The UNESCO World Heritage Committee recently marked Žatec and the Landscape of the Saaz Hops in Czech Republic as new UNESCO World Heritage sites. But what exactly makes these sites so special? For starters, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy our beer favorites like Irish Guinness, Stella Artois or Pilsner lager without Czech hops and this Czech region. In the hops world, Žatec lies at the center.
The hop-growing metropolis of Žatec holds a hop legacy unlike any other in the world. The town includes a historical center, hop stores, and old drying and packing plants. In fact, Žatec even holds the claim of having the smallest hop garden in the world.
“The Smallest Hop Garden in the World” © Katerina Devlin | Dreamstime.com
Within the town you’ll also find Žatec Brewery, dating back to 1801. But the brewing history in the region far predates this, going back more than 700 years, when the first brewery guild earned the legal right to brew beer in Žatec.
Near the Žatec Brewery lies a museum detailing the journey through history of breweries in the region. On the tour, visitors also have the chance to enjoy a tasting session to savor the flavors that making Czech beer so special.
Visitors to the region can also head to the Hop Lighthouse viewing tower, Hop Astronomical Clock and hop maze to uncover why Saaz hops thrive exclusively in the Žatec region. The astronomical clock features the 12 signs of the zodiac and portrays the hop year. The Renaissance malt house also proves worth a visit, complete with a malting exhibition and gallery.
© Anna Rudnitskaya | Dreamstime.com
Beyond the center of Žatec the surrounding region exudes a hops culture with hopfields around the Ohře River and near the village of Stekník, hop-drying kilns in Trnovany, and a Rococo chateau with an Italian terraced garden overlooking the hop-filled landscape.
Žatec lies about 50 miles northwest of Prague, about a 1.5-hour drive away.
Read This Next
Discover 3 Olympic-Inspired Adventures
Daily
May 7, 2024
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedLeisure Lifestyle 2024
May 7, 2024Choose from Europe’s Most Spectacular Beaches for a Summer Getaway
Fringed by palm trees, surrounded by dunes, pounded by bragging-rights surf or buzzing with après-sun life — whatever style of beach floats your board, Europe has the right patch of sand for you.
Leisure Lifestyle 2024
May 6, 2024Explore Portugal on a Wine Tasting Tour with a Touch of History
All it takes is one glance at the grounds of Quinta Dona Maria, which includes a grand villa and surrounding gardens, to realize wine tasting in Portugal comes with a good dose of history. The vineyard is located in Estremoz, just northeast of the first-century Roman ruins found in Evora. In 1718 King João V built this estate for his lover, Dona Maria. When she died, the current owner’s ancestors purchased the land and have been making wine ever since. Taste the wine, which is terrific, especially the full-bodied red Dona Maria Grand Reserve. Then venture inside a building that stores large amphora vases, including one dating back to the 1200s.
Slideshow
May 6, 20246 Reasons to Put Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Your Travel List
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Grand Rapids, Michigan, with us.
Sponsored Content
The Argosaronic Islands Are Calling
The Saronic or Argo Saronic Islands of Greece call travelers to explore its seven small islands and islets brimming with history, natural sites and more. With most easily accessible by boat, the islands’ proximity to ports of Athens make the Saronic Islands an ideal destination for those preferring shorter boat rides. In fact, trips from Athens ports to the islands take only between 10 minutes and two hours, depending on the island you choose, making them perfect for day or weekend trips. From Piraeus port, you can access Hydra, Spetses, Aegina and Poros directly. Come explore these stunning islands with us and find the inspiration to plan your next trip to these islands. Hydra Hydra town curves around a slope overlooking the Argosaronic Gulf like an amphitheater and is considered one of the most romantic destinations in Greece. Most unique to the island is its lack of vehicles. People on the island get around on mules and donkeys as well as water taxis, making for a peaceful and laid-back day. Hydra lies a two-hour ferry ride from Piraeus port in Athens.
Leisure Lifestyle 2024
May 2, 2024Get to Know Michael Dorf, CEO and Founder of City Winery
THE BASICS
La Coralina Island House Review
eFlyer Reviews
May 1, 2024May 2024
May 1, 2024Global Traveler Announces the Winners of the 2024 Leisure Lifestyle Awards
With hearty congratulations we are delighted to bring you the 12th Leisure Lifestyle Awards winners! Our annual survey honors the best in the world of leisure and lifestyle travel, awarding goods, services, destinations, hotels, airlines, airports, cruises and more. Read on to find out who dominates in the leisure travel industry, and see if your favorites made the cut. We also offer a hearty thank you to our readers, the most seasoned travelers we know, for voting in this year’s survey.
Sponsored Content
Fill Your Heart with Ireland
Whether it's the people, the craic (fun) or the coasts, travelers always find something to love about the island of Ireland. What fills your heart?
eFlyer Deals
May 1, 2024Spill the Tea “Bridgerton” Style at Chateau Elan
In honor of the new season of Bridgerton coming out this month, Chateau Elan debuted a new offer to immerse guests in the splendor of Georgian England. Located in the foothills of North Georgia, Chateau Elan treats guests to a full day of royal treatment.
ShareThis