Starting this Saturday, April 6, and running through the end of September, the Kozel Express — a retro-era commuter train — will depart from Prague’s main train station for an afternoon of beer and food in Velké Popovice.
Beer has been brewed in Velké Popovice since the 14th century, but it wasn’t until 1870 that Baron František Ringhoffer established the brewery that stands today.
It was also around this time (1874) as the first batch of Velkopopovický pivo matured in barrels, that the beer got its goat-themed branding: legend has it that a wandering French painter became so enchanted by the hospitality of the locals that he created a farewell painting that featured a beer-drinking horned buck.
The Saturday excursions aim to draw attention to the town and brewery — about 30 km south of Prague — both of which in recent years have hosted festivals, summer cinema, and increasingly popular annual events.
Train tickets include a tour of the brewery (in Czech) as well as the opportunity to attend a short lesson on pouring the perfect pint. A free beer for ticketholders is included with lunch at the Kozlovna pub.
Departures from Prague’s Main Station are at 10:20 am with arrival time in Velké Popovice scheduled for 11:18; on the return journey, the Kozel Express will depart at 14:40 and return to the capital at 15:32.
Train buffs will appreciate the retro ride: a red 810 regional motor car produced in the 1980’s that was popular on commuter lines with not very many passengers.