Why go now: Dobříš beckons with fine dining and fairytale nights

Each week, we spotlight one destination in Czechia (and beyond) where something special is happening right now. Discover why it’s worth going this week, from major exhibitions to seasonal events, and what to see, eat, and know while you’re there.

The small town of Dobříš, surrounded by the thick forests and hiking trails of the Brdy Mountain range, once served as the tranquil summer retreat of Czech author Karel Čapek, who penned several of his famous works, including War with the Newts, from his home on the Stará Strž pond.

Čapek wasn’t the only literary visitor to Dobříš; the town became a writers’ retreat during the communist era, particularly from the 1940s to the 1980s, when it served as the official residence of the Czechoslovak Writers’ Union. Pablo Neruda and Jean-Paul Sartre spent time at its sprawling rococo chateau, the crown jewel of this hamlet 40 km southwest of Prague.

Dubbed “Little Versailles” and also drawing comparisons to Vienna’s Schonbrunn, the Dobříš Castle’s extensive grounds feature floral ornaments, neatly trimmed hedges, statuary, fountains, and a sprawling English garden that is among the most beautiful in the country.

Dobříš Castle is offering two reasons to visit this summer: a newly opened restaurant serving inventive European–Asian fusion, and twilight evening tours of the castle’s French park and Orangery.

On select summer nights, the castle also hosts guided evening tours of its French Park and Orangery. Limited to 30 guests per time slot, these walks unfold just as the sun sets and the gardens slip into twilight.

The French Park was carefully restored between 2018 and 2021, focusing on the castle orangery, which still operates as a greenhouse. Repairs included the southern glass walls, roof, statues, retaining walls, irrigation system, and local fountains, which are now fully functional.

Nearby, the 30-hectare English Park offers visitors a natural retreat with a flowing stream, tall trees, and unique features like the Devil’s Bridge and artificial caves. Declared a natural monument in 2013, it includes diverse ecosystems and a game reserve with white-tailed deer.

Following a full reconstruction, the Chateau Dobříš restaurant recently reopened on the castle grounds (the chateau also houses a 4-star hotel). The menu, designed by chef Jan Procházka, combines Czech regional produce with Asian techniques and flavors; think venison tenderloin marinated in Koji with mushroom dumplings, spruce caviar, and cranberry gel.

The newly opened Colloredo-Mannsfeld Castle exhibition blends period-furnished rooms with interactive displays, tracing the family’s history from the Holy Roman Empire through industrial success, war, and modern restitution. 

The Karel Čapek Memorial near Dobříš offers a compelling look at the life of the famed writer, set in a historic ironworks building. The exhibition explores local metallurgical heritage alongside personal artifacts. Visitors can also follow an educational trail highlighting Čapek’s favorite local spots, including a tribute to his beloved dog, Dášeňka.

Dobříš also commemorates its former Jewish community through the beautifully preserved synagogue, now a cultural house hosting exhibitions, concerts, and theater performances. A visit to the historic Jewish cemetery on Větrník Hill provides a solemn reminder of the town’s diverse heritage.

Evening tours Aug. 13, and Aug. 23 (Castle Night special) at 8:30 p.m. at 9:30 p.m.; capacity limited, book via +420 318 521 240. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner; menus at chateaudobris.eu. Reservations recommended for evenings.

From Prague Smíchov Bus Station (Autobusové nádraží Praha-Smíchov), you can catch a regional bus heading towards Dobříš. The trip takes under an hour. For more details, see idos.cz