Muzeum motocyklů Konopiště

Konopiště Motorcycle Museum, the official factory museum of the Jawa brand, sits right at the foot of Konopiště Castle near Benešov in Central Bohemia. It's a natural stop for anyone interested in classic engineering, gathering hundreds of motorcycles that trace more than a century of Czech two-wheeled history.

What will you see inside?

The exhibition occupies the Konopiště pension building next to the main car park below the castle, which makes it easy to combine with a visit to the former residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The core of the collection is built around Jawa motorcycles — from the brand's earliest models through racing machines to the postwar classics that once filled the roads across Eastern Europe. Alongside them stand motorcycles from other Czech and international marques, including ČZ, Praga and BMW, plus trophies, posters and memorabilia documenting the successes of Czech racers throughout the 20th century.

Among the standout exhibits is the motorcycle ridden by František Šťastný, a multiple world champion, the white-and-gold ČZ 500 nicknamed "Vatican," and a Jawa boxer 420. A dedicated section is devoted to flat-track racing motorcycles, a nod to the era when Czech machines dominated speedway tracks worldwide. Across both of the museum's sites — the main one at Konopiště and a second location in nearby Netvořice — visitors can see roughly 200 motorcycles, most of them kept in original, roadworthy condition.

How do you get there?

The museum sits directly on the walking route from central Benešov up to Konopiště Castle, so the easiest approach is by car or train to Benešov, continuing on foot or by local transport toward the castle grounds. The entrance is right by the main parking area below the castle — accessible directly from outside during the summer season, and through the Konopiště pension reception the rest of the year.

When should you visit?

During the main season, from June to September, the museum is open daily from 9:00 to 18:00, with guided tours that walk you through the story behind individual motorcycles and brands. Outside the season, from October to May, opening hours run 10:00 to 18:00, with entry via the pension reception. It's worth checking current hours and admission prices on the museum's website before you go, since they can shift between seasons.

Who is this museum for?

The place appeals equally to motorcycle enthusiasts and to travelers looking for an unusual stop near Konopiště Castle. Families will appreciate the proximity to the car park and the chance to pair the visit with a walk through the castle grounds, while fans of classic bikes will find one of the richest Jawa collections in the Czech Republic, rounded out by rare machines from other manufacturers.

Frequently asked questions

Is the museum officially connected to the Jawa brand? Yes, it's the authorized factory museum of Jawa, presenting the brand's history from its beginnings to the present, together with motorcycles from other Czech manufacturers.

How many motorcycles are on display? Across both locations — Konopiště and Netvořice — around 200 motorcycles are exhibited, most of them preserved in original, working condition.

Are visits guided? During the main season (June–September), yes — a guide leads visitors through the exhibition and shares the history of the exhibits. Outside the season, visits are typically self-guided.

Can you combine the museum with a visit to Konopiště Castle? Absolutely — the museum stands right by the car park just below the castle, so both sights fit easily into a single day trip to Benešov.