Czech Republic
The 56, or 'padesatsestka' or u Hlubka, as it is known locally, is sort of a bikers' pub, but is really just a fabulous local pub, with a great sense of commmunity, buzzing atmosphere, welcoming locals, top beer(s), good times. Immensely good times at weekends, helped by liberal opening hours ('whenever we like'). Beer garden furniture is made of chunky logs. Next to the pub is a cemetery with the graves of Russian military men who lost their lives in an air crash in the area. It's on the main road from Ostrava to Hlucin (road number 56), just on the left as you enter Hlucin, just after the sharp turn after the petrol station.
Buses run from Ostrava and should take around 15-20 minutes. The pub is well known, and is on Ostravska ulice (ulice = street), next to the Russian cemetery in Hlucin.
Hlucin is a town of around 15,000 people with an artificial lake, Sterkovna (Sterkac in local parlance), which has waterskiiing, windsurfing, swimming, mini-golf, and of course a few bars. You can go fishing on one side of the lake, too.
Hlucin itself also has numerous excellent bars, including the legendary "56", as well as some pretty decent restaurants and a couple of very good boarding houses. It's where lots of people chill out at weekends and it's a good place to relax with a few beers.
If you're lucky, catch the footy team at Hlucin stadium near the railway station. There’s a good pub at the station, and a great pub, "Gol", at stadium. Then continue the pub crawl down the road and carry on. Very friendly people, nice little cinema, good food and a nice place to sunbathe. Well played all round.
Take the 56, 34, 69, 70, 71 or 72 bus from Ostrava - should take only 15 to 20 mins. Get off opposite the "56" pub or hang on one more stop and get out at the bus station just near the main square.
Includes three park areas and 120+ buildings, showing Wallachian culture. Includes an inn, church, school, post office and many more. Our faves are the waterwheel-powered sawmill and the blacksmiths' workshop. Old timber structures are intricate and beautiful. Great day out, lots of walking involved. Largest of its kind in central Europe.
Train/bus/car from Ostrava. Excellent day trip.www.roznov.cz
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