Czech Republic Tourist Guide

The Czech Republic is a small country with a rich and vast heritage, kept alive in the bricks, mortar and stones of the countless cathedrals and castles populating the landscape. Bohemia and Moravia have dazzled pilgrims for ages. This small republic is anchored in the centre of Europe, and has been a crossroads of different cultures for centuries. The word ‘enchanting’ might be a cliché, but it’s an appropriate one. The Czech Republic casts a magical spell.

Many foreign visitors only call on Prague, which is forgivable, as this city of a ‘hundred spires’ and ‘nine hills’ has more to see than any other city you’ll likely encounter of comparable size. From the vast expanses of Prague Castle to the sublime beauty of the National Theatre aglow at night over the gentle currents of the Vltava River, this gorgeous capital offers days worth of sites to behold.

But the country isn’t comprised of the capital alone. Český Krumlov, in southern Bohemia, is a lush oasis built around a snaking curve in the Vltava, with a handsome chateau and a lovely medieval centre. Catch a rose-coloured sunset here while sitting in a café and listen to the people around you collectively sigh.

Český ráj, or ‘Czech Paradise’, is a park full of towering sandstone monoliths and different rock conglomerations, making for an awe-inspiring hike. If you’re in the mood for a soak, then you can’t beat the thermal baths in Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) to wrinkle your skin and soothe your worries away. If you visit here in the summer, you can catch a flick at the world-renowned international film festival.

Moravia, the province to the east, enraptures travellers venturing across its rolling hills, or scaling its mountainous borders. The landscapes are stocked with old castles and keeps, and the villages and smaller towns pulsate with art, beer and architecture. Whilst sojourning through Moravia, you’ll feel her historical embrace.

Brno, the capital of Moravia, has a sumptuous city centre full of elegant buildings to delight your eyes, and the main square is devoid of the tourist crowds you’ll find in Prague. Just north of the city you’ll encounter the Moravian Karst, a complex of limestone caves with a small river running through them.

The Jeseníky Mountains in northern Moravia (and southern Silesia) provide hiking and biking in the summer and skiing in the winter, with peaceful valleys breaking up the craggy peaks here and there.

During grape harvest, Mikulov in southern Moravia is a fine place to spend a few nights for some wine tasting. Book a table at one of the many wine cellars and drink yourself silly, sip by sip, while tearing into some tasty Czech sausages and cheese. After partaking of the various libations, roam (or stumble) around this pretty hillside town to gaze upon the churches and orange tiled roofs.

The Czech Republic is resplendent with wonders. From its cities and towns to the quaint forests and gentle mountains. This country has endured, with history literally coursing through its veins. Come to the heart of Europe and experience all of this beauty for yourself.