On Saturday, April 12, 2025, the Welcome Centre for International Scholars organized a day trip filled with history, nature, good company, and great food. We set off in the morning from the CZU campus under a clear blue sky. The day was unseasonably warm and sunny – a perfect invitation to step away from the everyday and explore the treasures of Central Bohemia.
Our first destination was the Open-Air Museum in Kouřim, where we arrived just before 10 A.M. after a short coffee break en route. The museum is a truly special place – an authentic outdoor collection of traditional rural buildings from various regions of the Czech Republic, carefully relocated and preserved. Walking through the wooden cottages, timbered houses, and farm buildings felt like traveling back in time. The peaceful spring countryside surrounding the site added to the charm. It was a beautiful way to experience the simplicity, craftsmanship, and sweetness of everyday life in centuries past.
After the museum tour, it was time to satisfy our appetites. We headed to the Černokostelecký pivovar, a rustic brewery and restaurant full of character and history. The large wooden beams, old brewing equipment, and lively local ambiance set the scene for a hearty lunch. Many of us tried their special Easter green beer, a Czech seasonal tradition, brewed just once a year. The brewery also offered a delicious spring menu featuring fresh, local ingredients. It was the perfect setting to relax, chat, and recharge after our morning of cultural exploration.
In the early afternoon, we made our way to the Chateau in Kostelec nad Černými lesy. This historical castle, with roots dating back to the 14th century, has undergone various transformations over the centuries – from a medieval fortress to a Renaissance and later Baroque residence. Today, it serves as an important part of CZU’s infrastructure, housing the Forests of CZU (Lesy ČZU), which oversee forestry education and management. During our guided tour, we learned about the chateau’s rich and often turbulent past, its role in regional history, and the noble families who once lived there. The guide Jakub Janda also shared some of the chateau’s secrets – including the tale of the mysterious “Black Lady” who is said to occasionally appear in the corridors of the castle. Whether ghost stories or folklore, they certainly added a sense of intrigue and wonder to the visit.
To round out our day, we visited the peaceful and lush CZU Arboretum, located nearby. This green sanctuary is home to a wide variety of tree species, both native and exotic, and is maintained as part of CZU’s educational and environmental efforts. As we strolled among the tall trees and enjoyed the quiet calm of the afternoon, it was a gentle and grounding way to end our trip.
We returned to campus in the evening, a little tired but full of inspiration and good memories. It was a day of learning, laughter, and community – a chance for international scholars and friends of CZU to come together and explore the cultural and natural richness of the Czech countryside.