Treasure Map to a Road Trip of Czech Hidden Gems
Bohemian Road Trip (West)
Get (metaphorically) lost in the landscapes of Bohemian Switzerland
Surround yourself in the natural beauty of mystical gorges, sandstone rock towers, and a collection of bridges and gates with photogenic shapes. Follow the Gabriel Trail to the monumental stone arch of Pravčická brána, an iconic symbol of this national park. The nearby village of Hřensko, known as the gateway to Bohemian Paradise, is also a popular stop for both beginner and long-distance cyclists on the Elbe Cycle Route.
Karlovy Vary — Jewel of the West Bohemian Spa Triangle
The gorgeous European spa town of Karlovy Vary combines elegance, architecture, and relaxation. Column-lined structures and pastel facades line a river in a valley surrounded by forests. Sample the healing power of thermal springs before a pampering spa day. Treat your taste buds with local Becherovka herbal liqueur or spa wafers and pick up a souvenir from theworld famous Moser Glassworks or Thun Karlovy Vary porcelain.
Tip: make a detour to the small town of Loket (meaning “elbow”), tucked into the curve of a river bend. The fairy tale vibes of this town served as a backdrop for the James Bond film Casino Royale. Combine a visit to the Gothic Loket Castle and the St. Florian microbrewery with a drive though the Pilsen region for the subtle aroma of some of the world’s highest quality hops.
Kašperské Hory and “the green roof of Europe”.
This cozy, mountainous town near Kašper Castle was built to guard the Bavarian border. From here, hiking fans can follow the Golden Trail, used in medieval times to transport salt into Bohemia. inish your day in the village of Kvilda in the heart of the Šumava National Park or the Rennassaince town of Prachatice.
Beauty (and beer) in South Boehmia
Picture pastel buildings lining one of the largest squares in Europe plus the original Budvar brewery — this is České Budějovice. The city blends historical and modern appeal as a gateway to the South Bohemian region. From here, visitors can take a boat ride to Hluboká Castle, visit the charming Baroque village of Holašovice, or cycle among over 6,000 ponds of Třeboň region. Book a table at Třeboň‘s Šupina a Šupinka restaurant to try a local delicacy — carp chips.
Charming “Czech Canada”
Combine a visit the city center of Jindřichův Hradec with a historical steam train ride on a narrow-gauge railway. Artsy travelers can admire the photogenic Renaissance town of Slavonice and paint-your-own-mug with the artists at Maříž ceramics. Looking for a more rural experience? Visit the family-run Farm Alpaka or stop by the Bison Ranch, surrounded by deep forests and a cool climate, and taste the buffalo steak.
Kutná Hora, the city of silver
The late-Gothic Cathedral of St. Barbara serves as a symbol of Kutná Hora in all her visual appeal. The GASK Gallery of Central Bohemia showcases fine art from the 20th and 21st centuries inside the extensive Baroque Jesuit College. The world-renowned Sedlec Ossuary (affectionately known as the “bone church”) sits just outside the edge of town. The eastern region of Moravia is well known for Czech wines, but the tradition of grape cultivation in the Kutná Hora region also dates back centuries!
Tips: Central Bohemia is region packed with castles and chateaus, and some of them offer unique accommodation. Chateau Kotěra, an elegant Neoclassical mansion, or the five-star, environmentally-friendly hotel Chateau Mcely are just a few examples.
Meet the Kladrubers of the Danish Royal Court
Continue from historical appeal of Kutná Hora to the living, breathing beauty on display at the National Stud Farm in Kladruby nad Labem. The stud farm is a breeding stable for the Old Kladruby breed of white horses. Visitors can tour the stables, the chateau, and the picturesque setting while riding a Kladruber horse or sitting in a coach. Kladruby nad Labem National Stud Farm has partnered with the Royal Court of Denmark since 1993.
Explore the oldest lookout point in the Jizera Mountains
North Bohemia combines a variety of tower views and outdoor activities. The Jizera Mountains are filled with impressive viewpoints, the Štěpánka Lookout Tower oldest among them. The claim to most famous goes to an unusual structure on the peak of the majestic Ještěd Mountain, where a former TV tower now houses a hotel, restaurant, and panoramic perspectives. The city of Liberec just below the mountain could not have choosen a more beautiful location, surrounded by hiking and bicycle trails. Local souvenirs could incorporate the region's centuries-long glass tradition.
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Get (metaphorically) lost in the landscapes of Bohemian Switzerland
Surround yourself in the natural beauty of mystical gorges, sandstone rock towers, and a collection of bridges and gates with photogenic shapes. Follow the Gabriel Trail to the monumental stone arch of Pravčická brána, an iconic symbol of this national park. The nearby village of Hřensko, known as the gateway to Bohemian Paradise, is also a popular stop for both beginner and long-distance cyclists on the Elbe Cycle Route.
Karlovy Vary — Jewel of the West Bohemian Spa Triangle
The gorgeous European spa town of Karlovy Vary combines elegance, architecture, and relaxation. Column-lined structures and pastel facades line a river in a valley surrounded by forests. Sample the healing power of thermal springs before a pampering spa day. Treat your taste buds with local Becherovka herbal liqueur or spa wafers and pick up a souvenir from theworld famous Moser Glassworks or Thun Karlovy Vary porcelain.
Tip: make a detour to the small town of Loket (meaning “elbow”), tucked into the curve of a river bend. The fairy tale vibes of this town served as a backdrop for the James Bond film Casino Royale. Combine a visit to the Gothic Loket Castle and the St. Florian microbrewery with a drive though the Pilsen region for the subtle aroma of some of the world’s highest quality hops.
Kašperské Hory and “the green roof of Europe”.
This cozy, mountainous town near Kašper Castle was built to guard the Bavarian border. From here, hiking fans can follow the Golden Trail, used in medieval times to transport salt into Bohemia. inish your day in the village of Kvilda in the heart of the Šumava National Park or the Rennassaince town of Prachatice.
Beauty (and beer) in South Boehmia
Picture pastel buildings lining one of the largest squares in Europe plus the original Budvar brewery — this is České Budějovice. The city blends historical and modern appeal as a gateway to the South Bohemian region. From here, visitors can take a boat ride to Hluboká Castle, visit the charming Baroque village of Holašovice, or cycle among over 6,000 ponds of Třeboň region. Book a table at Třeboň‘s Šupina a Šupinka restaurant to try a local delicacy — carp chips.
Charming “Czech Canada”
Combine a visit the city center of Jindřichův Hradec with a historical steam train ride on a narrow-gauge railway. Artsy travelers can admire the photogenic Renaissance town of Slavonice and paint-your-own-mug with the artists at Maříž ceramics. Looking for a more rural experience? Visit the family-run Farm Alpaka or stop by the Bison Ranch, surrounded by deep forests and a cool climate, and taste the buffalo steak.
Kutná Hora, the city of silver
The late-Gothic Cathedral of St. Barbara serves as a symbol of Kutná Hora in all her visual appeal. The GASK Gallery of Central Bohemia showcases fine art from the 20th and 21st centuries inside the extensive Baroque Jesuit College. The world-renowned Sedlec Ossuary (affectionately known as the “bone church”) sits just outside the edge of town. The eastern region of Moravia is well known for Czech wines, but the tradition of grape cultivation in the Kutná Hora region also dates back centuries!
Tips: Central Bohemia is region packed with castles and chateaus, and some of them offer unique accommodation. Chateau Kotěra, an elegant Neoclassical mansion, or the five-star, environmentally-friendly hotel Chateau Mcely are just a few examples.
Meet the Kladrubers of the Danish Royal Court
Continue from historical appeal of Kutná Hora to the living, breathing beauty on display at the National Stud Farm in Kladruby nad Labem. The stud farm is a breeding stable for the Old Kladruby breed of white horses. Visitors can tour the stables, the chateau, and the picturesque setting while riding a Kladruber horse or sitting in a coach. Kladruby nad Labem National Stud Farm has partnered with the Royal Court of Denmark since 1993.
Explore the oldest lookout point in the Jizera Mountains
North Bohemia combines a variety of tower views and outdoor activities. The Jizera Mountains are filled with impressive viewpoints, the Štěpánka Lookout Tower oldest among them. The claim to most famous goes to an unusual structure on the peak of the majestic Ještěd Mountain, where a former TV tower now houses a hotel, restaurant, and panoramic perspectives. The city of Liberec just below the mountain could not have choosen a more beautiful location, surrounded by hiking and bicycle trails. Local souvenirs could incorporate the region's centuries-long glass tradition.