Chrám chmele a piva
Exhibition in a former hop warehouse with a labyrinth of hop bines, a coat-of-arms hall, a Hop Clock and the Chmelový maják (Hop Beacon) observation tower.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Chrám chmele a piva (Temple of Hops and Beer) is housed in the former warehouse and drying kiln of the Christl brothers’ hop business, which served its purpose for a full hundred years from 1890. The complex of hop-industry technical monuments was created in 2009 to 2012 by converting the old hop warehouses, and in Žatec, a town famous for the finest hops in the world, it recalls the town’s hop-growing past.
A guided tour leads through a labyrinth of hop bines in which a treasure must be found, and past a small test of courage in the sulphur chamber. This is followed by the coat-of-arms hall of the Žatec hop-growing region, which displays the arms of roughly three hundred municipalities, and the mysterious study of an alchemist. The route also includes the Hop Clock, which the operator says has no equal in the world and sets its performance in motion every full hour.
The landmark of the complex is the Chmelový maják tower. A spiral staircase on the outside leads up to its crown, and a lift in the middle section of the tower carries a 3D projection that lets visitors fly over Žatec. The complex also includes the Renaissance malthouse, with an exhibition on malting, and the Monastery Garden. Žatec and the landscape of Žatec hops have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2023.
Highlights
- labyrinth of hop bines and the hop treasure
- coat-of-arms hall of the Žatec hop-growing region
- Hop Clock with a performance every full hour
- Chmelový maják observation tower with lift and 3D projection
- alchemist’s study and sulphur chamber
- Žatec and the landscape of Žatec hops are a UNESCO heritage site
Permanent exhibitions
- Expozice v bývalém chmelovém skladu – Guided tour through the labyrinth of hop bines, the coat-of-arms hall and the alchemist’s study to the hop treasure.
- Chmelový orloj – The Hop Clock, with an allegory of life in the hop-growing region, sets its performance in motion with the striking of the hours every full hour.
- Chmelový maják – A tower with a view over Žatec and a lift with a 3D projection; visitors can climb up the outside spiral staircase to its crown.
- Operated by
- Chrám Chmele a Piva CZ, příspěvková organizace
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 200 Kč |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 150 Kč |
| Groups | –The combined ticket (Route B) is not valid for tours or organised groups. |
| Families | 490 Kč |
| Route B – combined ticket: Chrám, Renaissance malthouse and Chmelařské muzeum (Hop Museum) (full) | 340 KčThe tour lasts 165 minutes; the ticket is valid for two days and is sold only from April to October. |
| Route B – combined ticket (reduced) | 240 Kč |
| Route B – combined ticket (family) | 850 Kč |
| Route D – Chmelový maják with 3D projection (full) | 170 KčThe guided tour lasts 20 minutes, is step-free and is sold only in the summer season. |
| Route D – Chmelový maják with 3D projection (reduced) | 140 Kč |
| Route D – Chmelový maják with 3D projection (family) | 420 Kč |
| Route E – walk up to the Chmelový maják (full) | 70 KčA telescope can be borrowed against a refundable deposit. |
| Route E – walk up to the Chmelový maják (reduced) | 60 Kč |
| Route E – walk up to the Chmelový maják (family) | 180 Kč |
| Route F – shorter exhibition tour (full) | 150 KčThe tour starts at 16:00 and lasts 45 minutes. |
| Route F – shorter exhibition tour (reduced) | 120 Kč |
| Route F – shorter exhibition tour (family) | 380 Kč |
| Route G – group tour of the town | 110 KčFor 7 to 21 people; booking at least 24 hours in advance; lasts 90 minutes. |
The price given applies to Route A (guided tour of the indoor exhibition of the Chrám chmele a piva and the Renaissance malthouse, 90 minutes). Route C (only the Renaissance malthouse) costs CZK 110, reduced CZK 90, family CZK 260. The website gives no further details of discount conditions.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
On prior arrangement we offer a step-free variant of the tour. The Chmelový maják tour with 3D projection (Route D) is step-free, while the walk up the tower is physically demanding. Tours for people with disabilities must be booked in advance.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | 490 Kč |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
The operator describes the site as entertainment for all age groups; children will enjoy the labyrinth of hop bines. A family ticket is available for all routes.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Trains run to Žatec from Prague (lines R24 and S50 to Lužná u Rakovníka, then line U14 to Žatec) and from Plzeň to Most (R25). For buses, PID line 405 is listed.
By car from Prague it takes about an hour via the D6 motorway (exit onto road 227 to Žatec) or the D7 (exit 66). From Karlovy Vary take the D6 (road 27), from Ústí nad Labem the D7 (exit 48 to Most) and then road 27.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Restaurant
The restaurant U Orloje, with a mini-brewery, is located on the site in the original hop warehouse. In the information centre of the Chrám chmele a piva you can charge electric bicycles; a cable (Universal, Bosch, Shimano) can be borrowed on site.
Events & venue rental
The operator of the site offers rental of the Renaissance malthouse, the Monastery Garden and the Capuchin monastery; details are on the Rental page.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The exhibition can only be visited with a guide. The Route A tour lasts 90 minutes and includes the Renaissance malthouse; booking at info@chchp.cz is recommended. There are Routes A to G, which differ in scope and price. |
