Havlíčkův Brod
Havlíčkův Brod is a small historic town on the Sázava River in the Vysočina highlands, between Prague and Brno. It grew up in the 13th century around silver mines and was long called Německý Brod. In 1945 it took the name of Karel Havlíček Borovský, the 19th-century journalist and satirist who grew up and studied here.
Most visitors stay a few hours or one night. The long main square, with its two town halls, fountain and plague column, is the heart of the town. Havlíčkův Brod also works as a practical base for the quiet hills, forests and small villages of Vysočina, because it sits on a main rail line.
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When to visit
Late spring to early autumn is the best time to visit. Summers are warm and good for walks along the Sázava. Winters are cold, with frequent frost and some snow. In July and August you can join a short guided climb up the tower of the main church, which opens daily in these two months.
Best time to visit: June, July, August, September
Top sights
Almost everything worth seeing is on or near Havlíčkovo náměstí, the main square. Half a day on foot is enough for the centre.
- The Vysočina Museum (Muzeum Vysočiny) on the main square occupies the house where Karel Havlíček Borovský lived as a young man. Its exhibition tells the story of his life and work.
- Kostel Nanebevzetí Panny Marie is the town's main church, founded in the 13th century. Its tower has a rare 24-hour clock face and a viewing gallery open in July and August.
- Morový sloup is a Baroque column from 1725 in the middle of the square.
- Galerie výtvarného umění is a gallery focused on Czech book illustration, drawing and prints made after 1918.
- Štáflova bašta is a Gothic tower from the old town walls. Since 1957 it has held a memorial to the artist Otakar Štáfl, who was born in the town.
- Kostel sv. Kateřiny is a small historic church just south of the square. Today it also hosts concerts and community events.
- Pivovar Rebel has brewed beer here since 1834. Guided tours end with a tasting.
- Petrkov, about 5 km south of the centre, is the manor house where the poet and graphic artist Bohuslav Reynek was born and lived.
Tours & Activities
Havlíčkův Brod — Map
Getting there
- By air: The nearest major airport is Prague Václav Havel Airport, roughly 2 hours away by road. Take the airport bus to Prague main station, then continue by train.
- By train: Havlíčkův Brod is a rail junction. Direct trains from Prague take about 2 hours, from Brno about 1.5 hours and from Jihlava about 30 minutes. The station is a 15-minute walk from the main square. Timetables and tickets: České dráhy.
- By car: The D1 motorway between Prague and Brno passes south-west of the town. The drive from Prague takes about 1.5 hours.
Country facts
Quick practical facts for the Czech Republic at a glance:
- Currency
- Czech Koruna CZK Kč · Card payments · Commonly accepted
- Emergency numbers
- 112
- Electricity
- 230 V · 50 HzType C / Type E
- Languages
- Czech
- Tap water
- Safe to drink
- Driving side
- Right
- Calling code
- +420
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