Things To Do
in Havlíčkŭv Brod

Havlíčkův Brod is a historic town in the Vysočina Region of the Czech Republic, set among gentle hills and tranquil waterways. The town center blends medieval streets with Baroque façades, offering a picturesque and walkable atmosphere. It is named in honor of the 19th-century Czech journalist Karel Havlíček Borovský and serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby castles, nature trails, and cultural sites.

Visitors enjoy a friendly, approachable vibe, easy access to outdoor activities, and a taste of traditional Czech life in a compact town.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Havlíčkŭv Brod and check into a local hotel. After settling in, take a relaxing walk through the charming streets to get acquainted with the town. Don’t miss the chance to grab a traditional Czech pastry at a local café.

afternoon
:

Visit the Havlíčkŭv Brod Museum to learn more about the town's rich history and significant figures. Stroll through the picturesque Havlíčkovy Sady park, where you can enjoy the serene environment and take beautiful photographs. Explore local shops and perhaps pick up some unique hand-crafted souvenirs.

evening
:

Dine at a cozy restaurant offering traditional Czech cuisine, such as svíčková or goulash. Afterward, enjoy an evening walk along the riverside, taking in the sights and sounds of the town as the sun sets. Wind down your day with a glass of local beer at a nearby pub.

day 2
Cultural Immersion
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast, then head to the local farmer’s market to see local produce and handmade goods. Engage with the vendors to learn about regional products and specialities. Try some fresh cheeses or sausages as you wander.

afternoon
:

Attend a local workshop where you can learn traditional crafts such as pottery or lace-making firsthand. This immersive experience gives you a deeper appreciation of Czech traditions and allows you to take home a piece of your creation. Later, visit the town’s notable churches, exploring their stunning architecture and history.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a traditional Czech tavern, where you can indulge in local specialties. After your meal, catch a performance at the local theater or music venue, experiencing the vibrant cultural scene. End your evening by sipping herbal tea at a charming café, reflecting on the day’s adventures.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee and pastry$3-5
🏨One-night stay (mid-range hotel)$60-120
🚆Local transport pass (1 day)$3-5
🛍️Weekly groceries for two$40-80

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Historic charm and walkable center
  • Easy access to nature and nearby countryside
  • Friendly locals and reasonable prices
  • Good base for day trips to castles and nature
  • Smaller nightlife and limited late-night dining
  • Some services may be closed on Sundays
  • Seasonal tourist crowds in peak months
  • Parking can be challenging in the old town
  • "Dobrý den" - Hello/Good day
  • "Prosím" - Please
  • "Děkuji" - Thank you
  • "Mluvíte anglicky?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Kde je toaleta?" - Where is the toilet?
  • "Kolik to stojí?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Na zdraví!" - Cheers!

Places to Visit in Havlíčkŭv Brod

Visit one of these nice places.

Havlíčkovo náměstí (Main Square)

Colorful historic façades, arcades, and the prominent town hall provide classic Czech urban photography settings.

Church of Saint Nicholas

A visually striking church with Gothic and Baroque elements framed by narrow streets.

Sázava River embankment

Tranquil water reflections, willows, and gentle pathways ideal for landscape photography.

Castle ruin overlook

Hilltop views of the town and surrounding countryside from a historic ruin.

Culinary Guide

Food in Havlíčkŭv Brod

The cuisine here follows broader Czech and Vysočina traditions: hearty meat dishes, dumplings, seasonal produce, and strong beer. Expect comforting, robust flavors with seasonal ingredients and plenty of home-style cooking in town taverns and bistros.

Havlíčkŭv Brod Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Svíčková na smetaně

Beef sirloin in a creamy vegetable sauce, typically served with dumplings and cranberry sauce.

Must-Try!

Vepřo-knedlo-zelo

Roast pork with bread dumplings and sauerkraut, a Czech staple.

Guláš s houskovým knedlíkem

Hearty beef goulash with bread dumplings and a spoon of sour cream.

Koláče

Traditional Czech pastries with various fillings such as poppy seed, fruit, or cream cheese.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local farmers market

Weekly market on the town square offering fresh produce, cheeses, baked goods, and local treats.

Street snacks

Smažený sýr (fried cheese) and light pastries; on many days you can also find sweet treats like trdelník or simple crepes.

Climate Guide

Weather

Havlíčkův Brod experiences a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm, winters can be cold with occasional snowfall, and spring and autumn bring mild to cool conditions with variable precipitation.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A polite 'Dobrý den' (good day) is standard in shops; use formal address with strangers unless invited to use first names.

Quiet hours and dining

Respect quiet hours in residential areas; speak softly in public; menus and prices are typically listed clearly; tipping is appreciated but not obligatory.

Church and sacred sites

Dress modestly when visiting churches; speak quietly and follow local customs.

Safety Guide

Safety

The town is generally safe for visitors. Exercise standard travel precautions: keep valuables secure in crowded areas, especially around markets; be aware of uneven cobblestone sidewalks; in case of emergency, dial 112 and seek local assistance at official facilities.

Tipping in Havlíčkŭv Brod

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, a 5-10% tip is common if service is good; you can round up the bill. For small cafés or bars, rounding up is appreciated but not required.

Payment Methods

Cash in CZK is widely accepted; debit and credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are common; contactless payments are increasingly standard; ATMs are widely available.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days with fresh greenery and blooming flowers; expect showers. Great for walking tours and outdoor photography.

Summer

Warm to hot days with long daylight; outdoor events and beer gardens flourish; stay hydrated and carry sun protection.

Autumn

Golden foliage and comfortable temperatures; ideal for scenic hikes and city strolls; cool evenings.

Winter

Cold with occasional snow; festive decorations in town centers and lighter crowds; wear warm layers for outdoor exploration.

Nightlife Guide

Havlíčkŭv Brod at Night

Nightlife in Havlíčkův Brod is typically low-key, centered on traditional pubs and beer halls around the historic center. There are occasional live music events and seasonal gatherings; larger clubs are usually found in bigger nearby towns, so plan accordingly if you’re chasing a late-night scene.

Hiking in Havlíčkŭv Brod

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Železné hory foothills trails

Forested foothills with marked paths and scenic viewpoints suitable for day hikes.

Sázava River valley routes

Gentle, easy-to-moderate trails along the river offering river views and photo opportunities.

Castle ruin overlook hike

Half-day climb to a hilltop ruin with panoramic countryside vistas.

Airports

How to reach Havlíčkŭv Brod by plane.

Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG)

Major international gateway; about 1.5–2.5 hours by rail or bus to Havlíčkův Brod, depending on connections.

Pardubice Airport (PED)

Smaller regional airport with domestic and some international flights; reachable by rail/bus services.

Brno–Tuřany Airport (BRQ)

Regional gateway for southern and eastern routes; accessible by road or rail connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and highly walkable; most sights are within a 10–20 minute stroll. Cobblestone streets add charm but can be uneven, so wear comfortable shoes. Parking is typically found on the outskirts or in designated lots, with easy bus or foot access to the center.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Predominantly Czech residents

Mainly ethnic Czechs with small minority communities and a steady mix of families and older residents.

Students and workers

Local schools and nearby towns attract students and professionals who contribute to the town’s daily rhythm.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular among locals with community clubs and matches throughout the year.

Ice hockey

Winter sport with local games and open-skate opportunities.

Cycling and hiking

Extensive countryside routes and forest trails suitable for day trips.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic levels are moderate; the town relies on a network of local roads, rails, and regional buses. In the historic center, expect limited parking and some narrow lanes; nearby towns access is straightforward by train or bus, with regular services to Prague and Brno.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Havlíčkŭv Brod.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many places offer vegetable dishes, cheese-based options, and dumplings; ask for meat-free stock and sauces; salads and baked vegetables are common alternatives.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Public healthcare is available and residents may use local GP clinics and pharmacies; for more advanced care, hospitals in nearby Jihlava or larger regional centers are accessible by short trips. It is advisable to have travel insurance and carry your European Health Insurance Card if eligible.

Discover Czechia

Read more in our Czechia 2025 Travel Guide.

Czechia Travel Guide