Start your bike trip in Žatec, the city of hops and UNESCO landmarks, right next to the iconic Temple of Hops and Beer. Take bike trail No. 6 northeast out of town toward the village of Trnovany. On this stretch from Žatec to Trnovany, exercise extra caution, as the trail runs directly along the road with regular car traffic. Once you reach Trnovany, leave the main road and turn onto a quiet side road leading to the nearby village of Stekník. It is from Trnovany that the true, fascinating, and vast hop fields—with their tall structures—will fully open up before you, structures that have given this region its unique, world-renowned character. Following this quiet road will take you to the main destination of your trip: the magnificent Rococo Stekník Castle. This gem, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by hop fields and features breathtaking Italian-style terraced gardens. After touring the chateau grounds and taking a break, head back the same way through Trnovany and along the road back to Žatec. Once you’re back in town, don’t stop there—be sure to visit the Temple of Hops and Beer itself, where you can climb the hop lighthouse or admire the unique, working Hop Astronomical Clock. Round out this wonderful bike trip with a well-deserved meal and a cold beer right at the U Orloje brewery restaurant, which brews its own lagers from fresh local hops.

Route: Žatec – Trnovany – Stekník Castle and back

Bike trip length: 14 km

Ascent: 72 m; Descent: 72 m