Background

Bretschneider's Ear: A Monument to Eavesdropping

Explore the intriguing Bretschneider's Ear in Lipnice nad Sázavou, a unique monument dedicated to the history of eavesdropping and surveillance.

4.7

Bretschneider's Ear is part of the National Eavesdropping Memorial, located near Lipnice nad Sázavou in the Czech Republic. Carved into a granite quarry, it commemorates the history of surveillance and espionage, drawing inspiration from Jaroslav Hašek's novel, *The Good Soldier Švejk*.

A brief summary to Bretschneider's ear - eavesdropping National Monument

  • Lipnice nad Sázavou 105, Lipnice nad Sázavou, Lipnice nad Sázavou, Lipnice nad Sázavou, 582 32, CZ
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the area involves walking on uneven terrain around the quarries.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to Lipnice Castle and other nearby attractions to make the most of your trip.
  • Visit during sunset for interesting lighting and photo opportunities.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Lipnice nad Sázavou, follow the marked trail towards the National Eavesdropping Memorial. The route to Bretschneider's Ear is approximately 1 km and will take you through a scenic path. The trail begins at the U České Koruny inn. Follow the signs, keeping in mind that the path can be uneven.

  • Public Transport

    Take a train or bus to Lipnice nad Sázavou. From the Lipnice nad Sázavou bus stop or train station, it's approximately a 20-30 minute walk to Bretschneider's Ear. Follow the main road southwest and then the marked trails. A local taxi from the train station is also an option, costing approximately 100-150 CZK.

  • Driving

    Drive to Lipnice nad Sázavou. Parking is available in the town square or at the amphitheater below Lipnice Castle. From there, follow the walking directions to Bretschneider's Ear, about a 1 km walk. Parking fees in the main square cost around 100 CZK per day.

Unlock the Best of Bretschneider's ear - eavesdropping National Monument

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Bretschneider's ear - eavesdropping National Monument

Bretschneider's Ear, or *Bretschneiderovo ucho*, is a unique and thought-provoking monument found near the town of Lipnice nad Sázavou in the Czech Republic. It forms part of the National Eavesdropping Memorial, a series of sculptures carved into the walls of flooded granite quarries. The monument serves as a reminder of the history of espionage and surveillance, particularly during former regimes. The ear is named after Bretschneider, a secret police character from Jaroslav Hašek's satirical novel, *The Good Soldier Švejk*. Unveiled in 2005, it was the first of the reliefs to be completed. The three-meter-high ear was carved by stonemasons led by Radomír Dvořák, supposedly based on a plaster model from the Czech Crown Inn. The monument is located in one of the old granite quarries near Lipnice, a region with a long history of stone masonry dating back to the 13th century. The quarries themselves are romantic and picturesque, adding to the atmosphere of the site. Besides Bretschneider's Ear, visitors can also explore other sculptures that are part of the National Eavesdropping Memorial: the Mouth of Truth (*Ústa pravdy*) and Golden Eyes (*Zlaté oči*). Visiting Bretschneider's Ear offers a chance to reflect on themes of surveillance and freedom while enjoying the natural beauty of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands.

Popular Experiences near Bretschneider's ear - eavesdropping National Monument

Popular Hotels near Bretschneider's ear - eavesdropping National Monument

Select Currency