About the University of West Bohemia

The University of West Bohemia (UWB) is in Plzeň, Czech Republic. Established in 1991, it is rooted in the region’s post-World War II technical and pedagogical traditions. Its campus combines academic facilities—including the European Centre of Excellence NTIS and the Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art—with the industrial and cultural heritage of a city known for the Škoda Works and Pilsner Urquell Brewery (University of West Bohemia, GoStudy).

The campus is in the Bory district, southwest of Plzeň’s city centre. UWB also hosts public events, including Researchers’ Night and “Beer with the Rector,” and provides multilingual resources, wheelchair accessibility and virtual tours (Plzeň Tourism, Pilsner Urquell Brewery, ZČU International Office).

History

Plzeň dates to 1295 and developed as a centre of Czech industry and culture. Its industrial history, including the Škoda Works and Pilsner Urquell Brewery, helped shape UWB’s technical faculties and their industry ties. UWB was founded in 1991 as a successor to the region’s long-standing technical and teacher-training institutions, established amid the city’s industrial boom (GoStudy).

What to See

University campus

UWB has nine faculties, each with specialized buildings:

Applied Sciences
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Economics
Law
Education
Philosophy and Arts
Health Care Studies
Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art

Campus highlights include:

European Centre of Excellence NTIS A centre for advanced research and technology.
University Library Study rooms, event spaces, digital resources, multilingual collections, group and quiet study areas, public events and temporary exhibitions. Some areas are open to visitors.
Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art A distinctive building with creative studios.
Science and Technology Park Labs and startup incubators connecting academia and industry. Public events there highlight the university’s role in regional innovation (GoStudy).

Communal spaces and green areas support study and socializing. On-campus cafés and canteens serve Czech and international cuisine; clubs and societies are open to visitors during public events.

Plzeň city centre

Founded in 1295, Plzeň’s historic core centres on Republic Square, surrounded by Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings. Notable sites include:

St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral Its Gothic tower offers panoramic views.
Great Synagogue One of Europe’s largest synagogues.
Historical Underground Medieval tunnels beneath the city.
Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tours and tastings at the birthplace of Pilsner lager (Pilsner Urquell Brewery).
Gallery of West Bohemia and Museum of West Bohemia.

The university campus also hosts open-air concerts, art exhibitions and sports tournaments throughout the year. Annual and seasonal events include Researchers’ Night, “Beer with the Rector,” the International Summer Language School (ISLS), July language courses and cultural excursions, academic conferences, art exhibitions, and sporting events. Gyms and fields are sometimes accessible during open days.

Photo locations

Photo locations include Republic Square at sunset, the tower of St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, the interiors of the Great Synagogue and the brewery grounds.

Practical Visiting Information

University visits

Campus access Weekdays, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM. General campus access is free.
Library and NTIS Open to the public during standard university hours; check the specific facility for details.
Guided tours Arrange in advance through the International Office or university website. Tours can provide access to research labs, art studios and collaborative spaces.
Accessibility The campus is wheelchair-friendly, with ramps, elevators and accessible restrooms throughout. Assistance is available upon request. Most buildings are fully accessible (ZČU International Office).
Transport Trams and buses connect the university with the main train station and city centre.
Parking Limited parking is available.
Cycling and walking Bicycle lanes and pedestrian paths connect the university with the city.
Wi-Fi Free guest Wi-Fi is available; request a login at reception.
Photography Photography is allowed in public spaces; permission is required in labs and studios.
Safety Security staff and CCTV are on campus, and emergency contacts are posted at entrances.
Souvenirs The campus shop sells university-branded items.
Accommodation Short-term dormitory stays may be possible for scholars and summer school attendees. Hotels and guesthouses are available in the city centre (PlzenGuide).

Virtual tours, photo galleries and maps are available on the university website. Public events and some lectures are open to visitors; check the university calendar. Campus tours can be arranged in advance through the International Office or main reception.

Plzeň attractions: hours, prices and access

St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral 9 AM–5 PM; tower access costs 120 CZK. Partial wheelchair access (Visit Czechia).
Great Synagogue 10 AM–5 PM, closed Mondays; 150 CZK. Elevator access (PlzenGuide.com).
Historical Underground Tours run 10 AM–4 PM and cost 100 CZK; guided tours are recommended.
Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tours run daily, 9 AM–6 PM, with tickets at approximately 250 CZK. The brewery is wheelchair-friendly.
Gallery of West Bohemia 10 AM–6 PM, closed Mondays.
Museum of West Bohemia 9 AM–5 PM.
Tourist Center On Republic Square; open daily 9 AM–7 PM from April to September and 9 AM–6 PM from October to March.
Many attractions have ramps and elevators, though some historic sites have limited access.

Getting to and around Plzeň

From Prague, trains run every 30 minutes and take 1h15min; buses from Zličín take 1h. Local transport uses trams and buses, with tickets costing approximately 20 CZK.

Tips

Attend campus orientation and local events.
Learn basic Czech phrases.
Participate in festivals and university gatherings.
Respect local customs and punctuality.
Check the university calendar and individual facilities for event and opening details.
For audio guides, the guide recommends downloading the Audiala app and following its social media for updates.

Nearby Places and Events

Plzeň’s festivals include the Liberation Celebration in May, Folklore Festival in June, Microbrewery Festival in September, and Christmas and Easter Markets. Day trips are possible to Prague, Karlovy Vary and local castles.

Further Information

For detailed information, event schedules and bookings, visit the official university website and the International Office portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee for the UWB campus?
No. General campus access is free.

Can I attend lectures or events?
Public events and some lectures are open to visitors; check the university calendar.

How do I arrange a campus tour?
Contact the International Office or main reception in advance.

Is the campus accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes. Most buildings are fully accessible, and the campus has ramps, elevators and accessible restrooms. Assistance is available upon request.

Where can I stay as a visitor?
University dormitories may be available to scholars and summer students. Hotels and guesthouses are also available in Plzeň.

What are the nearby must-see attractions?
Pilsner Urquell Brewery, St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, the Great Synagogue and Plzeň’s historic centre.