Třemšín - 827 m a.s.l.
Trek to Třemšín (827 m a.s.l. / Brdy PLA)
Right at the start of the new year, I decided to be a bit more active and head to one of the well-known places in our beautiful country, the southern part of the Brdy Protected Landscape Area (CHKO Brdy), specifically to Třemšín. I believe we all have our little traditions and habits, and who knows... maybe one day it will become a tradition for me to head out on this Třemšín Trek every first Sunday of the new year. It would be great, but as we all know, things don't always go exactly according to plan.
But back to Třemšín. It was a really successful trek—not extremely long, but definitely not short either. The entire route measured a lovely 18.73 km and took a little over four hours of walking. So, if you're attracted to a place with amazing views, hidden corners, and a slightly mysterious past, sit back comfortably... and let's get started.
Before you read further, take a look at the panoramic view from Třemšín above this intro, or check out the full video at the bottom of the article that I uploaded to YouTube. I would also appreciate your support by subscribing on YouTube and following on Instagram. Now, let’s go.
My Trek to Třemšín
For us, the choice was clear. We were heading out for an adventure.
And mind you, this time we "roped in" a friend, so we didn't have to go alone. Although he claimed to enjoy walks, there was a hint of apprehension. After all, it's Brdy in winter—shorter days and the threat that the trek might drag on, forcing us to finish in the dark with only headlamps. Fortunately, everything was finished right on time.
In the following paragraphs, I'll write down some practical advice and tips, especially regarding parking and the route itself. I'll also provide a clear map so you have the motivation to walk Třemšín yourself. You can find the route marked right below this text. Once you've checked it out, we can move on.
Anyway, we parked at the Community Center (KD) in Hutě pod Třemšínem. Parking was free, and we parked right opposite the information boards; there were no prohibitions or restrictions. If our parking ever bothered anyone, we apologize, but we found no other option. On the bright side, we were at least within sight of local residents.
When you reach the Třemšín Chapel, you connect to the yellow tourist trail. Just below the chapel, there's a small seating area with amazing views. Directly beneath this spot, you can discover a partisan bunker. I recommend sticking to the trail, especially in winter; it’s not safe to go elsewhere. Still, it's worth a visit.
If you head a bit further to the ruins of the original castle, you'll find a larger seating area to rest. Sometimes it’s crowded, so you might have to wait a bit. Pilgrims on this route certainly head here, whether to enjoy the landscape or just for a quick break.
I would also like to ask all visitors to take their trash with them and leave no pollution behind. Not in the bunker, nor anywhere in nature.
The partisan bunker is a restored example of a hideout from the World War II era. It was part of a local resistance organization founded in 1939 by Eng. František Lízl.
Before you finish the climb, I definitely recommend stopping to look inside the Třemšínská bouda and, on the way up, the Třemšín Chapel as well. It’s truly worth visiting these places and soaking up the atmosphere they offer.
When you reach the site where the original Třemšín Castle once stood, you will then descend along the yellow tourist trail. Caution: I recommend going slowly and carefully. I personally fell on my backside by the white bench during the descent, even though I was warned about ice under the snow and wore winter hiking boots with good grip.
If you are planning the route with a stroller or small children, better avoid the yellow trail. Return via the red trail instead. Children should be able to handle the trail from about seven years old, but of course, it depends on their fitness and experience.
On the way back to the parking lot, you can enjoy the beautiful Brdy landscape. You'll also encounter Spálená bouda; it’s closed to the public, but there is seating nearby. The entire yellow trail follows the Brdy ridges. At the signpost near Spálená bouda, switch to the green tourist trail, which partially follows the yellow; both trails form part of the Brdy ridge path, and this will comfortably lead you back to your car.
History of Třemšín
In the Middle Ages, around 1200, a castle stood here, chosen as a seat by the Buzic family. Their estate included not only Hvožďany but also Smolinec, Roželov, Plchov, Radošice, Březí, and other surrounding settlements. Back then, Třemšín wasn’t just an ordinary hill in the landscape, but a strategic site overlooking the wide surroundings.
The castle's fate, however, was sealed fairly early. In 1424, it was conquered and pillaged by the Hussites and was never restored. Today, only subtle remains of the walls and hints of the floor plan remain, which practically blend into the terrain in winter when snow covers the landscape. If you don't know where to look, you could easily walk past the spot where history was once written.
But Třemšín wasn't just a place of nobles and castle walls. In the 19th century, it also became a symbol of resistance and national solidarity. Protest meetings were held here in response to the political events of the time. The most famous pilgrimages took place in 1862 and 1863, with the last one, held on August 9, 1863, being the last of its kind. According to records of the time, including those in Národní listy, an incredible eight to ten thousand people gathered on the summit of Třemšín. To imagine such a crowd in the middle of the Brdy forests today is almost impossible.
Perhaps that is why Třemšín still has a special atmosphere today. It’s not just a hill with a nice view, but a place where layers of the past accumulate. If you stop here for a moment, quiet your mind, and listen, you might feel that this hill still has much to tell.
And to truly understand Třemšín, it’s good to step back in time for a moment...
Legends and Mysteries of Třemšín
A number of myths and legends have long been associated with Třemšín. The most famous tells of a hidden treasure supposedly still stashed somewhere in the belly of the former castle. According to legend, the original owners left it there while fleeing enemies, and the spot is said to be guarded by mysterious forces. Not everyone who tried to find it was said to return with a clear mind; sometimes they lost their sense of direction, other times their sense of time.
Another story speaks of a strange peace that prevails here, especially during fog or sunset. People say that’s when Třemšín is closest to its past. The forest goes silent, the wind stops for a moment, and you feel you aren't alone. Maybe it's just a play of light and shadow, maybe fatigue after the climb... or maybe Třemšín is reminding us it remembers more than we can understand.
Whether you believe the legends or not, one thing is certain: Třemšín has an atmosphere you won't find just anywhere. These stories, whispered between trees and stones, give this place a special charm that keeps people coming back again and again.
In Conclusion
I'm also glad I could test my new winter hiking boots, which proved to be a great companion. You can find them at Decathlon as Men's warm waterproof hiking boots NH 100, for just 899 CZK. The boots are really comfortable—no blisters after the trek and no frozen feet; your feet stay warm throughout. They hold up while standing down to -5 °C, and during walking or activity even down to -15 °C, which I certainly felt during the trek. For most of the way, they gripped beautifully, working almost like anti-slip boots, except for one spot with a steep slope and an icy path where many people walk. The boots are also waterproof and can withstand longer contact with water; although I didn't test them for an hour and a half, the capability is there.
The Men's base layer ski pants 100 - WEDZE also contributed to the comfort, keeping my legs warm. I wasn't skiing, but they were perfect for a winter trek. Thanks to the boots and these thermal pants, I stayed warm and comfortable the whole time.
And as for the trek itself? It was truly worth it. The route had the ideal length and pace. So, what about you—will you head out to Třemšín too?
Every trek or trip is undertaken at your own discretion and at your own risk.
All photos are my own. Links to Decathlon products are only my personal recommendation, not a paid advertisement.
