Destination Highlights

Being the historically the most imposing Czech town, Prague is also at present an exciting, vibrant city. It is a European center for Jazz and alternative Rock, as much as it is for classical music. The displays in Prague galleries are works of arts from all parts of Europe, it is as stepping back in time but with all the luxuries of the present. From Opera Halls to Nightclubs; Prague is known for its large variety of entertainment sources, from theatres and concerts to dance clubs, pubs and festivals. It is a city that everyone wants to return to again and again, because you will always be surprised and enchanted. 

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Basic Facts
Population: 1 186 855 inhabitants
Average height above sea level: 235 m
Average temperature in July: 19°C
Average temperature in January: -1°C

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Points of Interest

Prague Castle (Prazky Hrad) – www.hrad.cz

Over 1000 years old, the original seat of the Czech princes and kings became a presidential residence in 1918. Some of the buildings are open to the public, among them the Old Royal Palace, St. Vitus´ Cathedral, St. Wenceslas´ (Vaclav´s) and St. Vojtech´s Chapels, St. George's (Jiri´s) Basilica and Cloister, the Lobkowitz Palace and the Golden Street. The Royal Garden together with the Micovna, the South Gardens, the Deer Moat (Jeleni prikop), the Picture Gallery of Prague Castle and Queen Anne's Summer House are open in the summer season.

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Charles Bridge (Karluv Most)

One of the most tourist visited spots in Prague, it was founded by Charles IV in 1357 and completed in 1402. It was designed by the architect Petr Parler. The Bridge at 516m long is home to 16 pillars and 3 bridge towers. One of them, the Old Town Bridge Tower is considered to be the most beautiful bridge tower in Europe due to its rich sculpture decoration.

Thirty sculptures, which decorate the Bridge, date mainly from the baroque period - from the 18th century.

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Old Town Square (Staromestke Namesti)

This area includes the Old Town Hall with an Astronomical Clock. The Town Hall was founded in 1338 while the Astronomical Clock dates from 1410. Twelve apostles appear every hour in its upper part. Historic rooms of the Town Hall, a tower and a Gothic chapel are open to the public.

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Old Jewish Prague

Prague holds a significant part of Jewish heritage. The Old Jewish Cemetery, which includes Gothic, Renaissance and baroque tombstones, is located nearby as well as other synagogues. They belong to the exhibition of the Jewish Museum. If interested in Jewish heritage a Tip for a Trip to Terezin. A fortress approx. 66Km from Prague, where in 1940 was converted to a prison of the Prague Gestapo. During World War II, 35 thousand prisoners fell victims to the unbelievable cruel treatment in the Jewish Ghetto; and 63 Jewish transports departed from Terezin to Auschwitz and Treblinka death camps. Permanent exhibitions are on view in the small fortress, the Ghetto Museum and the former Magdeburg Barracks.

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This preserved compact town area contains a number of Renaissance and Baroque churches, palaces, houses and park gardens. The complex of the Vallenstein Palace, where the residence of the CR senate is at present, the Church of St. Nicholas, which is decorated in baroque style and is also used for concerts, and the Church of Our Lady Victorious with a wax statue of the Prague Christ Child, are among the significant buildings of Mala Strana.

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Culture and Entertainment

Prague is not only about architecture. The Czech Capital is also a city with a long and colourful cultural tradition. With over 300 galleries, and exhibition places which show a great cross-section of work by Czech and overseas artist, countless museums and numerous theatres, concert halls and music clubs.

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National Theatre (Narodni Divadlo) – www.narodni-divadlo.cz

This new-Renaissance construction, which was built by J.Zitek, arose from nation-wide financial collections in 1868-81. It was renovated after a fire in 1881-83. The National Theatre is one of the most beautiful examples of Czech architecture, which dates from the second half of the 19th century. Almost all the important Czech artists living in that period decorated it. The theatre shows plays, opera and ballet.

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State Opera – www.opera.cz

This opera house often presents performances from the Italian repertoire: Donizetti, Rossini, Verdi and Puccini with occasional excursions into German and French opera. The State Opera (then called the German Theatre) opened in 1887. Until World War II the theatre was regarded as one of the finest German opera houses outside Germany. Immediately after the war it changed its name to the Smetana Theatre and later again to the State Opera.

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Laterna Magika – www.laterna.cz

This Theatre was created through successful combination of theatre genres with audiovisual techniques. The first performance took place at the Brussels World Fair in 1958. The Theatre is situated in the Palace Adrie, built by the architect J. Zasche and P. Janak in 1923-25. Laterna Magica began to be famous worldwide thanks to the creator of the principle, the Czech Theatre Avant-garde director, E. F. Burian.

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Eating Out

There are more then 2000 restaurants in Prague offering Czech specialties as well as international cuisine and fast foods. You can taste the traditional fast food shops called “Lahudky” (Delicatessen) or “Obcerstveni” (Refreshments). Excellent desserts and a range of other sweets can be found in “Cukrarna” (Sweet Shops). More detailed information of restaurants in Prague: www.squaremeal.cz

Try the following websites for more detailed information on Prague:

www.welcome-to-prague.cz           City of Prague official Guidebook

www.prague-info.cz                          Guide to Prague

www.a-zprague.cz                            Prague City Server: Accommodation,Culture, Entertainment,

www.pragueexperience.com         Guides, Events, Info

Tip for a Trip from Prague – A great day trip from Prague is a mere 25Km from Prague. As one of the most visited Czech castles, Karlstejn (www.hradkarlstejn.cz) is not only famous for the semi-precious stones and panel paintings but also for the Karlstejn wine festival; an interesting cultural and historical event which takes place each year at the end of September.

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During this event visitors can witness sword fights, buy things at a medieval fair and of course taste the excellent wine. A trip to Karlstejn is especially enjoyable when done by bicycle. A great highlight is the Koneprusy caves. 

The Koneprusy Caves contain the largest system of caves to be found in Bohemia. They are     situated  near Karlstejn Castle. Caves where discover in 1960.  They are two kilometres long and more then seventy meters deep. 600 meters are open to the public.

 

Cesky Krumlov was built on a meandering bend in the River Vltava in the Southern Bohemian Valley.   Despite the passage of time, the town together with chateau complex has retained its exemplary mediaeval character for more than five centuries.

Basic Facts
Population: 14 582 inhabitants
Average height above sea level: 550 m
Average temperature in July: 16°C
Average temperature in January: 3°C
Distance from Prague: 190 km

 

Cesky Krumlov chateau complex is the second largest in Central Europe next to the Prague Castle. Complex is composed of more than forty historical buildings, a cylindrical tower reconstructed in its preset form in the 16th century, unique Baroque theatre with original equipment and fittings. Under the Castle Complex lies the old town with its winding alleys and venerable Gothic and Renaissance houses, many galleries, little shops and inns. The historical centre of the town is on the UNESCO Heritage list.

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Church of St Vitus

Church Of St.Vitus is dominant structure of Cesky Krumlov like castle complex.
Gothic church was built in the 14th century and was reconstructed from 1407 to 1439. There is buried Vilem of Rozmberk here. Vilem of Rozmberk was one of the most important people in Bohemian history. This diplomat, politician and highest - ranking nobleman in the Czech kingdom was known for his admiration for the culture of the Italian Renaissance. He had converted the castle and town into a modern place of the Czech kingdom.

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Culture in Cesky Krumlov  

Cesky Krumlov offers first class exhibitions, theatre performances, concerts, traditional festivals and celebrations, which fascinate visitors each year.

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Museum of Torture
Museum of Torture is located in the medieval cellars of the Town Hall. There is more then 400 sq.m. of examples instruments of torture.

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Fairytale House
The exhibition presents over 200 historical puppets arranged into scenes for you to see e.g. historical legends, a South Bohemian wedding. The puppets have been borrowed from the Theatre Department of the National Museum and from the Naprstek Museum of Asian, African and American Cultures in Prague.

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Regional Museum in Cesky Krumlov
Regional Museum in Cesky Krumlov was re-established in 1946. Institution is located in a former Jesuit Seminary in the year 1650 - 1652. Museum maps history of the town Cesky Krumlov and its surroundings. There is one of the most beautiful view of the Cesky Krumlov panorama from museum’s window.

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Cesky Krumlov Theatre - Revolving Auditorium in the Castle Gardens
Very popular revolving auditorium is located in the Castle Garden since 1958.

 For more information on Cesky Krumlov: www.ckrumlov.cz

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Tip for a Trip from Cesky Krumlov

A great day trip from Cesky Krumlov is 20Km north to Ceske Budeovice. The city is also known as Budwise – the name in German, used throughout the 19^th century. It is very well known for the largest square in Middle Europe and as a place with excellent Budvar beer. Budvar, also known as Budweiser inspired the name of the American brand. After a couple hours exploring the city, you can travel 15km north to Hluboka nad Vltavou. Hluboka is a monumental Romantic chateau - originally a Gothic castle - remote in the Baroque style in 18th century. Later it underwent a significant transformation in the 19th century when it was remodelled in the English Windsor-style Gothic into the official seat of the Schwarzenberg dynasty. The complex includes a glassed-in winter garden, a riding hall, an English park (190 hectares), and a chapel. Sumptuously furnished period interiors feature unique woodcarvings a valuable collections. 

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The Spa Triangle: Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), Marianske Lazne (Marienbad) and Frantiskovy Lazne (Franzenbad) – 1.5-2.5 hours from Prague:

Population: 55 500 inhabitants
Distance from Prague: 130 km

 

The best known and the largest spa in the Czech republic dates back to around 1350. The Roman Emperor and Czech King Charles IV raised its status to a town in 1370. The end of the 19th century defined the architecture of Carlsbad. The city's best-known sights are the Church of St. Andrew, the Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul, the Municipal Theatre, the Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda) and the Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene. Carlsbad is surrounded by romantic hilly countryside – the foothills of Krušné hory.

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Treatment

The fame of Karlovy Vary has spread into the whole world thanks to its mineral springs. There are 12 healing springs in the spa. Their basic compositions are similar but they differ in temperature and the amount of carbon dioxide and that is why their effects are different as well. The colder springs usually have a slightly purgative effect, while the warmer ones make the production of bile and stomach juices slower. The strongest is the Vřídlo spring, rising from the depth of 2,000-3,000 metres. The temperature reaches 73° C. The temperature of the other springs is around 40° C. The springs cure mainly metabolic disorders; they are also used for inhalations and baths.

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Active Relaxation in Karlovy Vary

The oldest 18-hole golf course in the country, golf hall with golf simulator, tennis courts, outdoor and roofed swimming pools, billiard, horse-riding, shooting-range, skateboard, karate, squash, sightseeing flights over the city. The golf course is located about 5 km away from the downtown in a very hilly countryside. Difficult terrain challenges players’ technical and physical dispositions. The golf course belongs to the oldest and most beautiful golf localities in the Czech Republic. The holes are surrounded by greenwoods and offer intimate playing environment. There are regular competitions taking place here such as the Czech Tour, Citroen Cup, Eurotel Bohemia Tour, Mercedes Cup and number of other attractive tournaments.

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Leisure in Karlovy Vary

International Film Festival (since 1946) - The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival has been classified by FIAPF as a "non-specialized festival with a feature film competition" (category A). In fulfilling its basic role the festival has become a place where film lovers and filmmakers can meet and where everyone can enjoy high quality films made during the past year from around the world.

Mozart a Karlovy Vary – the music festival

Tourfilm – the international festival of films about tourism www.tourfilm.cz

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Intenational Jazz Festival

For further information
www.karlovyvary.cz (in Czech, English, German)
www.spas.cz (in Czech, English, German)

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Marianske Lazne (Marienbad)

Mariánské Lázně is the second biggest town in the triangle of the West Bohemian spas. It is world-famous by the results of the cure and excellent quality of the natural sources. The town is situated in a charming valley surrounded by well-kept green woods. There are around 100 springs of cold ferrite acidulous water of various chemical consistencies. The first sources have been known since the 16th century. The dominant architectural style of the town is Neo-Classical. A real architectural jewel is the Colonnade, built in 1889. Uncommon experience brings the music and light productions of the contemporary “Singing Fountain”. This perfect spa retreat was one favourite to Edward VII, the King of England, Mark Twain and Edison.

Treatment is based on the usage of natural mineral springs, which are the source of natural acidulous water containing carbonic acid and ferric. The cures also use the presence of peat and natural gas.

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Active Relaxation in Marienbad

Golf courses, the second oldest in Europe, founded by Edward VII, King of England, minigolf, tennis courts, swimming pools, solariums, fitness, horse riding, yachting, sport equipment rentals, fishing, skiing, tourist and cyclist routes.

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Culture

The Chopin’s Festival (first in 1950)

The Mozart’s Festival

Concert halls, theatre, gallery, cinema, dancing cafes, casinos and clubs

For further information
www.marienbad.cz (in Czech, English, German, Russian, Arabic)
www.marianskelazne.cz (in Czech)
www.spas.cz (in Czech, English, German)

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Frantiskovy Lazne (Franzensbad)

Františkovy Lázně is the smallest spa of the West Bohemian spa triangle. They were founded in 1793 and up to now they maintain the atmosphere of the spa fro the turn of the century. Its charm is given by the unified classical architecture of the spa houses and pavilions. Mild climate, surrounding forests and well-kept parks and orchards, they all support the healing effects of the famous local acidulous water and make the stay of the spa guests and visitors more pleasant. The famous German Poet Goethe was breath taken by the park design, architectural beauty and its healing facilities he called Frantiskovy Lazne “Paradise on Earth”

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SPA Treatments
23 healing mineral springs of excellent quality acidulous water, sulphur-ferric peat, and natural springs of hot-spring gas, have been used for the treatment vascular diseases, heart and gynaecological disorders.

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Active relaxation
Golf and mini-golf, fitness, solarium, tennis, mountain bikes rentals, fishing

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Culture
Theatre, cinema, colonnade concerts, the orthodox Church of St. Olga
The Spa Music Summer festival, the Literary festival "Literární Františkovy Lázně"

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Trips
National Natural Reserve SOOS - the European rarity (gas springs)
Komorní Hůrka - the youngest quaternary volcano
Žirovice - the butterfly farm
Cheb - the Complex of stall-keepers´ houses "Špalíček"

For further information
www.franzensbad.as (in Czech, English, German)
www.spas.cz (in Czech, English, German)

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Rock Towns – Active Holidays

When you hear Bohemian Paradise you can picture huge sandstone towers and rock blocks, creating groups, with a fitting name to it: Rock Towns. Its origin goes back 70 to 100 million years when the hard rock bed of North Bohemia was flooded by subtropical sea. The sediments deposited for millions of years on its bottom and gave rise to a chalk plateau, which in the Tertiary period was broken up by tectonic movements. 

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Hruba Skala Rock Town

One of the most well-known rock formations reaching heights of up to 55m shooting up over deep romantic valleys. If you wander through the Hruba Skala Region you can follow the marked trails and stroll in the proximity of these giant rocks, which attract numerous amounts of climbers each year. The Hruba Skala Castle is currently being renovated into a luxury castle hotel.  

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Walking Tours

Thanks to the diversity of landscapes the Czech Republic offers ideal conditions for walking tours. An unusual rich network of well-marked footpaths evenly covers the whole territory and disables to lose one’s way even in the remote areas of the country. Among the most popular tourist regions are Krkonoše and Šumava. Walking tours fans should not miss the romantic sandstone rock “towns” in Český Ráj (Czech Paradise), or some of the wild river valleys, e.g. the valley of the Dyje River in Moravia, the Vydra River in Šumava, and the Střela River in western Bohemia. Many of the marked footpaths run through the areas near the borders. Many of them cross the borders and continue in the neighbouring countries.

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Mountain Climbing

There are not any high mountains on the territory of the Czech Republic, which would offer conditions for alpinism and difficult high mountain tours. On the other hand there are plenty of interesting localities (sandstone, limestone, crystallised rocks – granite, gneiss) with rock walls and towers, where climbing of various grades of difficulty can be realized.

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The most popular climbing places are situated in the protected areas:

Labské pískovce (Labe sandstones)
Tiské stěny (Tiské walls), Ostrov, Rájec, Labské údolí (Labe valley), Hřensko, Jetřichovice
Location: the Ústí nad Labem region

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Český ráj (Czech paradise)
Prachovské skály (Prachovské rocks), Drábské světničky (Drábské little chambers), Hruboskalsko, Sauce skály (Suché rocks), Klokočské skály, Betlémské skály
Location: north-eastern Bohemia

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Teplicko-adršpašské skály (Teplicko-adršpašské rocks)
Teplické skály (Teplické rocks), Adršpach, Křížový vrch (Křížový hill)
Location: the Broumovsko area, the Hradec Králové region

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Moravský kras (Moravian Karst)
The Macocha and Klenba abysses, the massifs Koně, Beran, Rorejsy
Location: the Blanensko area, the south Moravian region

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Český kras (Czech Karst)
Karlštejn, Srbsko, sv. Jan pod Skalou
Location: the Berounsko area, the central Bohemian region

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Křivoklátsko
Vraní skála (Vraní rock), Dehtická skála, rocks in Chlum near Zbiroh
Location: the Rakovnicko area, the central Bohemian region

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Slavkovský les (Slavkovský forest)
Svatošské skály (Svatošské rocks) – the valley of the Ohře River
Location: the Sokolovsko area, the Karlovy Vary region

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Olomouc – The Ancient Capital of Moravia – 4 hours East of Prague

The first documented evidence of the town dates back to 1055 and, in terms of historical significance, Olomouc ranks second only to Prague. Here, marvel at the large collection of historical architecture and cultural monuments meticulously preserved in their original design in addition to the remains of a town from the Middle Ages.

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Basic Facts
Population: 103 293 inhabitants
Average height above sea level: 208 m
Average temperature in July: 17°C
Average temperature in January: -3°C
Distance from Prague: 260 km

The Upper Square (Horni namesti)

Central Square is dominated by the town hall with an Astronomical clock and a Baroque Column of St. Trinity. The entire square is bordered by a string of well-preserved palatial residences. The Saint Trinity Column is included in the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.

The Church has had a strong influence on the spiritual, political as well as economic development of the town and its surroundings through the centuries. This effect is reflected in the majestic architecture and décor of the church buildings whose number, in ratio to population is the highest in the Czech Republic. This manner of display of history serves as a constant attraction for thousands of visitors from all over the world each year.

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Tip for a Trip

Kutná Hora is an old mining town founded in the 13th century and famous for its silver mines. Visit the Gothic St. Barbora's Cathedral with its valuable murals and the former royal mint, which once produced, so called Prague groschen and gold ducats. To-date Kutna Hora has retained the character of a medieval city and rightly belongs to the most important UNESCO heritage sites in the Czech Republic.

Litomysl was promoted to a town in the half of the 13th century. Establishing the second Czech archbishopric strengthened its position a hundred years later. The characteristic feature of Litomysl is long square surrounded by rows of historical houses the most important of which is the Renaissance house U Rytiru (At Knights) with precious stone-cutting decoration. Litomysl Castle was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999. Litomysl only 1 hour west of Olomouc would make a great stop before you go back to Prague.

Whether you celebrate Christmas of not, a Czech Christmas is not to be missed. The cities and even small towns get transformed to a setting from a fairytale book with medieval open markets; where you will find everything you need to get the Christmas season started – Christmas ornaments, decorated Christmas cookies and gingerbread, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. The largest market is in Old Town Square, where you will also find a giant decorated Christmas tree.   The streets are covered with white, a usual light Christmas snowfall; music is playing and people are celebrating. The joy of Christmas is in the air!

 

Each year, when December rolls around, Prague and the rest of the Czech Republic begin preparations for the holiday season. It is an extremely enchanting time in an already enchanting city. December 5^th, St. Nicholas Day signifies the beginning of Czech traditions. The ritual being; three characters, an Angel (Andel), a Devil (Cert) and St. Nicholas (Mikulas) visit the homes of children and ask if they have behaved themselves the past year. Good children get rewarded with sweets and fruit and the bad children also receive the goodies accompanied with a lump of coal and a warning from the devil. 

Christmas also brings along various musicals, concerts, and festivals; and on Christmas Eve at midnight, you can visit Old Town Square, listen to carols and the performance of Christmas Mass. Another major Christmas attraction is the Traditional Nativity Scenes, made from anything imaginable by Czech and other European artists. 

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CZECH REPUBLIC ON INTERNET 

www.czecot.cz                           Tourist info by regions, list of “have to see”

www.travelguide.cz                   Accommodation services, Spas, Camping sites

www.czechsite.com                 Travel Guide, Fix up your Trip

www.ctg.cz                                 Czech Travel Guide

www.bohemianet.com            Historical towns and monuments

www.mvcr.cz                              Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republic 

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Cultural Events in the Czech Republic:

www.ticketsbti.cz                        Bohemia Ticket International: Tickets, Programmes-theatres, Musicals

www.ticketpro.cz                        Tickets online- concerts, etc.

www.czech-inspiration.cz         Cultural Events in Cesky Krumlov, Hradec Kralove, Kutna Hora, Litomysl

www.festival.cz                           Prague Spring Music Festival

www.bohemiaticket.cz              Prague cultural event program, Tickets

www.pragueautumn.cz             Prague Autumn Music Festival

www.tanecpha.cz                      Tanec (Dance) Praha International Festival - Dance and Movement Theatre

www.mhfb.cz                              Brno International Music Festival

www.iffkv.cz                                 International Film Festival Karlovy Vary

www.musica.cz                          Czech Contemporary Music

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Restaurant Guides and Music Clubs in the Czech Republic:

Good food and the famous Czech beer are awaiting visitors in Prague too. Those longing to try Czech and foreign specialties can choose from a vast selection of good quality restaurants. Prague music clubs offer nearly every kind of modern music from pop rock to techno to jazz.

It should be emphasised that all visitors to the Czech Republic will find an appropriate range of services. From top hotels that provide luxury services to privately owned guesthouses that have a more family oriented atmosphere. Student residences, hostels and 3 star hotels offer accommodation for young travellers.

www.travelguide.cz                                List of hotels          

www.czechhotels.cz                              List of hotels

www.tourist-site.com                            List of hotels

www.rekus-rekan.cz                              Accommodation in Prague, Restaurants,

www.travellers.cz                                  Hostels   

www.czechhostels.com                       Hostels

www.eceat.cz                                         European Centre for Eco Agro Tourism

www.camp.cz                                         Camping places in the Czech Republic                 

www.praguehotels.co.uk                      Hotels, Pensions & Apartments, Prague map, Transfers, Tours, Guide, Photo

www.praguebedandbreakfast.com    B&B in Prague

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Transport in the Czech Republic:

http://www.idos.cz                                                                 Timetables, Places

http://www.dp-praha.cz                                                         Public Transportation in Prague

http://www.vlak-bus.cz                                                          Bus/Train Information

http://www.bus.cz                                                                   Timetables trains, buses

http://www.jizdnirady.cz                                                         National timetables info system

http://www.prague-card.cz, http://www.praguecard.info  Prague travel Card

http://www.raileurope.com                                                    Europe on Track, Rail Passes, Rail Packages

http://www.europcar.cz                                                           Car rental