Discover T. G. Masaryk’s Favorite Summer Retreats: Tips for an Exciting Getaway to Where Our First President Relaxed!

When our first president, Prague tight, went to places with fragrant forests, blossoming linden trees, and friendly, informal greetings. You may already know TGM’s favourite places from Where to get out of boredom, but do you also know where T. G. Masaryk spent his summers in his summer apartments? He didn’t choose grand palaces or luxurious homes with stunning views. Instead, he favored spots where he could escape the formalities of presidential life in Prague and connect with the people and nature around him. His summer residences — from Koloděje Castle to Topolcianky in Slovakia — blend significant historical events with serene experiences. These places offer the best insight into Masaryk’s personality: a man connected to his surroundings, brimming with ideas, yet grounded in reality. He sipped coffee on the porch while reading the newspaper, rode his horse, welcomed visitors, and engaged in debates. His presence can still be felt in these places: in the pathways, in the memorial linden tree, and in the projector used to screen films for both villagers and castle guests.
In November 1918, Tomas Garrigue Masaryk was elected as the first Czechoslovak president. The Chateau in Lány didn’t become his presidential summer retreat until 1921. So, where did Masaryk and his family take a break during those early years after he assumed office? Let’s explore this with Which way out of boredom!

Koloděje: the first summer apartment of the new president

In the summer of 1919, the Masaryks spent time at a Baroque chateau in Koloděje, which they temporarily rented from the Liechtenstein family. Originally a fortress in the Middle Ages to protect the route from Prague to Moravia, it underwent Renaissance, Baroque and Classical renovations. Today, you can find it in the Praha-Koloděje district on the eastern edge of the city. Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk and his family stayed there from the end of June to the end of July, returning at Christmas that year as well. Local records mention his horse rides in the area, taking him to places like Běchovice, Clan, Šestajovic, and Siberians.
The government continued to utilize Koloděje Castle in the latter half of the 20th century. After the Velvet Revolution, it went through agreements like voucher privatization and the division of Czechoslovakia. The castle’s connection to governmental meetings was noted in 2006 and 2007. Eventually, it was returned to its original owners through a court decision, but it was later sold. As of now, it is closed to the public.

Hluboš: in the silence of the castle park

Another summer residence for Masaryk was Hluboš, a three-hundred-year-old Baroque-style castle rebuilt in the Neo-Renaissance style, located at the foothills of Brda. In 1920, the presidential office rented it for CZK 4,000 from Princes Oettingen-Wallerstein. Notably, an extensive English park also exists here, which may be one of Central Europe’s oldest botanical gardens, and possibly the oldest botanical garden still partially intact in the Czech lands. The park features unique trees that were among the first to have been planted, imported from places such as America and China, including ginkgo biloba, cedar of Lebanon, juniper of Virginia, and Canadian hemlock.
Hluboš was perceived as a perfect spot for both relaxation and work, away from the hustle of Prague Castle. In this peaceful English park, Masaryk found a serene environment that matched his lifestyle. He engaged with locals, conducted official duties, and also faced an illness that got him thinking about finding a more suitable long-term residence. His time at Hluboš in 1920 thus played a symbolic role in driving his quest for a home closer to Prague, which ultimately led him to Lány.
Today, the new owners aim to restore the grandeur of the First Republic era at the Hluboš Chateau, with plans to open it to the public.

Židlochovice Castle: under the Moravian sun

In the fertile South Moravia, at the meeting point of the Svratka and Litava, lies Židlochovice, a town rich in history and home to a lovely castle that became one of President Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk’s regular summer retreats during the interwar years. Masaryk visited here six times during his presidency: in 1924, from 1928 to 1931, and again in 1933. He typically stayed for three weeks to a month, often accompanied by his daughter Alice or son Jan, and sometimes even his grandchildren. Yet, his visits had complications; for instance, he had to cut short his stay between 1925 and 1927 due to poor water quality in the area. A small typhus outbreak occurred in Żidlochovice in 1925, but fortunately, Masaryk left just in time.
Originally a Renaissance chateau with a park and a hunting preserve, it served not only as a refuge for the president but also as a starting point for his explorations of Moravia and Silesia. During his stays, he often ventured into the surrounding countryside, welcomed visitors, participated in local festivals, and enjoyed peaceful walks in the park, dedicating time to reading and writing while truly engaging with the region he cherishingly remembered from his youth.
In 1930, a memorial lime tree in honour of the President was planted in the western section of the park, and his legacy in Židlochovice is fondly remembered by the locals. Today, this is complemented by a commemorative plaque at the park’s entrance. The spirit of Masaryk is felt not just in the tranquility of the ancient trees but through the enduring ambiance of the entire area. The chateau currently serves under the auspices of the Forests of the Czech Republic, offering accommodation and conference facilities.

Lány: second home and final resting place

Since 1921, Castle in Lány has served as the President’s main country home. Other properties, like the castle in Smečno and the Chateau in Brandýs nad Labem, could have also served as presidential summer residences, but Lány became Masaryk’s preferred choice. The landscape surrounding Lány may have reminded him of his childhood in South Moravia, though only time will tell. Its selection also met the needs of the presidential office, as it was conveniently located near Prague and offered a serene environment alongside the physical appeal of the place, including a complete estate purchase from the Fürstenberg family that included forests and a hunting preserve.
After various renovations led by architect Jože Plečnik, Lány turned into an impressive yet welcoming residence that matched the President’s refined tastes and lifestyle. Masaryk lived here for many years, often spending more time at Lány than in Prague itself, where he typically stayed for only two or three days at a time. His mornings usually began at nine o’clock after he caught up on the news, followed by meetings and literary pursuits. His afternoons were dedicated to horseback riding, while evenings were set aside for reading or film showings. His family kept him company — after the passing of his wife Charlotte, he was often joined by daughter Alice, son Jan, and his grandchildren. More than just a vacation spot, Lány was a true family home and operational presidential office.
In Lány, Masaryk remained until his abdication and lived there until his passing. He passed away on September 14, 1937, and as he wished, he was interred at the local cemetery, alongside his wife; his son Jan was buried there in 1948 as well.
A small and humble village on the edge of the Křivoklát forests became a powerful symbol, representing Masaryk’s twilight years, deep reflections, and political decisions. Today, Masaryk’s life in Lány is remembered through a Museum and an equestrian statue. Visitors can also explore areas where TGM rode his beloved Hector’s horse and discover the castle garden with its greenhouse. Just like Lány Castle, these spaces were redesigned by architect Jože Plečnik, who also renovated Prague Castle for Masaryk.

Topoľčianky: President’s Slovakia

Another location Masaryk frequented during summer vacations was a classic castle nestled within an English park in Topoľčanky, Slovakia. Between 1923 and 1933, he spent around five weeks there each summer. The whole family would gather to join him, including his daughters Alice and Olga, son Jan, and grandchildren, along with figures like Edvard Beneš and writer Karel Čapek, who interviewed Masaryk for his book Conversations with T. G. Masaryk. Masaryk enjoyed horseback riding, taking carriage rides, visiting the ruins of Hrušov Castle, and every Tuesday and Saturday, films were played in the castle hall. The auditorium hosted not only the presidential office staff but also local residents, showcasing Masaryk’s approach to humanity.
Surrounded by an English-style park, this classic building provided a charming environment, ease of access, and a setting ideal for work and relaxation. Masaryk visited Topoľčianky with his family, conducted presidential duties, and mingled with political and cultural figures. His summer residence here represented more than a comfortable hideaway; it embodied his affectionate bond with Slovakia and highlighted the equality of both nations within the new country.

Other interesting facts about Masaryk’s summer apartments

• • Today, the official country residence for Czech presidents is still the Chateau in Lány. However, among Masaryk’s successors, only Emil Hácha, who, like Masaryk, lived here for long periods, maintained amicable relations with the villagers and even created a public natural swimming pool at the edge of Lánské obory. Other presidents, including Edvard Benes, who was often seen at Masaryk’s gatherings, rarely visited Lány, favoring other residences like Benes‘ villa in Sezimovo Ústí, Antonín Novotný‘s Communist Party retreat in Vystrkov, or Ludvík Svoboda‘s cabin in the Jizera Mountains. The significance of Lány was rekindled during the presidencies of Václav Havel, Václav Klaus, and Miloš Zeman.

• • At the castle in Hluboš, in 1937, actor and director Hugo Haas filmed the comedy Girls, Don’t Give Up, which is a humorous drama set in a school. In the film, the castle represents a girls’ boarding school. The filmmakers returned to Hluboš between 2005 and 2008 to shoot The Happiness Insurance.

• • Continuing the tradition of visiting Slovakia and spending time in Topoľčany, President Edvard Beneš also vacationed there during the summers of 1936, 1937, 1946, and 1947. During the era of the Slovak state, the castle was used by its president Jozef Tiso. The presidential visits concluded in August 1949 when Klement Gottwald surrendered the castle in 1951. Nowadays, it functions as a hotel, and some rooms where President Masaryk stayed have been restored and are open to visitors. In the entrance hall, there is a welcoming statue of Masaryk created by Otto Gutfreund, once located in the square in Nitra during the First Republic.