Chomutov

Late spring to early autumn is the best time. Summers are warm, and the lake and the zoo are at their best. The town tower and some sights open only from April to September. Winters are cold and grey in town, but the nearby Ore Mountains get snow for cross-country skiing.

The main town festival, Chomutovské slavnosti, usually takes place in late May in the city park. It is a relaxed weekend with music, stalls, and a family programme.

• Chomutov Zoo covers 112 hectares and is the largest zoo in the country by area. It focuses on animals from Europe and Asia. A small train takes you through the Eurosafari enclosure, and an open-air village museum shows old rural buildings.
• Kamencové jezero is a small lake on the edge of town. Its alum-rich water stops algae from growing, so the water stays clean. In summer it is a popular place to swim, with a beach, a floating pier, and paddle boats.
• Zámek Chomutov began as the Teutonic Knights' residence around 1300. Today it is the town hall. It stands on the main square, náměstí 1. máje.
• Kostel sv. Kateřiny is an early Gothic church from the late 13th century, built as part of the Teutonic Knights' seat. It is now part of the regional museum and hosts exhibitions and concerts.
• Městská věž is almost 54 m tall and stands next to the late Gothic Kostel Nanebevzetí Panny Marie. Climb it from April to September for views over the old town and the Ore Mountains. Inside is a small exhibition on the town's history.
• Kostel sv. Ignáce is an early Baroque church designed by Carlo Lurago. Building started in 1663, and the church was consecrated in 1668. It belongs to the former Jesuit college on the main square.
• Oblastní muzeum v Chomutově occupies the old Jesuit school. Its collections cover archaeology, Gothic and Renaissance art, and the history of the Ore Mountains region.
• Železniční depozitář NTM Chomutov is a depot of the National Technical Museum with a large collection of historic locomotives and carriages. It is open only from spring to autumn, and on fewer days outside summer, so check the hours before you go.

A few things to do in Chomutov that go beyond sightseeing:

• Ride the Safari Express through the Eurosafari enclosure at Chomutov Zoo. You pass herds of bison, Przewalski's horses, and other large animals.
• Take a summer swim in the alum water of Kamencové jezero, then rent a paddle boat or relax on the floating pier.
• Hike or cycle Bezručovo údolí, a wooded valley with a stream that climbs from the edge of town towards the Ore Mountains.
• Attend a concert in Kostel sv. Kateřiny, one of the oldest Gothic church interiors in the region.
• Cool off at the water park: Aquasvět has slides and a wild-river channel. It is a good choice for families on a rainy day.

Chomutov sits between the Ore Mountains and the Ohře river valley, with several good trips close by. The list starts with the nearest.

• Červený Hrádek — a chateau with guided tours and a large park between Chomutov and Jirkov, about 10 minutes by car or local bus.
• Hasištejn — a medieval castle ruin in the hills northwest of town, about 20 minutes by car. Climb the tower for wide views.
• Kadaň — about 20 minutes by train or bus. A pretty old town on the Ohře river with a castle, a Franciscan monastery, and one of the narrowest streets in the country.
• Most — about 20 minutes by train. See the Gothic church that was moved 841 m on rails in 1975 to save it from coal mining.
• Klášterec nad Ohří — about 25 minutes by train. A chateau with a porcelain collection and a large park by the river.
• Žatec — about 30–40 minutes by train. A historic hop-growing town whose hop landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Ore Mountains (Krušné hory) — the ridge above town. Drive about 50 minutes to Klínovec, the highest peak, for hiking in summer and skiing in winter.
• Karlovy Vary — about 1 h 15 min by train. The most famous Czech spa town, with colonnades and hot springs.

The closest other destination in the Chomutov district is Kadaň, a small historic town on the Ohře river.

Further afield, Most and Žatec are each well under an hour away, and the spa town of Karlovy Vary makes an easy longer day out.

• By air: The nearest major airport is Václav Havel Airport Prague, about 90 km away. From the airport, take public transport into Prague and continue by bus or train.
• By bus: Direct buses from Prague (departing near Hradčanská metro station) take about 2 hours. This is usually the cheapest and fastest option.
• By train: Direct trains from Prague main station take about 2.5 hours. Chomutov is also a rail junction with lines to Karlovy Vary, Most, and Ústí nad Labem. The station is about a 15-minute walk from the main square. Book on České dráhy.
• By car: The D7 motorway links Chomutov with Prague in about 1.5 hours.

• Public transport: Trolleybuses and buses run by DPCHJ connect the centre, the station, the zoo, and neighbouring Jirkov. Pay with a contactless bank card at the ticket machine inside the vehicle, or with coins at the driver's machine. A day ticket is available.
• On foot: The old town is compact and easy to walk. The zoo and the lake are about 20 minutes on foot from the main square.
• Cycling: Cycle paths lead to the lake and into the green Bezručovo údolí valley north of town.

• Is a car worth it?: Not needed in town. A car helps for the castles and the Ore Mountains, which have limited public transport.
• Parking: The centre has paid parking zones; pay at the parking meters. There are larger car parks at the zoo and at the lake.
• Restrictions: Parts of the main square are closed to general traffic. Park nearby and walk.

Chomutov has no single local dish of its own. Expect standard Czech food: roast pork with dumplings, goulash, and schnitzel, served with local lager. Nearby Žatec is famous for its hops, and many pubs serve beer made with them.

For eating out, head to the main square, náměstí 1. máje, and the streets around it. Most cafés, pubs, and restaurants in the centre are here. In summer, simple snack bars at the lake and the zoo are good for a casual lunch.

Chomutov is generally safe for visitors. The old town, the zoo, and the lake are calm during the day.

Some housing estates on the outskirts have social problems, but visitors rarely have a reason to go there. Take normal care at night around the train station and bus station. Petty theft is the main risk, so watch your bag in crowded places. Tap water is safe to drink.

Chomutov first appears in records in 1252, when it passed to the Teutonic Knights. They built a fortified seat on today's main square. Its early Gothic chapel survives as Kostel sv. Kateřiny, and the former residence is now Zámek Chomutov.

In 1421, during the Hussite Wars, a Hussite army stormed and burned the town and killed much of the population. After a large fire in 1525, the town was rebuilt, including Městská věž. The Jesuits arrived in 1589 and founded a college and school. Their church, Kostel sv. Ignáce, and the school building, now home to Oblastní muzeum v Chomutově, still frame the square.

In the 19th century, coal mining and heavy industry made Chomutov a busy industrial town. Most people here spoke German until 1945. After the Second World War, the German population was expelled, and new settlers moved in from other parts of the country.

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