Spring pilgrimage to the pearls of Berounsko, Brda and Podbrdsko

The tourist destinations of Beroun and Brdy and Podbrdsko, together with the Ultreia Pilgrimage Friends Association, invite you to a spring walking pilgrimage, which will symbolically open the tourist season in the region on 18 April 2026. The pilgrimage will connect important spiritual and historical sites along the route Mníšek pod Brdy - Skalka pilgrimage site - Karlštejn Castle - Svatý Jan pod Skalou and will recall the tradition of pilgrimage routes that have shaped the local landscape and community life for centuries. Participants will meet at 9:10 in front of the Church of St. Wenceslas in Mníšek pod Brdy. The event is intended for all who like to walk and wander - experienced pilgrims, hiking enthusiasts and those who want to try their first longer journey through the countryside.

Pilgrimage as a return to the essence of travel

Two branches of the world-famous pilgrimage route of St. Jacob's Way pass through the territory of Berounsko, Brda and Podbrdsko and the region is a natural crossroads of historical routes. Today, walking pilgrimages are gaining popularity again - not only as a spiritual journey, but also as a form of slow, sustainable travel and a deeper understanding of the landscape. "We see pilgrimage as a natural part of the identity of our region. Brdy and Podbrdsko offer a combination of preserved nature, powerful stories and exceptional sacred monuments. The Spring Pilgrimage is an invitation to slow down, walk through the awakening spring landscape and discover its value step by step," says Petra Šnajdrová, Director of the Brdy and Podbrdsko Tourist Area.

"We see the opening of the tourist season with a walking pilgrimage as an ideal opportunity to experience the landscape and sights of Berounsko, Brda and Podbrdsko in their full glory. The route from Mníšek through Karlštejn to Svatý Jan pod Skalou connects the natural and historical treasures of the Bohemian Karst and the Brda region, and pilgrims can also enjoy the experience of a guided tour of selected monuments. After completing the route, a commemorative postcard and a tourist newspaper will be prepared for participants," adds Hana Hájková, director of the Berounsko Destination Organisation.

Pearls on the route

The 21.2 km route will start at the Church of St. Wenceslas on F. X. Square. Svoboda in Mníšekpod Brdy. Here, a tour of the interior of the church will take place, focusing on the Skalka art monuments by important Baroque authors. The whole tour will be guided by Tomáš Jindřich from the Friends of Pilgrimage Ultreia.

One of the highlights of the first part of the tour will be a guided tour ofthe pilgrimage site Skalka with the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, the monastery and the hermitage above Mníšek pod Brdy. The complex is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Central Bohemia and visitors will learn, among other things, about the ongoing restoration of the stucco decoration of the grotto.

The afternoon part of the pilgrimage will offer the opportunity to visit the courtyard of the castle Karlštejn. The monumental castle founded by Charles IV is an icon of the Bohemian Karst and one of the most visited castles in the Czech Republic.

The culmination of the pilgrimage will be Svatý Jan pod Skalou, where you will visit the Church of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist and the Cave of St. Ivan - one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in Bohemia. The St. John's Museum and Information Centre will also be open.

Practical information

Route map: https://mapy.com/s/latozamoge

Recommended refreshment options along the route: https://mapy.com/s/domedajodu

Recommended transport from Prague: bus 317 from Smichovsky railway station (departure 8:30).

Route back by public transport: Bus from Sv. Ján pod Skalka at 17:44 (direction Prague)

The event is open to the general public, co-organised by the town of Mníšek pod Brdy and the municipality of Svatý Jan pod Skalou.

The flyer withinformation about the event can be downloaded HERE.