The Czech Republic is situated in Central Europe. After a long process, it reached its modern independence in 1993, and since 2004 has been a part of the European Union.
The Czech Republic is an inexpensive and versatile holiday destination that is rapidly developing. The people are friendly and hospitable. The facilities are of a Western level: shopping centers with variety, ATMs and gas stations. Some highways are toll roads. A vignette (toll road sticker) can be purchased at the border or from petrol stations.
The scenery is impressive with beautiful deciduous and coniferous forests, mountains, lakes, sparkling streams and lovely villages with colorful houses. The country is rich in culture and history. Castles are everywhere - some in ruins, but mostly well preserved and accessible.
Nature is still pristine and rich in resources, particularly in the west and northeast. You will also find many spa resorts.
Cycling and hiking tourism is highly developed, with more than 17,000 km of marked trails. There are special river routes, beer and wine routes and the famous Euro Velo routes (6, 7 and 9) which connect with other European countries.
The Czech Republic is surrounded by high mountains. The interior is hilly. The mountains are lovely in summer and great for hiking and biking. In winter they provide plenty of opportunity for affordable skiing.
The ski areas are ideal for beginners, but there are also steep slopes for more advanced skiers. The resorts are equipped with modern snowmaking equipment, lifts and cable cars. Skis and equipment can be rented everywhere. Snow parks for snow tubing and snowboarding are increasingly emerging.
The capital of Prague is situated on both sides of the Vltava (Moldau) River. The charm of the city lies in its numerous buildings of various architectural styles. In Prague you can visit (among other things) Prague Castle, Golden Street nr. 22, Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square, the Jewish (Josefov) Quarter and the Old Market Square with its town hall and famous astronomical clock.
In Central Bohemia kings once lived in castles like Karlstejn (2nd most popular tourist destination in the Czech Republic after Prague) and Kokorin. The country is rich in caves, rock formations, lakes and rivers. That makes it ideal for water sports, fishing, golfing, and hunting.
Hilly western Bohemia lies near the German border and is traditionally known for its crystal, china and beer. Plzeň is the birthplace of lager. The most famous spa is Karlovy Vary, where the warm water sprays from the ground up.
Northwest Bohemia is a region with many historic sites and lots of natural beauty. The Ore Mountains are a popular ski area. The sandstone cliffs along the Elbe are popular with climbers.
In the Giant Mountains of northern Bohemia, the Elbe has its origins, as does the Czech Republic’s glass-making tradition. It's the number one ski destination, with the popular resorts of Harrachov, Rokytnice and Spindleruv Mlyn. In summer it is a beautiful area for hiking and cycling.
The lowlands of eastern Bohemia have a warm climate and are suitable for swimming, water sports, hiking and cycling. The highlands, including the Eagle Mountains and the natural area of the Adrspach-Teplice Rocks, attract nature lovers as well as mountaineers. Again, you’ll also find excellent skiing opportunities.
In South Bohemia there are picturesque lakes, forests and swamps plus restored medieval towns like Cesky Krumlov. Another popular tourist attraction is Lipno Dam, the largest water reservoir in the Czech Republic. In Ceske Budejovice, the world famous Budweiser beer is brewed.
The Šumava (Bohemian Forest/Bavarian Forest) forms a natural border between The Czech Republic and Austria and Germany. It is a low mountain range with forests, valleys, lakes, marshes and beautiful views. There are also fine examples of folk architecture to admire. Here too are opportunities for skiing.
The Bohemian-Moravian Heights is the green heart of the Czech Republic, raw and beautiful, full of change and romance, a source of inspiration for many artists, composers and writers. These highlands are ideal for relaxation and recreation.
South Moravia is rich in folklore. The conservation area of Lednice-Valtice is part of UNESCO’s world heritage list.
Central Moravia has its own dialect plus rich costumes and numerous folk festivals. In this area you will find spas, underground caves and the deepest gorge in the Czech Republic.
Beskydygebergte is a region with plenty of clean air, ancient towns and villages, culinary specialties and the famous drink, Slivovice. The wealth of folk architecture, customs and traditions can be seen at the open air museum of Roznov. Spa resorts and castles are here in abundance. Again, the skiing is excellent.
The picturesque and mountainous northern Moravia has sweeping views of the Silezische lowlands. Thanks to the healing mineral iodine, there are many spa resorts. Furthermore, the snow and ski conditions at Jeseniky are excellent from November to May.