The Culture, Castles, and Countryside of Central Bohemia

In between the cosmopolitan city of Prague and the larger cities scattered across the Czech Republic lies a landscape of small towns and villages. In the words of musician and filmmaker Rodney Hazard, “they each have their own charisma, great food, and small sub-cultures that are unique to each town.”

On a road trip through the Central Bohemian region, Rodney and friends get to know the individual characters of places like the town of Beroun while they sample the vast landscape of majestic monuments, including the fairy-tale vibe at Křivoklát Castle and the hilltop views of Karlštejn Castle. Get a glimpse of some local crafts, like the beauty of fine glasswork, and witness the natural beauty of forests and rock formations that has inspired the undeniably Czech pastime of hiking among generations.

Plenty of travelers breeze through the Czech town of Kutná Hora on a quick day trip, but this group sticks around to really get to know the area. Find out which of the many churches inspired Rodney to use the phrase “blown away” and learn where you can spend the day hammering out your own silver coins. Rodney and friends also venture to the nearby area of Malešov to visit the grounds of a former fortress and sample the Czech national beverage (beer) at a local brewery.

In reflecting on the trip, Rodney described their impressions of Central Bohemia as “regions and people that honor their history.” Check out the full video to join the journey from castles to countryside and get a look at a different side of Czech life.