Must See

Brno

The Czech Republic's second city, Brno, is located in the southeast part of the country, at the confluence of the Svitava and Svratka rivers. The Moravian capital dates from the 13th century and boasts attractions such as the gothic ?pilberk Castle, the 14th century Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul (also known as Petrov), the 1930's architectural showpiece the Villa Tugendhat and the fine Moravian Museum. An international fireworks competition, Ignis Brunensis, is held each June, attracting more than 200,000 spectators.

Ceske Budejovice

Located in the south of the country, the city of Ceske Budejovice (also known as Budweis) is well known for the beer brewed there since the 13th century. For a time the town was the royal brewery for the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, and beer from Budweis (or "Budweiser Beer") soon attained fame. (Note: not to be confused with the Amercian Budweiser brand). Beer brewing remains a major industry here and visitors may sample the amber nectar on a brewery tour.

Other sights include some interesting Medieval and Baroque architecture around the large town square, including the town tower Cerna vez (Black Tower) and the old town hall with murals and bronze gargoyles. There's also a Dominican convent with gothic church (Presentation of Virgin Mary) on Piaristic square and the Belle Epoque Austro-Hungarian train station in the new town.

Cesky Krumlov

Just 30 km away from Ceske Budejovice is the small town of Cesky Krumlov, which is home to the enormous Krumlov Castle, second in size only to the Hradčany castle complex of Prague. The castle perches dramatically on a ridge overlooking the medieval core; some fantastic views of the River Vltava can be seen for the castle's ramparts. The castle contains a preserved Baroque theatre (completed 1766), complete with original stage machinery, scenery and props. Due to its age, the theatre is only open to the public twice a year, when a Baroque opera is performed in simulated candlelight.

Karlovy Vary

Also known by its German name, Karlsbad, Karlovy Vary is renowned for its spas and hot springs. There are 15 springs in all, and the town is well set up to allow visitors to steam, soak, and drink the special waters. The hot springs literally explode into the Tepla River as it flows through the city. Water jets up to 14 m (46 ft) high shoot out of the riverbank, creating a nearly constant steam cloud.

The town also boasts some fine architecture; most of the buildings are built in the Neo and Art Nouveau styles of the late 19th and early 20th century, although there are also many baroque and gothic examples. Karlovy Vary masqueraded as Montenegro in the Bond film 'Casino Royale'.

Karlstejn

The village of Karlstejn (or Karlstein) lies 20 km southwest of Prague, and is home to a magnificent gothic castle. Founded in the 14th century by the Czech king and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, the almost Disney-esque castle served as a place for safekeeping the Empire coronation jewels, holy relics and other royal treasures. Dominating the hilltop is the 6m high and separately fortified Great tower that houses the Chapel of the Holy Cross (which contains the largest portrait gallery of Czech rulers in the country). From there visitors can step down to the Marian tower, the five-storey Imperial palace and then to the Well tower and Burgrave's palace located at the lowest level.

Kromeriz

This city in the east of the country (in the Zlin region) is home to the magnificent baroque Kromeriz Bishop's Palace, which was used to film scenes from 'Amadeus' and 'Immortal Beloved'. Considered the most extravagant palace in all of the Czech Republic, Kromeriz Palace should be on every visitor's must see list; and even those suffering from ancient church and castle fatigue will be amazed. The palace grounds are set along the bank of the Morava River. With over 45 hectares, they are a pleasant spot to stroll around and see the many sights, such as the interesting aviary.

Kutna Hora

Also known by its German name, Kuttenberg, this city in Central Bohemia owes its origin to the silver mines which gained importance during the economic boom of the 13th century. Among the most important buildings in the area are the Gothic, five-naved St. Barbara Church, begun in 1368, and the Italian Court, formerly a royal residence and mint, which was built at the end of the 13th century. The Gothic Stone Haus, which since 1902 has served as a museum, contains one of the richest archives in the country.

Moravsky Krumlov

Located in Southern Moravia between the towns of Znojmo and Brno, Moravsky Krumlov boasts a wonderful castle, which is noteworthy for its colonnaded interior courtyard and for the gallery dedicated to the Czech painter and decorative artist Alfons Mucha. Particularly of note are his art nouveau posters and his historical paintings known as the Slovanska epopej (The Slav Epic), a story that unfolds over 20 enormous canvases. Also on display in the gallery are 20 major works by Slovanska Epopej.

Olomouc

Olomouc is located on the Morava river, in the east of the country. The town dates to the 10th Century and has some beautiful architecture and is home to the second oldest university in the Czech Republic. With wide open boulevards and squares, parks and green spaces, churches, sculptures and fountains, Olomouc is a very enjoyable city to spend a few days exploring. The old town is centred around two main squares, Colni namesti and Horni namesti, which is where visitors will find some of the town's most interesting buildings and sights. The surrounding Haná region is strongly agricultural, with many villages holding attractive harvest festivals in late September.

Plzen (Pilsen)

This western Bohemian city is located about 90 km west of Prague, at the confluence of four rivers (Radbuza, Mze, Uhlava, and Uslava) which form the Berounka River. Its most prominent sights include the Gothic St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, founded in the late 13th century, the spire of which is the highest in the Czech Republic (102.26 m / 335 ft); the Renaissance Town Hall with its sgraffito (literally 'scratched') decoration; and the 19th century Great Synagogue, the third largest synagogue in the world (after those of Jerusalem and Budapest).

For those looking for something a little different try taking a tour of Plzen's historical underground cellars and tunnels, which date from the 13th to 19th centuries and consists of up to three levels deep running under parts of the Old Town. There's also the chance to take a guided tour of the Plzensky Prazdroj brewery to see how the world-famous Pilsner beer is made.

Prague

On the banks of the Vltava River, Prague is known as the 'Paris of the east'. It's a mix of architectural styles: Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Art Nouveau and Cubism all sit next to one another. The city escaped the bombs of World War II, and as a result has one of the best preserved city centres in all of Europe.

Prague has much to offer visitors interested in culture, castles and cathedrals. Narrow laneways open up onto spectacular plazas leaving visitors with a sense of wonder of what might be hiding around the next corner.

Located in the neighbourhood of Hradcany, Prague Castle (Prazsky Hrad) is the city's main attraction. The castle is huge and is known for being the largest ancient castle in the world. With its hilltop location Prague Castle provides wonderful views out over the Vltava River with the old town in the background. From here visitors can see why Prague is nicknamed the city of a thousand spires. Within the castle, visitors will find some of Prague's best sites, including St George's Basilica and convent, the Cathedral of St Vitus, the Old Royal Palace, the Powder Tower, and the Golden Lane. Originally the residence of Bohemian kings, the castle is today inhabited by the Czech president. You should allow a considerable amount of time to tour these sites, and go early in the day to avoid crowds.

Charles Bridge (named after King Charles IV) crosses the Vltava River, and provides amazing views of both sides of the city. The bridge is 516 metres long and nearly 10 metres wide, resting on 16 arches. During the day it is lined with painters, kiosk owners other traders all competing for the attention of the many tourists crossing the bridge. The bridge is also lined with 30 baroque statues, the most notable of which is probably John of Nepomuk - the oldest monument on the Charles Bridge. Rubbing the plaque at the base of the statue is considered lucky; however, be sure of your wish, as you are only allowed one rub and wish per lifetime!

Other notable sights in Prague include Vladislav Hall, Wenceslas Square and the Old Town Hall. It's also worth spending some time in Lesser Town, beneath the castle, wandering through its narrow streets, seemingly unchanged since the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

Roznov pod Radhostem

Anyone wanting to get a feel for the Czech traditional life should visit the Wallachien Open-Air Folk Museum at Roznov pod Radhostem in the east of the country. The Wallachien people, who traditionally inhabited the Beskydy Mountains northeast of Roznov, were nomadic herders, and the museum shows the culture and way of life of the Wallachiens through three different sections - the Little Wooden Town (with wooden structures dating from the mid 1700s), the Wallachian Village (with residential dwellings and farmhouses) and the Water Mill Valley, where guides dressed in period costume lead visitors through an old water mill.

Sedlec

A gruesome sight awaits visitors to the town of Sedlec, just 3 km from Kutna Hora. The town is home to the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, known also by its nickname the "Bone Church of Sedlec". Designed by Giovanni Santini, the church is an interesting sight on its own, but the real attraction is located across the road in the Gothic Chapel. Here visitors will find the bones of 40,000 people who died during the Hussite war of 1421 and the onslaught of the Plague in 1380, with many of the bones showing the fatal injuries from the war. This amazing collection of carved human bones has been artistically arranged to form decorations and furnishings (such as chandeliers, coats of arms and statues) for the chapel.

Telc

The town of Telc is located 87 km (52 miles) from Brno via route 23 and makes a pleasant day trip out. Its delightful architecture, medieval church, Renaissance chateau, and wonderful central square has made this UNESCO World Heritage Site a favourite of visitors and Czechs alike.

The town was devastated by fire in 1530 and was rebuilt in stone; medieval arcades surround the town square with its gabled and pedimented houses. The old town centre may be reached via the Great Gate or the Little Gate.

Terezin

The former military fortress and garrison town of Terezin (an hour drive north of Prague) is home to one of the darkest periods in Czech history.

During World War II, the Nazis turned the town into a ghetto camp, where Jews from around Europe were brought before being transferred to concentration camps. The 18th Century garrison was used as a prison for political rivals. Conditions at the camp were atrocious; of the 144,000 Jews who arrived there, about 33,000 died in the ghetto itself, mostly because of the appalling conditions arising out of extreme population density.

The main sights for visitors are the Ghetto Museum, the Magdeburg Barracks and the Small Fortress. Touring these facilities will provide some insight into what went on here.

Activities

The Czech Republic enjoys a wonderful landscape for skiing, climbing, caving, cycling, and more.

Caving

Take a guided tour of the Balcarka, Katerinska, Punkva or Sloupsko-Sosuvske caves or go caving in the extensive underground karst system of Moravsky Kras (Moravian karst), near Brno.

Hiking

Hike or climb amidst the spectacular scenery of Ceský Ráj (Bohemian Paradise), with its steep bluffs of volcanic rocks, mini-canyons, attractive castles and dense forests. There's also great hiking to be had in the Sumava/Bohemian Forest, the country's largest national park. The park includes glacial lakes, many areas of virgin forest and important historic monuments.

Skiing

The Krkonose Mountains (Giant Mountains) National Park is a fantastic setting for winter sports, with great scenery and facilities. It is the Czech Republic's premier downhill skiing destination. Other good winter sports centres include Zelezna Ruda, Spicak, Zadov, Churanov and Kramolin.

Spas

Spas and health resorts in western Bohemia are still a major attraction, and have been since the days of Beethoven, Wagner and Goethe, who were all past patrons. The king of spa towns, Karlovy Vary, has attracted the crowned heads of Europe to bathe in its sulphurous waters.

Wine Tasting

Southern Moravia is home to some wonderful vineyards, which can be explored on the Moravian Wine Cycle Routes. There are also vineyards in Bohemia, especially at Melnik, where a wine-harvest celebration (vinobraní) takes place every autumn.