Pilsen Historical Underground Tour
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If there is any sightseeing in Pilsen you should definitely visit, it is Pilsen Historical underground. The walk through cellars 10 meters below Plzeň old town is an unforgettable experience.
Learn more how to dress for Pilsen underground tour, discover the secrets of historic underground of Plzen City and book Pilsen underground tour ONLINE.
Because we live in Pilsen and visit the underground with our kids regularly I prepared for you this guide:
- 1. What is the historic underground of Plzen
- 2. What can you see during Pilsen underground tour
- 3. When to visit Pilsen historical underground
- 4. How to book tickets to Plzeň underground
- 5. How to get to Plzeň historical underground
- 6. What you should know before the visit
1. What is the historic underground of Plzen
The historic underground of Plzen (or Pilsen in English and German) is a unique labyrinth of underground corridors, cellars and wells. These underground tunnels are located beneath the city of Pilsen, in the Czech Republic.
Pilsen Historical Underground were originally built at the beginning of the 14th century for practical purposes such as storage, transportation of goods and defense. Over the centuries, the tunnels were expanded and modified, and during World War II, they were used as air-raid shelters.
The historic underground of Plzen is situated 200 from Republic Square, the entrance is from Brewery Museum:
Address of Pilsen historic underground: Veleslavínova 58, Pilsen.
Historic underground of Plzen
Pilsen historic underground spreads over 3 floors. The total length of Pilsen underground is 15 kilometres and it ranks Plzen Underground among the most extensive underground systems in Europe. Of course, not the whole part of Plzen undreground is open for visitors.
Pilsen underground tour is only 800 meters long and takes 50 minutes. During the guided tour you will be introduced to the history of Plzeň city and life of Pilsen citizens in the Middle Ages. You can entry with kids, if they are older than 3 years.
2. What can you see during Pilsen underground tour
Pilsen underground tour is adventurous from the beginning. First you receive the safety helmet and then you continue to Pilsen underground.
Pilsen Historical Underground provides a fascinating glimpse into the city's past. You can admire former underground pubs, wells, dishes, tools or old wooden pipelines there.
Medieval cellars were originally used to store food, beer, and other goods. Some of them have been preserved in their original state and give you an idea of what life was like in medieval times.
Plzen underground had served not only for storage of food, but also as a protection against fires and attacks. Pilsen underground tunnels contain a number of wells that were used for drinking water and firefighting.
But the most interesting part of Pilsen underground tour is the Water wheel:
Water wheel in Pilsen Underground
The water wheel is the most interesting features of Pilsen Historical Underground and you will see it at the end of Pilsen underground tour.
The replica of an old water wheel was installed in 2005 and is approximately 25 meters (82 feet) high and has a diameter of 6 meters (20 feet).
The wheel is placed under the Water Tower, which you can find in Pražská street No. 19. The guide will turn on the wheel for a few minutes!
The water tower used to be a part of Pilsen fortification. It was built already in 1532 and it had served for supplying water from underground wells and nearby stream “Mlýnská strouha” to the 3 public fountains in the main Republic Square.
The water tower was functioning until 1889. Due to the troubles with insufficient water delivery, Pilsen City decided to built a new water system.
Beer voucher for 0.3l of Pilsner Urquell beer
Together with the ticket for Pilsen historical underground you will receive a beer voucher, in exchange for which at select Pilsen restaurants you can taste 0.3l of Pilsner Urquell beer (only for those aged 18 or over). The voucher is for example valid in the nearby traditional restaurant “Na Parkánu”, where you can also have lunch. The daily menu tastes good and it is not expensive, compared to other restaurants.
3. When to visit Pilsen historical underground
The Pilsen Historical Underground is open from January to December: 10 am - 6 pm, with the exception of some holidays such as Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It's always a good idea to book your tour in advance.
The corridors and cellars of Pilsen underground have been dug out here since the town was founded in 1295 and stretch at various depths and on several floors for a total length of 17.5 kilometres under 246 houses.
In general, the busiest time to visit the Pilsen Historical Underground is during the summer months (June to August), when more people are traveling. If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider visit during working days or the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October), when there are fewer visitors.
4. How to book tickets to Plzeň underground
I highly recommend to book your tickets for the Pilsen Historical Underground in advance. This is because the underground tours are limited in size (the maximum group size is 20 people) and can fill up quickly, particularly during weekends and holidays.
You can book your tickets online via the official website of the Pilsen Historical Underground or through the tour operator GetYourGuide. Booking in advance also allows you to choose your preferred tour time and language.
When booking your tickets online, make sure to select the correct tour time and language. Guided tours are available in Czech, English and German.
Entrance to Pilsen underground
Duration: 60 min. for the guided tour
Open daily: 10 am – 6 pm
Official website
Veleslavínova 58/6, Plzeň
View on the map
If you haven't booked your tickets in advance, you can still try to purchase them on the day of your visit, but availability may be limited, and you may have to wait for the next available tour.
5. How to get to Plzeň historical underground
Pilsen Historical Underground is located in the city center of Pilsen, in the western part of the Czech Republic. Pilsen is located on the train line between Prague and Munich, Germany. Read how to get to Pilsen from Prague here.
Here are a few options for getting to Pilsen underground:
- Public transportation: 🚋 Pilsen is well-connected by public transportation, and you can take trams or buses to get to the city center. The closest tram stop to the Pilsen Historical Underground is "Náměstí Republiky," which is served by several tram lines. From there, it's just a short walk to the underground.
- Car: 🚗 If you're driving, there are several parking options in the city center, including street parking and public parking garages. The nearest parking place to the underground can be found in the parking park Rychtářka.
- Guided tour: 🚩 Many tour operators offer guided tours of Pilsen from Prague that include a visit to the Historical Underground. These tours often include transportation to and from Pilsen, as well as a knowledgeable guide to show you around the city.
Once you arrive in the city center, the entrance to the Pilsen Historical Underground is located on Veleslavínova Street No. 6, just a few minutes' walk from the main square (Náměstí Republiky). The entrance is marked with a sign.
6. What you should know before the visit to Pilsen historic underground
If you're planning a visit to Pilsen Historical Underground, there are a few more things to keep in mind:
How to dress?
The temperature in the Pilsen Historical Underground remains relatively constant throughout the year, typically around 10-12° Celsius (50-54 degrees Fahrenheit). Therefore, it's a good idea to dress warmly, even if you're visiting during the summer months.
Wear comfortable shoes: 👢 The underground tunnels can be uneven and slippery, so it's important to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes with good traction. Avoid high heels, sandals, or any shoes that are too tight or uncomfortable.
Use a backpack: It's a good idea to bring a backpack to carry any extra layers or items you may need.
Other tips for visiting Pilsen underground 💡
- Photography is allowed inside the underground, but the use of tripods and flash is prohibited.
- The underground tunnels can be narrow and low in places, so visitors with mobility issues or claustrophobia may find the tour challenging.
- Children under the age of 3 are not permitted on the tour, and children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
- It's important to arrive at the underground at least 10 minutes before the start of your scheduled tour. Late arrivals may not be admitted.
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Pilsen Historical Underground is a fascinating place to visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or underground spaces.
Pilsen Underground Tour together with Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour belongs the most popular things to do in Pilsen.
A visit to the Pilsen Underground is a unique experience, because historic underground of Plzen is considered to be one of the most extensive underground systems in Central Europe.
Written by Šárka Novotná
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Šárka Novotná
Hi, I'm Šárka and I'm so glad you've found this Website! I was born in Plzeň and from the love to my home city I launched PlzenGuide.com.
I hope you will find important information and ideas about how to spend an incredible time in Pilsen Czech Republic.