These Czech Republic Attractions Are Worth Traveling For

1. Prague Castle

Prague Castle is a castle complex in Prague that dates all the way back to the 9th century. The castle has been a seat of power for many rulers throughout the centuries, including kings of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperors. Today, the structure is the official residential building of the President of the Czech Republic. The Bohemian Crown Jewels are protected in a secret room within the castle. The Guinness Book of World Records claims that Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world and it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can tour the castle on their own or can participate in a guided tour in several languages.

119 08 Prague 1, Czechia, Phone: +420-224-373-368

2. Charles Bridge

The Charles Bridge is a historic bridge that spans Prague's Vltava River. Construction on the bridge began in 1357 and lasted until the beginning of the 15th century. It was originally called the Prague Bridge or the Stone Bridge. The bridge is a bow bridge with 16 arches. There are three bridge towers and 30 statues stand on the side of the bridge, most of which are replicas of the original baroque statues that were erected around the turn of the 18th century. The bridge connects Prague's Old Town with the Prague Castle and Lesser Quarter area. It is an icon of Prague and a popular photo op.

Karluv most, 110 00 Praha 1, Czechia

3. Adrspach-Teplice Rocks

The Adrspach-Teplice Rocks are an unusual set of sandstone rock formations that are spread across 17 square kilometers in northeastern Bohemia. The rocks are named after two nearby towns, Adrspach, and Teplice nad Metuji. The rocks are protected as part of a nature reserve, and visitors can get to the rocks by several well-marked trails. Rock climbing and bouldering are especially popular in the area. For birdwatchers, the site is attractive because it is one of Europe's largest breeding sites of the elusive peregrine falcon. Be sure to pay attention to restricted areas and closed trails as the park staff work hard to preserve and protect the birds, which are protected under federal law.

549 57 Adrspach, Czechia, Phone: +420-491-586-012

4. Bohemian Paradise

Bohemian Paradise is a protected area and has the distinction of being the first nature preserve in the country. It has grown over the years and now contains more than 180 square kilometers. The area is extremely beautiful and varied, and there are trails that you can walk to access many natural attractions, rock formations, and beautiful areas of the countryside. By car you can travel to a variety of museums, ruins, castles, chateaus, museums, and other interesting sites. One of the most distinctive features of the preserve is the sandstone rock that was used to construct many nearby towns. The rocks offer many vantage points, most of which are only accessible to rock climbers.

A. Dvoraka 335, 511 01 Turnov, Czechia, Phone: +420-481-540-253

5. Bohemian Switzerland

Bohemian Switzerland, also known as Czech Switzerland, is an especially picturesque region in the northwestern part of the country. The park is situated on the Czech Republic's side of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, which straddle the Elbe River. It also extends into the Ore and Lusatian Mountains. The area has two national parks: Saxon Switzerland Park, which is in Germany, and its Czech sister, Ceske svycarsko National Park. The area has many intriguing and beautiful features, including the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe, named PravCicka brana. The highest mountain in Bohemian Switzerland is DeCinsky Sneznik, which features an observation tower. Other sites include rock castles, ravines, scenic overlooks, mountains, and arches.

Phone: +420-412-354-050

6. Cesky Krumlov Castle

Cesky Krumlov Castle is a famous castle and museum located in the center of the city of the same name. The building was constructed in 1240 by the Witigonen family, who were the main branch of the influential Rosenbergs. The castle has been relatively well maintained over the years compared to other European castles from the same time period. The castle and the rest of the historic city center have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle's fifth courtyard is home to one of the world's most well-preserved baroque theaters, the Cesky Krumlov Baroque Theatre.

Zamek 59, 381 01 Cesky Krumlov, Czechia, Phone: +420-380-704-721

7. Dancing House

The Dancing House is the nickname of the Nationale-Nederlanden building on Prague's Rasinovo nabrezi. The building is easily recognizable due to its distinctive design. It really stands out in the city center as it is a very modern building surrounded by a number of historic ones. The building has impressive, curvy outlines, which has garnered it the original name “Fred and Ginger” after a well-known dance duo. The top floor is the only part of the building open to the public. There you will find one of the best restaurants in the city, the Ginger and Fred Restaurant. The restaurant has a tasty international menu and offers beautiful views of Prague.

Jiraskovo nam. 1981/6, 120 00 Nove Mesto, Czechia, Phone: +420-605-083-611

8. Hluboka Castle

Hluboka Castle is a historic castle in Hluboka nad Vltavou. It is thought by many to be one of the country's most beautiful castles. Castles have stood on the site since the late 13th century and these have been rebuilt several times. The current appearance comes from a 19th-century reconstruction under Count Jan Adam of Schwarzenberg. The chateau was built in the style of England's Windsor Castle. There are several tour options, including the Representation Room Tour, a tour of the private apartments, and even a tour that climbs the chateau tower. The tower climb is not available during bad weather.

373 41 Hluboka nad Vltavou, Czechia, Phone: +420-387-843-911

9. Jewish Museum

The Prague Jewish Museum is one of the most popular museums in the city. It has one of the world's largest collections of Judaica, which includes approximately 100,000 books and 40,000 other objects. The museum also has a very extensive archive of Jewish history from the communities in the Czech Republic and Moravia. Tours with certified guides are available for both groups and individuals. Tours can be scheduled in English, German, French, and other languages, depending on guide availability. Audio guides in a variety of languages are also available for rent. The museums reservation center can assist with information about sites throughout the Prague's Jewish Quarter.

U Stare skoly 141/1, 110 00 Stare Mesto, Czechia, Phone: +420-222-749-211

10. Josefov

Josefov is a town quarter and small area of Prague that was the city's former Jewish ghetto. The area is completely surrounded by Prague's old town. There has been a strong Jewish community in Prague since the 10th century. Over time the community became most settled and concentrated within this walled ghetto. The community even has their own flag, a yellow Star of David on a red background. Many interesting cultural sites are concentrated in the community, including Franz Kafka's birthplace, a Jewish Town Hall, and synagogues ranging from the 13th to 19th centuries. The oldest surviving Jewish cemetery, which was used between the 15th and 18th centuries, is also located in Josefov.