Prague, the Mother of Cities
Although we say that the Czech Republic is not just Prague, the capital is simply at the very top of the offer of tourist attractions in our country. Dating back to the ninth century, Prague Castle is recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest castle complex in the world, covering an impressive 70,000 square metres (17 acres).
Charles Bridge and Prague Castle
Castles, castles everywhere
The Czech Republic has the largest density of castles in the world. In fact, there are over 2.000 castles around the country – some in perfect condition, some that are just ruins. The world’s largest castle complex is in Prague, and the country is also home to some of the oldest castles in the world: both Karlštejn Castle and the Trosky Castle ruins were originally built in the 1300s. The Czech Republic has the largest density of castles in the world. In fact, there are over 2.000 castles around the country – some in perfect condition, some that are just ruins. The world’s largest castle complex is in Prague, and the country is also a home to some of the oldest castles in the world: both Karlštejn Castle and the Trosky Castle ruins were originally built in the 1300s.
UNESCO Lednice - Valtice Cultural Landscape
Excellent net of Walking Trails
The foundations of walking in the Czech Republic have been laid down by the Czech Tourist Club over 100 years ago. An extensive network of hiking trails was created and marked out by hundreds of club members. This excellent net of perfectly marked and well connected hiking trails with a total length over 40.000 km is the legacy of their work. Today, the hiking trails are still perfectly maintained by Czech Tourist Club members on a voluntary basis. The marking system is very easy using painted signs on posts, rocks and trees along the way. Sign posts at main hiking route junctions include also kilometers to the nearest towns. Marking is so dense that you can often see from one mark to another.
Hiking trail in Krkonoše Mountains
The eleventh most secure country in the world
Based on 2019 Global Peace Index ranking, the Czech Republic is the eleventh most secure country in the world. In fact, you can stroll through the night city or through the wilderness at any time, and you will still feel safe.
Pravčická Gate in Bohemian Switzerland
It's central location in the Heart of Europe
If your goal is to explore Europe, there are two cities that offer the perfect location and an extensive transportation hub to take you mostly everywhere you want to go: Berlin and Prague. Prague is within a few hours of a lot from major cities, such as Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Berlin and Krakow. Czech trains are cheap and overnight trains will get you all around Europe in the comfort of a cabin.
UNESCO Prague Astronomical clock on the Old Town Square
14 UNESCO Sites
Czechia is full of historical sights and very well-preserved areas, so it’s no surprise that many have been declared UNESCO sites. The historic centers of Prague, Kutná Hora, Telč and Český Krumlov are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as the Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc, the Holašovice Historical Village Reservation and the Lednice - Valtice Cultural Landscape. Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region and Landscape for Breeding and Training of Ceremonial Carriage Horses at Kladruby nad Labem were added in 2019, bringing the total number of UNESCO sites in the Czech Republic to 14.
UNESCO town Český Krumlov
Spa culture
Sanatoriums are resort-like complexes that combine spa treatments with medical care and a space to rest and recuperate. Sanatoriums were always part of Soviet culture and when Communism took over other countries, the practice extended to those places, too. Although most modern spaces are now called “spas” (perhaps because sanatorium sounds too medical), the idea behind them is the same: come here for treatments such as saunas, massage, oxygenotherapy, mud baths and more. The best known spa town in the country is Karlovy Vary, although Mariánské Lázně, Františkovy Lázně and Poděbrady are also very popular. Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy lázně creates an area called a Spa Triangle, which is nominated to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. Czechia is also home to unique spa techniques, such as a beer spa, where baths, massages and more are all based on beer products. You can find some of these in Prague.
Karlovy Vary
Breweries and beer tradition
The Czech Republic has a long tradition of beer brewing, with documented brewing dating back as far as the year 993. The country also produced the world’s first pilsner, still sold under the brand Pilsner Urquell. The brewery even organizes its own two-day beer festival, Pilsner Fest, every year.
Gambrinus, Velkopopovický Kozel and Staropramen are also well known Czech beer brands. Beer gardens are popular places for meetings around the country, and many offer live music. If you’re in the mood for something different, you can also try a beer spa or buy cosmetics (shampoo, creams) made with beer.
Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour
Wine culture born in South Moravia
The Czech Republic is quite rightly famous for its beer as already written above, but there's a whole world of delicious wine awaiting travellers who venture to Moravia - the home of Czech wine. More than 90 percent of Czech wine comes from Moravia, a Mitteleuropa Tuscany 250 kilometres south-east of Prague. Its idyllic patchwork of hundreds of lush vineyards has a colourful atmosphere of historic villages. Four towns – Mikulov, Břeclav, Velké Pavlovice and Znojmo – provide compass points for wine tourists. Mikulov probably has the highest concentration of wine cellars for tastings, as well as a fairytale chateau on a hill overlooking the town. Also the Lednice - Valtice Cultural Landscape, one of 14 Czech Unesco World Heritage Sites is situated in an area of South Moravia, surrounded by spectacular vineyards. Look out for a taste of distinctive Moravian grapes. Some whites offer wonderful undertones of spice and a unique mineral earthiness, while wines made from ryzlink rýnský can be beautifully flowery. Quality can be world-class – a Moravian riesling beat more than 1,500 wines to be crowned the world's best white wine at the 2014 San Francisco International Wine Competition.
Mikulov wine region with scenic Mikulov castle
