The Czech Republic has blossomed into a vibrant and fascinating place to visit in the port-Communist era. Bohemia and Moravia, neglected under the Communists, now delight visitors with their picturesque towns and cities, well preserved palaces and castles, and magnificent scenery.
• Waiting on Prague’s Staromestske Namesti Square for the playing of the astronomical clock
• Stroll through the meandering streets of the medieval World Heritage town, Cesky Krumlov at the hairpin-bend in Vltava River
• Sample good Moravian wine in the Znojmo-Mikulov region or sip a good pils beer in Plzen
• Cross on foot the largest natural sandstone bridge at Ceske Svycarsko
• Relax in the beauty of the Šumava Mountains, a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 1990
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INTRODUCTION
Situated in the centre of Europe, the Bohemian Basin was for centuries a crossroads of trading routes and a place where different religious and national traditions came into close contact. This cultural diversity has produced a rich historical heritage, which survives in remarkable condition: the Czech Republic escaped serious damage during the two World Wars, though the decimation of the Jewish community and the expulsion of German-speakers after 1945 had a devastating effect on Czech society. Wherever you go in the country you will find well-preserved historic buildings and medieval districts, and many attractive towns and villages.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Czech Republic lies at the heart of Central Europe, sharing borders with Germany, Poland and Austria, as well as Slovakia. Comprising the regions of Bohemia in the west and Moravia in the east, the country covers an area of which some 80 percent is made up of mountains and highlands
The easiest way to reach the Czech Republic is by air. Prague Ruzyné Airport is served by most of the European Airlines as well as the national carrier, Czech Airlines CSA.
The Main Train Station of Prague (Praha Hlavni Nadrazi) is located just off Wenceslas Square and about 15 minutes walk to the Old Town district.
WHEN TO GO
Best time to visit is May to September, with temperatures averaging between (between 10 °° and 15 °C) and 6 to 8 hours of sunshine. Unfortunately during June to August the rainfall peaks in the mountain areas. Between October and February the days are extremely short, very cold, with heavy snow even more in the Krkonoše Mountains (Bohemia’s highest mountain range).
Winter temperatures can easily average zero °C
GETTING AROUND
RAIL: Rail travel offers more comfortable conditions than travel by coach, but it should be stressed that standard fares on international train routes are usually very high. It could, however, be considerably reduced if you buy discounted international tickets in advance, or passes for travelers over 60. Detailed information on train and bus services is available at the website www.cd.cz
The train is a common means of transportation in the Czech Republic. All Czech cities, towns and many villages have their train stations and are interconnected well enough to make train travel a convenient way of getting from one place to another.
Trains in the Czech Republic are operated by Ceské dráhy (Czech Railways), RegioJet, and Leo Express. Ceské dráhy had a monopoly until September 2011. RegioJet brought a breath of fresh air to Czech train travel by offering a high level of service and comfort at lower prices. Leo Express started operating in November 2012.
ROAD: Well-maintained roads and long sections of motorway make driving one of the best methods of exploring the country. A foreigner driving on Czech roads must carry a valid international driver’s license, an ID card and the vehicle registration document. The quality of major roads in the Czech Republic approaches Western European standards. When calculating travel times, you should expect an average speed of no more than 90 km p/h, unless you plan to use a highway for entire trip. Less-traveled country roads offer scenic view and pleasant driving. To drive in the Czech Republic, you will need an international driver´s licence, which you can obtain at your local AAA.
When using a motor vehicle, you are required to have a driver´s licence and proof of payment/receipt of the compulsory car insurance (the so-called "green card", "zelená karta" in Czech). The car must have the international number plate of the country of its registration. Rules of the road in the Czech Republic are very similar to those in other European countries.
TOP 6 – DON’T MISS
Czech Republic is home to plenty of attractions outside of its capital city Prague. The following places of interest will show you the country's regions and allow you to discover its history and charm. Some of these destination cities are within day-trip distance from Prague, but others may require more travel time, so plan your trip accordingly.
• Cross the oldest stone bridge in the Czech Republic in Pisek
The city owes its existence to mineral riches in the form of gold-bearing sand, which was mined here beginning in the 12th century. That is when the city’s most important monument was built: the Gothic stone bridge, where today you will find beautiful sculptural decorations. But why is it called Jelení most, meaning Deer Bridge? Legend has it that the bridge was to be named after the first one to cross it. That privilege, however, unexpectedly went to a deer, which suddenly leaped out of a nearby forest and traversed the bridge. It is enough just to walk over its ancient cobblestones and you will be instantly transported back to the days when the city was ablaze with gold fever. Stroll through the historical centre of Písek and experience a place that was once among the foremost cities in the kingdom.
• Ceský Krumlov – return to the Renaissance era
At the height of its fame, Ceský Krumlov could compete stoutly with the most important European royal courts, mainly thanks to the Rosenberg family, who chose the town as their residence. The Rosenbergs gradually came to rule a large part of South Bohemia. Enchanted by the Italian Renaissance, they built a town and residence, and in so doing contributed to the prosperity of the entire region.
• Discover the magic of fairy tale Mikulov
In a stunning countryside dotted with white cliffs and strung with vineyards you’ll find Mikulov in the shade of its castle. A stroll through the charming town centre is a relaxing experience – on the main square you can admire some ornately decorated houses and the imposing Dietrichstein Mausoleum. And why not take a trip up nearby Svatý kopecek (Holy Hill) – at the top you’ll be rewarded with a romantic walk through the town’s vineyards, but the main feature here is the view across the peaceful landscapes which lie between Mikulov and Vienna.
• Get wrapped in Trebon
Visit harmonious South Bohemia to which nature and history has been exceptionally generous and enjoy unforgettable moments in the Trebon Spa. Pleasant heated wraps in first-class peat, romantic walks through a Renaissance town, a wonderful landscape of thousands of fishponds and gastronomic delicacies that will have your taste buds in seventh heaven. It’d be hard to imagine a more beautiful place for the perfect rest. Trebon is after all one of the most fairytale-like of South Bohemia’s towns.
• Zatec: a town which is home to the Temple of hops and beer
Žatec is inherently linked with beer and hops. Beer has already been brewed in the town itself for hundreds of years and the highest quality hops are cultivated in the surrounding areas, and then exported to countries all over the world. Come and enjoy a town that is proud of its tradition and its picturesque atmosphere will remind you of times long past. The Žatecko Region has a specific character, full of harmonious landscapes covered in hop fields and extensive hop kilns. Žatec is one of the oldest and best preserved royal towns in Bohemia.
• Discover the charm Brno
As a university city, Brno offers its inhabitants and visitors several galleries and museums.
Námestí Svobody is the natural centre of the city, where fairs and various celebrations are held several times a year. The people of Brno had a modern astronomical clock built here in 2010 from black granite in the shape of a shell casing. Every day at 11 am, a marble is ejected from it thus symbolising the Petrov legend.
TOP SLEEP & EAT SECRETS
• U Prince ***** On Prague’s Staromestske Namesti Square overlooking the astronomical clock
• The Emblem Hotel ***** Relax at the rooftop terrace with a panoramic view of Prague’s spires
• U Zlatych nuzek **** Located on Kampa Island overlooking historical Karlov Most Bridge
• Karlova Apartments *** Unique location in historical Prague
• Penzion Belcanto** Right in the pedestrian heart of UNESCO protected Cesky Krumlov
MEETING THE LOCAL PEOPLE
Since the Velvet Revolution of 1989, the Czech Republic has experienced a rapid process of change. While those who lived under Soviet domination have found this economic and social upheaval hard to accept, the younger generations have embraced the change. The speed with which the country is shaking off the aura of its Communist past is astounding. Soviet-style architecture cannot be wiped out overnight, but many cities are now lively cultural and commercial centres. None more so than Prague, which, as well as being a major tourist destination, is carving out a role for itself, both political and cultural, in the newly expanded European Union.
Most Czechs are deeply patriotic and by extension, are proud of their country’s reputation abroad. The Czech Republic’s prestige has undoubtedly been strengthened by the playwright turned politician Vaclav Havel, admired worldwide for his relentless defense of democracy and civil rights
If you only knew that in the Czech Republic
Even the buildings dance,
you could already caught up in their rhythm
If you only knew that fairy tales never end
here, you could already be living one of your own
– Johann