Regions

Prague   Central Bohemia   Southern Bohemia   Šumava   Pilsen region   Karlovy Vary region   Northern Bohemia   Krkonoše   Bohemian Paradise   Eastern Bohemia   Czech-Moravian highlands   Southern Moravia   Central Moravia   Northern Moravia and Silesia  

Prague

The capital city of the Czech Republic; the political, economical and cultural centre of the country; the seat of the president, of the government and the parliament; the centre of university education, the seat of the Academy of Sciences and numerous academic institutions.

Prague is a significant cultural centre with a variety of theatres, museums, galleries and exhibition halls. It is an important European transportation hub. Prague is unusually rich in significant architectural monuments of all periods. The historical centre, which covers 866 hectares, has been included in the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage since 1992.

Prague is a significant railway and road junction. The modern, expanding international airport Praha-Ruzyně is located here, as well. The city public transportation includes three lines of underground trains, trams, buses and extensive integrated transport system around Prague.

Prague bridges

Central Bohemia

A large recreation area extends south of Prague along the rivers Vltava and Sázava. Many Praguers spend their weekends and holidays in their private weekend houses situated here. This area is also popular with hikers and fans of waters sports, from canoeing and kayaking to windsurfing. The tradition of camps with wooden chalets has still been preserved here.

Two of the most beautiful Bohemian castles – Karlštejn and Křivoklát – attract local tourists as well as foreign visitors. They are located in the centres of the two most significant natural reserves of the central Bohemia, the Protected landscape area Český kras (Bohemian Karst) and Křivoklátsko. The chateaux Konopiště, Dobříš, Český Šternberk and Hořovice are also located near Prague. The surroundings of Prague are very diverse. The undulating, hilly northern area alternates with the plains to the east, the Brdy range extends in the south-west, the picturesque Posázaví area spreads out in the south-east and the Křivoklát Highlands extend in the west.

Karlštejn castle

Southern Bohemia

The nature of southern Bohemia is very diverse. Besides typical flat areas with numerous artificial lakes and peat-bogs framed with dense forests and extensive meadows, we can find even rougher mountain landscape in this region.

 

The landscape is nearly untouched by modern civilization. Numerous cultural and historical sights offer a large range of activities to the visitors – such as walking tours, angling, water sports or visits of historical towns, castles, chateaus and monasteries. Český Krumlov is the jewel among the south-Bohemian towns. Its centre has been included in the UNESCO list of the world cultural and natural heritage, which is also the case of the Holašovice Village with its complex of folk buildings. The chateaux Hluboká nad Vltavou and Červená Lhota, the Zvíkov Castle or the monasteries Vyšší Brod and Zlatá Koruna are the most popular.

Hluboká chateau

Šumava

The tourist region Šumava is extensive, around 120 km long wooded mountain range. It extends along the south-western border of the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria. In 1993 most of its area (the peat-bogs, glacial lakes, remains of primeval forest growths) was proclaimed the National park of Šumava.

 

The mountains and hills of Šumava, along with its untouched nature, clean air and low population density create ideal conditions for summer tourism and winter stays. In the summer season, visitors can discover deep forests, calm valleys, mountain meadows, streams and lakes, peat-bogs and meads. The Šumava landscape offers beautiful views of mountain ridges and rolling hills. Many well-marked hiking trails are sure to be appreciated by visitors who decide to discover the region on foot.

 

In winter, Šumava offers mountain resorts with excellent conditions for winter sports. In the surroundings of the centres, such as Železná Ruda, Špičák, Zadov, Churáňov, Nové Hutě or Kvilda, there are several well-kept ski slopes and tracks for cross-country skiing. Valuable historical sights, mainly folk buildings characteristic for this mountain region, picturesque towns and romantic ruins of the former watch castles can be found on the territory of Šumava.

Šumava mountains

Pilsen region

Slightly rolling wooded landscape with numerous rivers and artificial lakes, nearly untouched nature, picturesque little villages and numerous castles and chateaux are characteristic for this region. Plzeň (Pilsen) is the centre of the region as well as the economic, cultural and social metropolis of the whole western Bohemia.

 

The town of  Pilsen became world-famous for the pilsner beer style, which was invented here.  The best-known Czech beer, Pilsner Urquell, is still brewed here to this day. The historical centre, founded in 1295 by King Wenceslas II on the confluence of four rivers, was declared a town conservation reserve thanks to its numerous historical sights. The Church of St. Bartholomew with its 102.6 m tall tower  is the dominant of the town.

 

An extensive part of the Plzeňsko region is covered by woods; the best known is the Brdské lesy (Brdské woods) in the eastern part. The protected landscape area and the UNESCO biosphere reserve Křivoklátsko is partly located in this region. Some water areas (such as the Hracholusky reservoir on the Mže River, the Bolevecké Lakes on the outskirts of Pilsen, or the lakes of the southern Plzeňsko area).

 

The whole region is suitable for recreational, family or professional tourism. There are ideal conditions for walking tours, cycling and water sports. Sports fishing, hunting, agro-tourism, horseback-riding and ecotourism are among popular forms of recreation with domestic as well as foreign visitors.

Plzensky Prazdroj Brewery gate

Pilsen region

Karlovy Vary region

The most westerly tourist region, located along the border with Bavaria and Saxony, became famous thanks to its spas. The number and variety of mineral curative springs is unique in the world. Due to diverse chemical consistency, the local springs have a wide range of curative effects, used for various cures and therapies.

 

Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad) and Františkovy Lázně (Franzensbad) are world-famous spa towns. The Jáchymov spa town became well-known by its radioactive springs. Kynžvart and Konstantinovy Lázně are less well-known spa resorts. Curative stays in the spas can be combined with visits of the local historical sights (namely numerous well-preserved castles and chateaux), with walks in the extensive parks or walking tours in the environs. Three 18-hole golf courses are concentrated in the region.

 

Numerous architectural jewels are worth visiting. The reliquary of St. Moor, the most precious cultural jewel of the Czech Republic after the crown jewels, is exhibited at the castle Bečov nad Teplou. And finally, the mountain resorts of Krušné hory, such as Boží Dar, Klínovec, Potůčky and Pernink, offer excellent conditions for winter sports.

Carlsbad

Northern Bohemia

Northern Bohemia is a paradise for skiers, hikers, and lovers of nature.

The protected landscape areas Jizerské hory and Lužické hory and National Park Krkonoše are all situated in this mountainous region. Wooden folk buildings and stone lookout towers have been preserved on many places of the region. Máchovo jezero (Mácha Lake) and the area of Holanské rybníky (Holanské artificial lakes) can be recommended to the fans of water sports. The whole region is crisscrossed with a network of biking trails. One of the most popular resorts for cross-country skiing – Jizerská magistrála – is located in Jizerské hory. Several towns also have a long glass-making tradition.

Jizerské mountains

Krkonoše

This mountain region is an ideal place for winter and summer holidays. Krkonoše (the Giant Mountains) with its highest mountain, Sněžka is the highest mountain range of the republic. The southern borders of the region and the most popular resorts belong to the zone of the National park.

 

Krkonoše is attractive all-year-round. The towns Špindlerův Mlýn and Harrachov offer ideal conditions for winter sports. In Harrachov there is a large ski-jump. Also Rokytnice nad Jizerou , Jablonec nad Jizerou, Vysoké nad Jizerou, Vítkovice, Horní Mísečky and Paseky are spots offering excellent conditions for downhill skiing. Planiny attracts cross-country skiers.

In the summer, lovers of walking tours will appreciate the system of marked hiking trails, which lead along the mountain ridges as well as glacial valleys with waterfalls. The main Krkonoše resorts (Špindlerův Mlýn, Pec pod Sněžkou, Rokytnice nad Jizerou, Harrchov and Janské Lázně) offer comfortable accommodations and plenty of facilities for various sports.

Špindlerův Mlýn

Bohemian Paradise

A region of dramatic landscape dotted with fanciful rock formations and castles; perfect for hikers.

 

This remarkable region is located between the towns of Jičín, Sobotka, Mladá Boleslav, Mnichovo Hradiště, Kopanina, Železný Brod, Semily and Lomnice nad Popelkou. In the east the region passes into the Podkrkonoší area, in the north it is surrounded by the mountain ranges of Jizerské hory and Krkonoše.

 

As early as 1870, a Czech spa guest described Český ráj as one of the most remarkable corners of Bohemia. The monumental sandstone “rock town” Prachovské skály is located nearly in the outskirts of the town Jičín. The sandstone rock plateau with the basalt hill called Mužský, Drábské světničky and romantic small rock castles rise near Mnichovo Hradiště. In the area of Hrubá Skála there are, besides another “rock town”, several castles and chateaux, often admired by poets and writers. The Maloskalsko region (the region around Malá Skála) with its bizarre rock formations and castle ruins above the Jizera River has long been a favorite of artists.

Prachovské Rocks

Eastern Bohemia

A wide range of sightseeing and recreation options is sure to satisfy every visitor of East Bohemia. Its beautiful nature and healthy environment combined with its varied landscape make it ideal for active tourism. Its cultural landscape has been shaped by generations of creative people, some famous, some anonymous, but all contributing to its unique character.

 

Eastern Bohemia abounds in castles and chateaux, forts and fortifications, town conservation reserves and numerous other attractive sights in the styles of the Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau styles.

 

Modern architecture from the period between the World Wars can be seen in the region as well, most notably in Hradec Králové, the region's capital. Visitors can also learn about folk and folklore tradition including handcrafts. Among the geniuses whose work is associated with the region are the Baroque sculptor M. B. Braun, the modern architects Kotěra and Gočár, the composers Smetana and Martinů.

 

The area along the Labe (Elbe) river is mainly flat with a warm climate, which makes it perfect for water sports, walking tours or cycling. The Adršpašsko-teplické cliffs are an unique natural reserve; Orlické mountains and the area of Kralický Sněžník are attractive for winter sports and mountain tourism. Agro-tourism, mainly focused on traditional horse breeding, is traditional across the region.

Kuks

Czech-Moravian highlands

Českomoravská vrchovina (Czech-Moravian Highlands) is situated on the territory which connects Bohemia and Moravia. It stretches from the south-Bohemian lakes to the border of the Haná region.

 

The region is one of the least densely populated and boasts some of the cleanest environment in the country; hence its nickname - “the green heart” of the Czech Republic. It is a region full of rugged beauty, exuding a romanticism all its own. Its atmosphere has inspired many artists, painters, sculptors, composers and writers.

 

This region is ideal for active relaxation and recreation. The Renaissance town of Telč, the town if Třebíč with its well-preserved Jewish quarter and old town and the pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk at Zelená Hora near Žďár nad Sázavou belong among most popular sights in the region. All three are included in the UNESCO list of the world cultural and natural heritage.

Telč

Southern Moravia

A mecca for wine lovers, this region is also perfect for cyclists, hikers and history buffs.

 

Lowlands and hillsides with extensive vineyards create the largest part of its territory. Along the border with Austria rise the limestone hills Pavlovské vrchy (Pavlovské hills); north of Brno you will find the Moravský kras (Moravian Karst) area with its maze of abysses and caves. The meanders of the Dyje river create a part of the Czech-Austrian border and are included in the Podyjí National Park. The ragged ridges of the White Carpathians create the eastern border of the region.

 

Wine, vineyards, wine cellars, vintage and rich folklore are all associated with southern Moravia. The Lednice-Valtice complex of two chateaux has a special charm. It is included in the UNESCO list of the world cultural and natural heritage. Brno with a number of significant historical sights became the centre of the region. Mikulov is a major centre of winemaking set below the picturesque Pálava hills. Folk costumes, folk decorated buildings, traditional music and folklore festivities are typical of the Slovácko region. Local nature offers ideal conditions for walking tours, cycling and water sports, angling, horse riding or mountain climbing. The Podyjí National Park is a significant biosphere reserve; the Moravian Karst is the oldest protected landscape area in Moravia.

Vineyard

Central Moravia

This fertile region extends mainly along the Morava River. Since the 16th century, the region has carried the name Haná. It is famous for its sunny climate (and friendly populace), rich folk costumes, its traditional pungent (some might say smelly) cheese, and a vast number of Baroque cathedrals, churches, monasteries, and pilgrimage sites.

 

Central Moravia is a region of rich folklore traditions. Oderské vrchy (Oderské Hills) and Hostýnské vrchy (Hostýnské Hills) gradually rise in the east, the Chřiby Hills open the Slovácko – Moravian gate in the south and the Drahanská vrchovina (Drahanská Highland) creates the relief in the west. The region offers a large choice of architectural jewels (ancient castles, splendid chateaux and, of course, the UNESCO monuments – the Kroměříž Chateau and its gardens, the town of Olomouc, several spa towns, as well as natural sights. Some of the latter are located underground, such as Javoříčské, Mladečské and Zbrašovské caves, or the deepest abyss in the Czech Republic – Hranická propast (Hranická Abyss).

 

The whole Central Moravian region is interwoven with marked hiking trails and is ideal for cycling. Some of the bike routes, e.g. the Moravská stezka (Moravian route) and the Jantarová stezka (Amber route) are part of the "Euro-Velo" project.

Castle Český Šternberk

Northern Moravia and Silesia

With their wide horizons of fertile lowlands and views of the Polish lowland landscape, Northern Moravia and Silesia have a pensive beauty. The southern slopes of the mountains open the region to the fertile area along the Morava River and Moravská brána. The merchants´ amber and salt route led across this area since the times immemorial. The Valašsko (Wallachia) area is a very specific part of the region. Situated along the Slovak border in the east, Wallachia is attractive by its unique style of wooden cottages and churches, as well as its lively folklore traditions.

The massif of the Jeseníky Mountains and Rychlebské hory (Rychlebské Mountains) are the chief visitor attraction on the western side of the region. This area offers ideal conditions for recreation as well as physically demanding mountain tourism, wheather for summer or winter sports or spa cures and relaxation. The region is interwoven with a dense network of marked hiking and biking trails.

 

Ostrava with numerous industrial sights is the center of the region. The Hradec nad Moravicí Chateau, the Hukvaldy Castle, the Wallachian Museum in Rožnov and the pilgrimage place Maria Pomocná nad Zlatými Horami are the most visited sights of the region. Opava, the former capital town of the Czech Silesia, and Havířov, the youngest town in the Czech Republic with its interesting urbanism typical of the socialist era, are also worth visiting.

Jablunkov