Žatec is a small town in the Ústí nad Labem Region, world-famous as the capital of hop growing. If you enjoy beer or are simply curious where its distinctive bitterness comes from, this place feels like a journey to the source. The surrounding hop fields, the hop museum, and the atmosphere of the old town make it a truly special destination, recognized by UNESCO in 2023.

The town sits on the Ohře river, in a region with the lowest rainfall in the whole of Czechia — under 400 mm a year, thanks to the rain shadow cast by the Ore Mountains. That means summers here are often sunny and dry, perfect for wandering through the hop fields that turn golden during the autumn harvest. In spring and summer, the fields are covered with tall wooden frames supporting the climbing hop plants, creating a landscape unlike anywhere else, while in autumn the town comes alive with the Dočesná festival celebrating the harvest.

• Žatec lies along the main roads of the Ústí Region, easily reached by car or train from Prague or Chomutov
• Walking through the old town and nearby hop fields requires no special preparation — an easy route suitable for everyone

• The Hop Museum in town offers insight into the history and technology of hop cultivation
• The best time to visit is August/September, during the Dočesná festival and hop harvest

Worth knowing: Žatec hops are prized worldwide for their high content of aromatic compounds, including lupulin, and the local beer has even won awards as far away as Sydney.