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In the heart of Central Europe, the country reveals a mosaic of landscapes and cultures shaped by centuries of shared history. The Czech Republic blends Slavic and Germanic influences, offering far more to discover than its famous capital alone.
Prague, with its bridges, towers, and hilltop castle, rightly draws travelers, but there are other wonders for those willing to go further. The Lednice-Valtice complex enchants with its vast gardens, while Český Krumlov delights visitors with its maze of historic buildings and lanes lined with colorful houses.
Southern Bohemia unfolds as a countryside dotted with lakes and ponds, with welcoming villages where time seems to slow down. The Czech Republic is best discovered step by step, each turn revealing a quiet yet precious piece of its heritage.
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In northern Bohemia, the Adršpach-Teplice Rocks form a mineral labyrinth — narrow cliffs, shadowy corridors, columns standing like frozen silhouettes. The ground smells of humus, steps creak, and the air stays cool and damp even in the height of summer.
The trails wind between steep rock faces, sometimes so close you brush both sides as you pass. A small green lake hides around a bend, its deep reflections broken only by the gentle sound of water. Farther along, stairs and footbridges open onto unexpected viewpoints.
Many of the formations have names — the Star, the Cathedral, or the Gothic Gate — as if they were imagined buildings. Every turn reveals a new, almost theatrical scene, with light shifting across the stone differently depending on the hour.
Beyond the main site, paths lead to Teplice nad Metují, a quiet town on the banks of the Metuje River. The Adršpach-Teplice Rocks leave a vivid impression — a series of towering walls and narrow passages that stay with you long after you’ve left.
In a bend of the Vltava River, Český Krumlov wraps around its castle — tightly packed houses, red rooftops, and lanes winding up and down with no apparent order. The town feels frozen in time, yet the buzz of terraces and passersby quickly reminds you it’s very much alive.
The Český Krumlov Castle towers over everything, stairway after stairway leading up to its terraced gardens. From the tower, the view sweeps across the old town — the arc of the river, narrow bridges, colorful façades. Your eye catches both baroque details and simple scenes: laundry hanging from windows, children playing under the arcades.
Along the cobblestone streets, you pass the Church of St. Vitus, a graceful Gothic silhouette, and small inner courtyards filled with workshops, cafés, and galleries. The mood shifts with the light and the hour — lively at times, nearly still at others.
Following the Vltava, you hear the dip of paddles, canoes and rafts gliding downstream. Český Krumlov becomes a series of vignettes — the castle above, water curling around, narrow streets as the backdrop. You leave with the impression of a compact yet rich place, one that imprints itself easily on the memory.
In the Giant Mountains, Krkonoše National Park unfolds with grassy ridges, peat bogs, spruce forests, and weather that can shift without warning. Dark wooden chalets, well-marked trails, and cold streams crossing your path set the pace. You move step by step, crisp air filling your lungs, eyes fixed on the contours of the hills.
From Špindlerův Mlýn, a convenient starting town, trails wind upward toward wind-swept plateaus. Higher still, Sněžka rises like a landmark — a clear peak offering a wide panorama when the clouds part. The climb is steady, but the reward lies in those endless horizons.
Up on the heights, the glacial valley of Labský důl leads to the source of the Labe — the Elbe begins here, quietly. The viewpoint above Pančavský vodopád reveals the water falling in steps, a fine mist on your face. Nothing spectacular at first, yet the image stays with you. The footbridges creak slightly, and the river already runs stronger below.
Hluboká Castle is considered the most beautiful in the Czech Republic and is located just 15 kilometers from České Budějovice, the capital of South Bohemia. Its construction dates back to the 13th century, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that Count Jan Adolf II of Schwarzenberg and his wife Eleonore, inspired by Windsor Castle, undertook massive renovations to give the building its neo-Gothic style.
Today, it stands in all its majestic beauty with its white façade, eleven towers, and crenellations. The visit becomes even more fascinating when led by a Czech tour guide, who will share the castle’s history as you move from room to room: there are over 140 in total, all elegantly furnished and tastefully decorated with tapestries, paintings, furniture, and faience plates. The castle’s largest rooms are the library and the winter garden.
The spa town of Karlovy Vary (often called Karlsbad), in the north of the country, has been renowned for its healing treatments since the 16th century. It boasts 12 main hot springs, linked by elegant colonnades.
The largest and most famous is Vřídlo, with water reaching a temperature of 73°C. Along the Teplá River, stunning spa buildings and luxury hotels sit nestled in the heart of the valley. Be sure to visit the legendary Grand Hotel Pupp, which dates back to 1701.
Each building recalls the city’s prestigious past — by the 19th century, it had become a favored retreat for artists and the Central European bourgeoisie seeking rest. The region also offers beautiful walks along the many well-maintained trails winding through the surrounding woods.
Prague
Czech
78,871 km²
October 28
10.7 million
Czech Koruna (CZK)
CET (UTC+1)
Temperate
+420
230 V, Type E