Although many may disagree, autumn is one of the most photogenic times of the year. Colourful leaves, forests dipped in morning mist and cute pumpkin decorations give it an unmistakable atmosphere. Our cottage and its surroundings offer a great opportunity to enjoy these unique moments. In this article, we show you the most beautiful places that are charming (not only) during autumn. Together we will also visit Prague, where the natural beauty during autumn is strikingly complemented by the local architecture.
Autumn in Posázaví
Cottage Daisy Posázaví
We cannot start any other way than with our cottage Daisy. Its location in the middle of a secluded countryside guarantees not only undisturbed peace, but also a direct connection with nature. The garden is bordered by a forest, which allows guests to enjoy the colourful trees and breathtaking scenery all day long, both outside and looking out of the window during their stay. In colder weather, it is possible to warm up by the campfire with hot chocolate or mulled wine. Above all, the cottage’s location makes it a great starting point for exploring the beauty of Posázaví.
Viewpoint Třeštibok
The first place we go to from our cottage is conveniently within walking distance. To get to the Třeštibok viewpoint, we have to go further down to Bohuliby, towards the settlement Na zlatých dolích. Signposts will lead us to the right way. Use them to get through the forest trail to the viewpoint.
Třeštibok offers a beautiful view of the Sázava River just before it flows into the Vltava. Its name comes from the time when rafts used to float down the river and hit the rocks while sailing along the side springs (”tříštit” – shatter, ”bok” – side). During autumn, there is a beautiful view of the coloured valley. With a bit of luck or good planning, you can also see the Posázava Pacific train passing by from here.
Jílové mines
Autumn also means a bit of mystery and mysticism. A similar atmosphere is offered by the historic Jílové gold mines, which are a symbol of the entire region. You can visit three of them in the vicinity of Jílové u Prahy: the St. Joseph’s adit, the St. Anthony of Padua adit and the Halíř adit. Each of them offers a different experience.
The St. Joseph’s adit has a sloping profile and is 200 m long. Inside there are two excavations with partially preserved equipment and a ventilation chimney to the upper quarry.
The St. Anthony of Padua adit has a two-level tour route connected by ladders. The corridors here are not illuminated, each visitor is given a miner’s lamp, which makes the tour a more challenging but all the more adventurous activity.
The Halíř adit has a diamond-shaped profile and is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. The new section from the 1950s has a 270m long illuminated corridor and a mini-exposition of mining equipment.
Railway viaduct Žampach
After visiting the St. Joseph and St. Anthony of Padua adits, we will reach the Žampach Viaduct, the second highest stone railway bridge in Central Europe, 42 metres high. It was built at the end of the 19th century, mainly by workers from Italy who were used to building similar bridges in the Alps.
It consists of 7 arches and connects the stations Jílové u Prahy and Luka pod Medníkem. The bridge is thus a part of the historical line “Posázavský pacifik”, which carried the Sázava tramps in the last century.
You can admire the viaduct from the immediate vicinity, see it from a distance while wandering along the Posázava Trail on the other side of the river or take a train ride across it on the route Prague – Vrané n. Vltavou – Čerčany.
Sázava River
After passing the Žampach viaduct, you can walk to the Sázava River itself. Paddlers and hikers call it the Golden River because of its golden colour caused by clay soil. During autumn, you will not see anyone riding down the water here, but the Sázava has its own charm also at this time of year.
The calm surface of the river reflects the golden and red shades of the trees and together with the morning mist and the gentle rays of the sun give the whole landscape a unique atmosphere. Autumn hikes along the river also provide an opportunity to spot wildlife, which is more active in this cooler season. You can also observe the Sázava from the other bank, where the Posázava Trail, the first hiking trail in the country, offers several viewpoints of the surrounding area.
Autumn in Prague
Due to its proximity, many guests at our cottage take the opportunity to visit the Czech capital during their visit. These are the most beautiful places to visit here during autumn.
Natural tunnel near Prague Castle
The first place we will go to is the most visited monument in the city, namely Prague Castle. Tram numbers 22 and 23 will take us there, but we have to get off at the stop Královská letohrádek.
During autumn, the trees around the tram tracks create a beautiful natural tunnel that looks like something out of a fairy tale. It’s a great place to take photos, but be aware that this is a busy tram line. You’ll need to keep your eyes peeled for one approaching.
Queen Anne’s Summer Palace and the Royal Garden
Directly opposite the tram stop mentioned above, you will find the entrance to the Royal Garden, the next place on our tour. Although it is located in the grounds of Prague Castle, which welcomes over a million visitors a year, it is still one of the few quiet places in the centre of Prague.
Originally, there were medieval vineyards here, but they were gradually bought out by Ferdinand I of Habsburg in the 16th century and replaced by a Renaissance garden. The whole complex has undergone several reconstructions in the past and each corner is therefore a little different.
The main landmark is the Queen Anne’s Summer Palace. It served both as a recreational place for the monarch and his family and as a representative hall for balls. Its terraces offer a beautiful view of Prague Castle.
The garden is open from March to October, and you can visit the summer palace all year round.
Petřínské sady
Petřín and its surrounding gardens are impressive at any time of the year. It is no different during autumn. You can reach the top of the Petřín lookout tower on foot from Prague Castle or by cable car from the Újezd stop. If you have bought a day or multi-day ticket for public transport, you can use it for the cable car as well. Otherwise, you must buy a ticket separately.
At Petřín you can climb the lookout tower, walk through the mirror maze or simply enjoy the view of colourful Prague.
Letenská pláň
The vast Letná is known mainly for holding various events. However, it is also a popular place for Prague residents to relax and meet friends.
Besides several colourful trees, you will find a beautiful viewpoint under the famous Prague Metronome, from which you see the city in its full beauty.
In addition, from mid-November, a public ice rink opens here, the largest ice rink in Prague every year.
Riegrovy sady
This park on the border of Vinohrady and Žižkov is popular especially in summer as a place to watch sunsets. However, the autumn sun can also conjure up beautifully coloured skies. If you’re in the area in the evening, it’s worth waiting for this piece of nature. You can shorten the long wait time at a local restaurant.
Do you already know which of these places you will visit? If this article has inspired you, we’d love you to share your experiences and any photos on our Facebook and Instagram!