Between castles and winding paths: a journey through the Czech Republic
EuropeWhen most people think of the Czech Republic, they immediately think of Prague. While it's a beautiful city, the country has much more to offer. Thanks to its relatively short distances, the Czech Republic is perfect for a road trip. Besides charming cities, you'll be amazed by fairytale castles and magical nature.
Transport in the Czech Republic
The ideal mode of transportation in the Czech Republic is a car. It allows you to easily visit castles and sights that are less accessible by public transport. Moreover, a car makes it easy to travel between different locations, giving you the opportunity to discover beautiful villages and landscapes along the way. Don't have your own car? SunnyCars offers rental cars in the Czech Republic. You can start your route in Plzeň, Brno, or Prague.
Prague is also a logical starting point if you're traveling by public transport. Direct trains depart from Prague to Plzeň, Český Krumlov, and Brno, among other places. In cities like Prague and Brno, you can also use Lime electric scooters. You'll need the Lime app and a credit card for this. Within the cities, you can also easily get around on foot, as most sights are within walking distance of each other.
The nicest places
Karlovy Vary: spa town in the valley
If you're traveling by car, this city is a logical starting point. Karlovy Vary (also known as Carlsbad) is nestled in a picturesque valley, surrounded by vast forests. The pastel-colored buildings give the city a fairytale feel, and the richly decorated, luxurious villas also contribute to that atmosphere.
Karlovy Vary is best known for its hot springs and is therefore often called a spa town. In one of the many shops, you can buy an elegant mug with which you can drink the healing water from one of the springs (although it tastes a bit like iron).
Be sure to visit one of the beautiful colonnades, such as the Mill Colonnade. From the surrounding forests, you can walk to the Goethova vyhlídka (Goethe's View) viewpoint, where after climbing the stairs, you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the city.
Plzeň: a stopover full of beer and history
If you're traveling through the Czech Republic in a relaxed way, Plzeň is a logical and enjoyable stopover. You can easily spend a day here. It's only an hour's drive from Karlovy Vary.
Plzeň is also known internationally as Pilsen, and for good reason: the very first Pilsner beer was brewed here in 1842. Until then, beer was often dark, cloudy, and unpredictable in flavor. So, Plzeň residents founded their own brewery, now known as Pilsner Urquell, where the first clear, golden-colored beer was made. During a tour of the brewery, you'll learn all about this process and, of course, get to taste it.
Another fun activity is a tour of the city's underground tunnels, organized by the Pivotéka a Pivovarské muzeum (Brewery Museum). This tour even includes a voucher for a beer at one of the local pubs. Plzeň has an atmospheric central square, surrounded by cozy streets, alleys and cafes where you can experience real Czech beer culture.
Tips for nice restaurants in Plzeň:
Prostě bistro
For delicious hummus, falafel and a pot of tea, Prostě bistro is the right place.
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EMOI - Pravá vietnamská restaurace Plzeň
At EMOI, you can enjoy delicious Asian food. The curries are especially recommended.
View on Google MapsHiking and deer spotting at Zvíkov Castle
The next stop is Zvíkov Castle. From Plzeň, you can reach the castle in about an hour and a half. If you have the time, this is a nice place to stop. You can easily spend about an hour here. If you have less time, I would personally skip this castle, unless you're a fan of deer. You'll find them in abundance here. Besides deer, there are also peacocks and alpacas on the grounds.
You'll mainly visit Zvíkov for the wooded area behind it, where you can enjoy a lovely walk. At the entrance, you can also buy food for the deer; there's a good chance they'll come curiously to you as soon as you have a treat. They'll also do this if you don't have food, but they'll be gone quickly. Note: food can only be paid for in cash, as can restroom use.
A visit to the fairytale castle Hluboká
A visit to Hluboká Castle is a must during your trip to the Czech Republic. It's one of the most famous castles in the country. From Zvíkov Castle, you can drive there in about an hour; from Plzeň, it takes about two hours.
The courtyard is freely accessible and offers a magnificent view of the rich decorations and architecture. Want to admire the castle from the inside? You can book one of four guided tours, each focusing on a different part of the building. The tours are only in Czech, but the audio guides and brochures are available in English.
Even if you don't visit the interior, this castle is worth a visit. The exterior is impressive, with its white facades, graceful turrets, and romantic appearance: it looks like something straight out of a fairytale. Originally built in the Gothic style, the castle was renovated in the 19th century to its current Romantic style, inspired by Windsor Castle in England.
Cesky Krumlov: a fairytale town with character and culture
From Hluboká Castle, it's just over a 30-minute drive to the beautiful Český Krumlov. This town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an absolute must-see during your trip to the Czech Republic. The river that meanders through the town, along with the Disney-esque castle, creates a fairytale atmosphere you won't soon forget. The town is also stunning at night when the buildings are beautifully illuminated.
At the tourist information center, you can buy a museum card for 400 Czech koruna (CZK), which gives you 24-hour access to five attractions in the city. Even if you don't visit all the museums, this card can be worthwhile. The card includes access to the castle tower, the regional museum, the Seidel photo studio, the Egon Schiele Art Centre, and the Český Krumlov Monastery. Personally, I would skip the monastery and the regional museum if you're short on time. The garden and the peaceful atmosphere of the monastery are pleasant, but the interior is limited and moves quickly. The regional museum is best known for its impressive scale model of the city.
In the Seidel photo studio, time seems to stand still: the rooms are authentically furnished as they were in the past, and an English-language audio guide takes you on a journey through the life of a famous photographer. Are you an art lover? Then a visit to the Egon Schiele Art Centre is definitely recommended. There you'll find changing exhibitions, often featuring contemporary artists, but also works related to Schiele himself.
What makes a visit to Cesky Krumlov complete is climbing the castle tower. At the top, you'll have a magnificent view of the city and the river. An added bonus: on warm days, you'll see people canoeing on the river, a cheerful sight from above. Don't forget to walk on to the Cloak Bridge afterward: a multi-level bridge with arches, which is free to visit and also offers beautiful views.
Walking through greenery to the ruins of Dívčí Kámen
Just a twenty-minute drive from Český Krumlov lies the mysterious ruin of Dívčí Kámen Castle, nestled in a nature reserve. You can reach this spot via a walk through meadows, along a river, and through the forest: the walk alone is worth the effort.
At the entrance, you'll receive a folder with some information in English about the castle's history. Not much remains of the original structure: Dívčí Kámen is truly a ruin, but that's precisely what makes it a special place. The remains are situated on a hilltop and offer beautiful views of the surrounding area, a perfect activity for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet.
Discover Brno: the charming student city of the Czech Republic
Less than a three-hour drive from Český Krumlov, you'll find the charming student city of Brno. Along the way, you'll also pass the ruins of Dívčí Kámen and the fairytale-like Hluboká Castle. So, consider making a stop on your way to this city if you haven't already done so. Once you arrive in Brno, you'll immediately notice its atmospheric atmosphere. Explore the beautiful buildings, such as Hrad Špilberk Castle, the Church of St. James, and the impressive Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul. Also, be sure to check out the Brno Dragon (read: crocodile) and the remarkable Astronomical Clock.
What makes Brno so special is the relaxed atmosphere of its city center. Several squares feature beach chairs provided by the city, perfect for relaxing and people-watching. You'll also find stalls selling ice cream, coffee, and other treats. The square by the Parnas Fountain is particularly charming in the evenings, with its atmospheric lighting and lively atmosphere. In summer, the city bustles with activity, including a wine festival, the Planet Festival, and various dance and music performances. It's therefore highly recommended to check the city's events calendar in advance so you don't miss anything during your stay.
Personally, I would also recommend a visit to the Museum of Romani Culture when you're in Brno. It's very interesting to learn more about Roma culture. Both history and contemporary stories are vividly presented in this museum.
My tips for eating and drinking in Brno:
FRYENDS
At Fryends, you can enjoy delicious lemonade, lunch, or dinner. They have a wide selection of vegan dishes.
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Provázek.dvůr
Provázek.dvůr is a great bar that's somewhat hidden. You can sit on the balconies on several floors.
View on Google MapsDay trip from Brno: Lednice Castle
Just a 40-minute drive from Brno lies Lednice Castle. Originally built in the Renaissance style, it was later renovated in the English Neo-Gothic style. The result is a fairytale-like building full of rich details. A guided tour allows you to explore some of the castle's rooms, but the real highlight is the immense garden surrounding the complex.
There's also a beautiful greenhouse with tropical plants. In the freely accessible garden, you can also discover several unique structures, such as a Neo-Moorish tower and an aqueduct. It's a wonderful place to relax as you stroll past ponds teeming with swans and other aquatic birds.
Prague: the capital full of history and atmosphere
From Brno, you can travel to Prague in about two hours. A visit to the Czech capital is a must during your trip. The city is full of beautiful historic buildings, charming streets, and a lively central square.
An absolute must-see is a visit to the impressive Prague Castle (Pražský hrad). Here you can stroll through the gardens, explore the grounds, and enjoy stunning views of the city. A stroll along the Vltava River is also a must, and during the day you can visit the Naplavka Market (on Saturdays) and the Čapadlo Summer Terrace (in summer). In my blog post about Prague, I'll tell you what else you can do in this charming and atmospheric city.
Walking through Bohemian Paradise: rocks, castles and views
Český ráj, or Bohemian Paradise, is located in the northeast of the Czech Republic and is undoubtedly one of the country's most beautiful nature reserves. Here you'll find impressive rock formations, forests, and picturesque hiking trails. When visiting Bohemian Paradise, you can stay overnight in Turnov or Jičín, for example. It's only an hour's drive from Prague to this unique area.
A visit to Prachovské skály is definitely not to be missed. Be sure to arrive early at the parking lot, as this area is popular. Nevertheless, it's definitely worth it, even if it's a bit busier. We chose the green hiking trail, which takes you past most of the viewpoints. Occasionally, you'll walk through narrow rock passages, which makes the walk even more enjoyable.
The area around Hrubá Skála is also a wonderful place for hiking. Several trails lead to Valdštejn Castle, clearly signposted. From the parking lot, we followed part of the yellow trail, and from the castle, part of the red trail.
Parking tip
If the paid parking lot is full, or you don't want to pay, you can park here. However, parking spaces are limited.
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Bohemian Switzerland: hiking along the peaks of the Czech Republic
Just over an hour's drive from Turnov lies another beautiful nature reserve: Bohemian Switzerland. This national park, near the German border, is known for its spectacular rock formations and breathtaking viewpoints. Stay around Jetřichovice or Děčín for a central base in the region. From Děčín, you can also easily visit the Pravčická brána, the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe. It's best to arrive early in the morning, as it can get very busy later in the day.
The area around Jetřichovice is particularly recommended for hiking enthusiasts. Here you'll find several viewpoints that reward you with phenomenal panoramic views of the landscape. One of the most popular routes takes you past the Mariina skála, Vilemínina stěna, and Rudolfův kámen: three peaks, each offering a different, impressive perspective.
Overnight stay tip near Bohemian Switzerland:
Trapani house
Whether you want to stay in a tent, a cozy apartment, or a gypsy caravan, Trapani House has it all. What makes this place so special is the view over the expansive meadows and the beautiful garden with a hot tub, campfire area, and hammocks.
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Whether you're wandering through fairytale cities, discovering hidden castles, or hiking along winding forest paths, the Czech Republic is surprisingly diverse!
Useful information
Official language: Czech
Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK)
Area: 78,866 km²
Best time to travel: The best time to travel is from mid-May to September, but rain and thunderstorms are also possible during the summer months.
