09 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Czech Republic
1. Glassworks of Karlovy Vary
In addition to its many luxury spas, picturesque Karlovy Vary is one of Europe’s most prominent centers of glassmaking, an industry that has thrived here for more than 150 years. A fascinating tour of the Moser Visitor Center, part of the Moser Glass Works, was established in 1857.
With the skill and craftsmanship of local glassmakers, it is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of decorative glass. Tours of the facility include the chance to learn about the history of glass making, a visit to the factory grounds to watch glassblowers at work, and the Museum of Glass 2000 features a fine example of glass creation. Guided tours are available in English.
2. Cutting Hooray
I can’t do much better than choosing Kutna. 80km east of the capital, Katna , Hora was once home to one of Europe’s leading silver mines, whose fortune has funded many of the city’s fine buildings.
Highlights include the Baroque Cathedral of St. Barbara. Built in 1338, it is notable for its beautiful interior and frescoes that not only depict religious themes such as the vision of Saint Ignatius, but also refer to the mining industry that funded the construction.
The Czech Museum of Silver has exhibits about the medieval mining industry, as does the Stone House, which explores daily life during the time. Guided tours take visitors into six floors underground to explore the medieval mine, passing narrow passages as you make your way around deep caverns and deep water shafts.
Tourists can also visit the city’s old mint, which is located in the magnificent Italian court ( Flachi Dvor ), the former palace of Bohemian King Vaclav IV, and the Gothic Sedlec Ossuary.
3. Bohemian Paradise
One of the most beautiful corners of the Czech Republic, East Bohemia is home to the stunning Bohemian Paradise ( Czesko). Raj ) This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is known for its huge rock formations that protrude from the ground like spikes and pillars, formed by the erosion of the elements over thousands of years.
UNESCO geopark , it attracts hikers and tourists from all over Europe for its impressive sandstone hills, natural bridges, tall basalt columns and jutting outcrops, all through its network of trails and scenic drives. It can be accessed through action.
There are also many old forts including Coast Castle and Traskie Castle . Start your adventure in Turnov, home of the Bohemian Paradise Visitor Center , where you can find plenty of tourist information and maps for the area.
4. Konopiste Chateau and Archduke ‘s Cups
Konopiste Chateau One of the most beautiful palaces in the Czech Republic, it is located just 50 km southeast of Prague. Founded in the 13th century and given its current Baroque form in the 18th century, this magnificent French-style palace with four wings is famous as the final residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, whose immortal assassination is credited with the start of World War I.
The bullet that killed him is on display in the Palace Museum, as are many of the Archduke’s animal trophies and several originals that he owned. Other highlights include an impressive collection of ancient weapons and armor, an indoor shooting range complete with moving targets, and a beautiful garden with many sculptures and outbuildings.
5. Hellebuck Castle
A short drive north of Ceske Budejovice is the massive white neo-Gothic castle Hluboka ( Hluboka). club Vltavou ) is the most beautiful of the Czech Republic’s many beautiful castles. Built on the site of an earlier 13th-century castle, the current castle was constructed in the 1660s and later extended for its current Gothic Tudor style – loosely based on the famous Windsor Castle in England.
Highlights of a visit include the large hedge mazes and lush vegetation, as well as the beautiful interior woodwork, windows, and stained glass furnishings. The castle also contains an extensive art collection, including many works by famous Czech artists.
Several English-language tours of the castle are available, including a fascinating tour of the mansion’s grand kitchen. The kitchen is very modern by 19th century standards, and is divided into sections for preparing hot food, cold food and desserts.
It is also possible to visit the private apartments of the Schwarzenberg family (the last official residents of the castle). Climb the main tower for stunning views of the countryside. Or look for the “social” rooms, which include a morning room, reading room, smoking room, and large library.
6. Karlstejn Castle
Karlstejn between 1348 and 1365 for Charles IV, who was a Czech king and Holy Roman Emperor. The grounds were arranged in a physical hierarchy, with the Holy Chapel of the Holy Cross located in the Great Tower.
In this chapel, Charles IV kept his most valuable possessions, including the crown jewels of the Roman Empire, as well as his personal collection of artifacts, including the bones of saints. The interior of the church can be seen on a guided tour, and contains large-scale frescoes by Master Theodoric.
Other highlights include the Imperial Palace and the Marian Tower, both complete with period furnishings. Also be sure to see the castle’s prison, well tower, and replicas of the Romanian and Czech crown jewels.
7. Prohonice Park
Prohonice Park , which is also home to Prohonice Castle , is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just 15 kilometers south of Prague. With a total area of 250 hectares, the extensive estate includes formal gardens, woodland, streams, ponds and 25 kilometers of walking trails. Among the 1,600 species of plants there is a group of more than 100 species of rhododendrons, with a total of 8,000 specimens . The park is open all year round and is especially stunning during the fall season.
The grand castle, parts of which date back to the 12th century, forms a semi-circle facing the lake and gardens. Most of the fort itself is closed to the public and is occupied by ASCR’s Institute of Botany, which is doing research here. The courtyard features frescoes, statues and a replica of the fountain on Prague’s Old Market Square.
8. Sumava National Park
Šumava National Park is one of the largest natural areas in the Czech Republic, located along the border between Germany and Austria. The park is home to a vast mountain range covered in vast forests and cut by thousands of kilometers of hiking trails. As one of the most diverse national parks in Europe, Šumava is also home to glacial lakes, lynxes, peat bogs, and a plethora of centuries-old primeval forests.
Because of its many hills, there are stunning views all around within the park, but the lookout tower on Poldunk Mountain and the summit of Plechi Hill (which sits on a large glacial lake) are particularly noteworthy. Apart from hikers who come here for the gorgeous giant boulders and lake trails, the park also attracts cyclists, river rafting enthusiasts, and bird watchers.
Many well-groomed trails are accessible during the winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. And since Šumava is one of the first regions in the country to see snow each winter, it’s also a popular ski destination – the park has 36 kilometers of slopes and enough sleds to enjoy a winter trip. Resorts offer.
9. The ruins of the fort
The Czech Republic has many restored castles and castles to best experience the grandeur of royal life. But for a different perspective on history, nothing beats hiking the forest trails to explore the castle ruins – and they have so much more to offer.
Okur , just 15 kilometers from Prague, was first built in 1359 and was rebuilt and expanded over the years until it was completed in the 18th century. Today, only the outer walls remain, but you can climb part of the tower and then climb up the small paths behind the structure.
The 14th-century Traski consists of two towers built on top of steep cliffs, with buildings and passages connecting each other. The ruins are difficult to climb, but the views from the top are worth it, plus it’s one of the few ruins that offer guided night tours.
Rabí is one of the best preserved and largest castle ruins in the Czech Republic. Located in the Šumava region, this massive structure was badly damaged during the Thirty Years’ War and eventually abandoned. There’s also Zviretice Castle, an easily accessible and semi-preserved cylindrical tower, and the co – castle Divci (Stone Maiden) is one of the best medieval monuments in the country, with a wonderful view of the Vltava River and the surrounding forest.