Muzeum Trabantů

The Trabant Museum in Nová Ves pod Pleší is a small but memorable museum dedicated to the East German cult car and its surprising second life as the star of extreme round-the-world expeditions. It opened in spring 2017 inside a former self-service shop, and its core exhibits are the actual Trabants driven by Czech traveler Dan Přibáň and his crew across the Silk Road, Africa, South America, Australia, and on a route from India back to Prague. These journeys, known collectively as the "Žlutý cirkus" (Yellow Circus), have a large following in the Czech Republic, and the museum draws both car enthusiasts and travelers looking for an offbeat day-trip destination.

What will you see inside?

The exhibition centers on three Trabants and two motorcycles that genuinely took part in the expeditions — battle-scarred from thousands of kilometers on rough terrain and displayed alongside photo and video documentation from the actual trips. Around them stand another fifteen or so vehicles, including a Polish Fiat 126p ("Maluch") and a historical section featuring rare models, topped by the Trabant's predecessor, the P70 from the 1950s. The contrast between a modest, mass-produced East German car and its role in genuinely extreme expeditions is what makes the biggest impression on visitors.

A standout attraction is the Trabant simulator, showing a compilation of the best footage recorded by cameras mounted on the fronts of the cars during their journeys — the closest you can get to experiencing those expeditions without leaving Nová Ves pod Pleší. Near the museum there is also a workshop where car enthusiasts prepare the next generation of Trabants for future expeditions, so visitors can catch a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes preparation work as well.

How to get there?

The museum is located at Masarykova třída 180 in Nová Ves pod Pleší, a small village in Central Bohemia near Mníšek pod Brdy — easily reachable as a day trip from Prague. Driving from the city center takes roughly 40–50 minutes, and the site is also accessible by public transport with a change in Mníšek pod Brdy.

When to visit?

Opening hours vary by season. In May, June, September, and October, visits must be booked in advance by phone, Monday to Friday. In July and August the museum keeps regular hours: Monday to Friday 1:00–6:00 PM, and weekends and public holidays 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. It's worth planning ahead, especially outside the summer season, when access is limited to pre-arranged appointments.

How much does a ticket cost?

Prices are family-friendly: children under 130 cm tall enter free, children up to age 15 pay 50 CZK, and other visitors pay 100 CZK. It's one of the more affordable automotive attractions in the region, and a visit typically takes about an hour.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book in advance? Outside the summer season (May, June, September, October) yes — visits must be arranged by phone. In July and August the museum operates on fixed opening hours with no booking required.

How long does a visit take? A typical visit, including the exhibition and the simulator, takes about an hour, depending on how much time you spend watching the expedition footage.

Is this museum only for car enthusiasts? Not at all — thanks to the "Žlutý cirkus" expedition story and the driving simulator, the museum also appeals to families with children and anyone interested in travel and adventure, not just automotive technology.

Is there anything else to see nearby? Yes, Nová Ves pod Pleší is close to Mníšek pod Brdy and its Skalka Castle, making it easy to combine the museum with other Central Bohemian attractions in a single day trip.