-trip ideas on the Brdy and Podbrdsko Tourist Region website, or simply lose yourself for a while and set off into the unknown – the Brdy will reward you. 

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