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What activities can travelers enjoy in the Czech Republic?
- No matter if it's roaming the countryside, relaxing in natural healing spas, enjoying some native beers, or exploring the history and castles of the Czech Republic, travelers here will find plenty to do.
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What makes Cesky Krumlov a must-visit destination?
- Visitors to Cesky Krumlov can explore the crown jewel of Renaissance architecture in South Bohemia.
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What adventures await in Hrensko?
- Hrensko is the gateway to exploring Edmund Gorge as well as, for the truly adventurous, Wild Gorge.
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Why is Krivoklat a great destination for nature lovers?
- Krivoklat in Central Bohemia is a nature lover's paradise and a significant European bird sanctuary.
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Why should travelers visit Prague?
- Traveling through the Czech Republic would be incomplete without visiting Prague, considered one of the world's most beautiful cities.
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1. Brdy
There is probably no area in the Czech Republic that is as unspoiled by humans as the Brdy Mountains in Central Bohemia. The rolling hill country 50 km southwest of Prague is a natural treasure of preserved ancient forests crisscrossed with lakes and creeks. The rugged terrain is devoid of tourist amenities, making it a rare off-the-beaten-path destination. The likelihood of the area remaining pristine is high, since it was declared a protected landscape in 2016. A portion of the protected area is open to the public, where hikers and bikers can make use of primitive trails. The goal is to eventually include 450 km of marked trails.
2. Brno
Brno is a city of contradictions, ancient and rich with history on one hand and modern and innovative on the other. Home to famous Czech composer Leos Janacek and botanist Gregor Mendel, this lively city boasts galleries, museums, universities, cafés, and festivals. Points of interest include Spilberk Castle, a 13th-century castle turned 17th-century fortress, known to be a notorious prison. Villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site; the Underground Labyrinth Under Cabbage Market, a system of interconnected cellars beneath the Cabbage Market; and the Ossuary of St. James' Church, a charnel house for unearthed remains, are among many other cultural attractions.
3. Ceske Budjovice
Ceske Budejovice is in the South Bohemian Region of southwestern Czech Republic. The capital of South Bohemia, it was once a 13th-century royal city due to its location on the salt trade route between Linz and Prague. Today, visitors can gather at one of Europe's largest piazzas, named after King Premysl Otakar II, to admire the baroque architecture of the surrounding houses as well as the town hall and Samson Fountain. Other points of interest include the legendary Black Tower, which visitors can climb, the city's salt store, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, and the Budejovicky Budvar Brewery, which has been using the same brewing recipe for seven centuries.
4. Cesky Krumlov
Cesky Krumlov is the crown jewel of Renaissance architecture in South Bohemia. Visitors will want to spend some time exploring State Castle and Chateau Cesky Krumlov and Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the castle museum is located in the second of five castle courtyards. Other prominent attractions are the Masquerade Hall, the baroque theatre, and the chateau tower, where visitors will find one of the most spectacular views of the historic town. A visit to the chateau gardens and a performance at the revolving auditorium are must-do experiences. A walk through the old town across the Vltava River reveals its striking medieval character, with narrow lanes, traditional shops, and colorful townhouse façades.
5. Harrachov
Harrachov has been characterized as the pearl of the Krkonose Mountains. It is associated with an international venue for competitive ski jumping on Certova Mountain. Among the competitive ski events on the mountain is the Ski Jumping World Championship. The famous ski jump tower's silhouette against the mountain sky is an exhilarating sight. Visitors can ski and snowboard here as well as engage in other winter activities like bobsledding, playing squash, bowling, and simply relaxing. There are also 30 km of cross-country skiing trails around Harrachov. Points of interest include the cableway from Harrachov to Certova, and the Harrachov Waterfall.
6. Hrensko
Hrensko is a Czech border town with Germany and the gateway to Bohemian Switzerland National Park. Its location at the confluence of the Labe and Kamenice rivers makes it the lowest point in the Czech Republic. The charming town sits amid towering canyon walls and extraordinary natural beauty. Hrensko is the jumping-off point for those who want to see Pravcicka brana, Europe's largest natural stone bridge, and the Kamenice River gorges. Exploring the gorges as a tourist attraction began with a Hrensko pub wager in 1877. Since then, thousands of tourists have explored Edmund Gorge by foot and boat, with many continuing on to Wild Gorge.
7. Jesenik
Jesenik is the place to go to begin feeling one's best. Jesenik Spa in the Jeseniky Mountains is famous for its clean mountain air and for being the birthplace of balneology (hydrotherapy in medicinal springs). There is no industry in the area, and neither smoking nor pets are allowed in the town. The spa has a reputation of success in treating respiratory, psychological, and circulatory problems. Even great historical figures have taken treatments here. Modern treatments are tailored to guests' needs, and visitors will also want to stroll the terraced balneopark and indulge in spa treatments, take in the mountain air, and explore the Gothic Chateau Jansky Vrch and the Rejviz Nature Reserve.
8. Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary is a health care tourism destination in the Czech Republic. Travelers in need of gastroenterologists, eye specialists, dentists, plastic surgeons, and infertility specialists flock here for major and minor procedures. This luxurious city has a high concentration of therapeutic colonnades and springs, and there are 22 scenic walking tours available that differ in both length and difficulty. There is also a large concentration of golf resorts here. Other points of interest include the butterfly house, the baroque Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, the Byzantine-style Orthodox Church of Saint Peter and Paul, and the town theater. The best views are from the Diana Observation Tower and the Deer Jump Lookout.
9. Krivoklatsko Protected Landscape Area
This phenomenal natural area is a significant European bird sanctuary, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and a world-renowned paleontological site. Krivoklat is in Central Bohemia in a densely wooded area surrounding the Berounka River. It's the ideal getaway for nature lovers and naturalists interested in the diverse animal and plant life of the area or simply in the awe-inspiring natural beauty. Paleontologists will appreciate examining the plants and understanding the development of the area's Cambrian plant life. Krivoklat is a great adventure for bird watchers, alpine hikers and backpackers, and conservationists. Photographers, writers, and other artists will also appreciate this protected area.
10. Krkonose National Park
The Krkonose Mountains are the Czech Republic's highest mountain range, and Krkonose National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This picturesque alpine range appeals to a variety of travelers. Many come for the natural beauty of its verdant valleys, mountain meadows, scenic rocky ridges, deep glacial hollows, alpine pools, stunning waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna. The rugged landscape and harsh beauty also challenge mountain and ice climbers. Skiers and other winter sports enthusiasts flock to the area to experience the groomed downhill slopes, network of cross-country ski trails, mountain resorts with modern amenities, and entertainment parks. Others come for the village culture, mountain serenity, and restorative wellness centers, salt caves, and aqua parks.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Brdy
- 2. Brno
- 3. Ceske Budjovice
- 4. Cesky Krumlov
- 5. Harrachov
- 6. Hrensko
- 7. Jesenik
- 8. Karlovy Vary
- 9. Krivoklatsko Protected Landscape Area
- 10. Krkonose National Park