The 25 most beautiful places and cities in the Czech Republic

What are the most beautiful cities in the Czech Republic? Located in the heart of Central Europe, the Czech Republic exudes a blend of Bohemian history, Moravian charm and Slavic flair. Its historic old towns are filled with baroque beauty. In the almost untouched landscapes you can find breathtaking mountains, nature parks and nature reserves. In addition, the Czech Republic is dotted with magnificent castles, which in turn are surrounded by picturesque vineyards. Not to forget the beer culture in the Czech Republic, which is omnipresent in numerous taverns and microbreweries.

Let’s take a look at the most beautiful places in the Czech Republic:

1. Prague

What would a list of the best destinations in the Czech Republic be without mentioning the capital city of Prague? After all, it is one of the most visited metropolises in Europe, with more than 8.5 million visitors a year.

The city of a hundred towers is famous for its magnificent old town. One of the most sought-after photo motifs is the astronomical clock in the central square and the pointed spires of the Church of Our Lady in front of the Tey. Furthermore, the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle are among the most famous sights of the city. Among the many baroque and gothic buildings exists a very lively nightlife. Travelers can settle down here and sample one of the famous Czech beers and Bohemian dumplings.

2. Krumlov on the Vltava River (Ceský Krumlov)

Krumlov is a fairytale town in southern Bohemia on the banks of the Vltava River. The historic city center with its labyrinth of medieval streets is a UNESCO cultural heritage site. Since the city had been spared from many conflicts and wars over the centuries, you can find buildings in the old town even dating back to the 13th century. Century.

Worth seeing are especially the castle Ceský Krumlov with its baroque castle theater and the Mantel Bridge as well as the St.-St. Vitus Church in the city center.

3. Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad)

The spa town of Karlovy Vary in the west of the Czech Republic is a popular destination thanks to its numerous thermal springs. Once a royal retreat of the Russian tsars, the city became a center of the Czech Republic as early as the 18th century. The city rose to world fame in the nineteenth century and is still one of the most famous spa resorts in Europe.

Nestled in wooded valleys, elegant and beautiful buildings can be found throughout the city. Characteristically, the colonnades are adorned with a series of art deco fountains.

Almost all wellness hotels and sanatoriums in Karlovy Vary advertise their sodium springs. One or two of these are worth checking out. Vridelni Street is a wonderful place for strolling and excellent hiking in the surrounding hills.

4. Brno (Brunn)

Brno is located in the southern depths of the Czech Republic on the southeastern edge of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. The second largest city in the Czech Republic is not only a university town, but also famous for the Automotodrome, which hosts the largest motorcycle races in the country.

Especially the numerous festivals, concerts and exhibitions attract many young people to the city. During semesters, the otherwise sleepy town pulsates with life and the country’s best music clubs and bars fill up with students.

The beautiful cobblestone Old Town is highlighted by the neo-Gothic spires of the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul coined. A truly eerie attraction are the underground tunnels of the Brno Ossuary. On a steep slope in the middle of the city rises the medieval fortress Spielberg. And last but not least lies Brno

5. Budweis (Ceske Budejovice)

The capital of the South Bohemian Region, ?eske Bud?jovice, is the home of the most famous beer in the Czech Republic. The town on the inflow of the Malse into the Vltava was founded as early as the 13th century. century by the Bohemian king Premysl Otakar II. founded. The central square in the historic old town of ?eske Bud?jovice is lined with pretty colonnades and town houses. Surrounded by a maze of cobblestone streets, you’ll find numerous microbreweries and traditional Czech taverns here. Various museums tell of the fascinating history of South Bohemia and the Budweiser brewery on the northern outskirts of the city.

The former steelworks are a gigantic museum, which today also hosts electric festivals. (Photo: Bigstock)

Ostrava is located on the northern edge of Moravia not far from the Polish and Slovak borders. The former dirty town was characterized by coal mines and heavy industry. After the turn of the millennium, the city slowly blossomed again.

The former ironworks have been converted into breathtaking industrial monuments, where, for example, the Beats for Love Festival takes place. The festival now counts with more than 40.000 visitors to the largest electro festivals in Europe. The barn street is also very famous. It is one of the largest entertainment districts in the Czech Republic. On weekends many party-hungry people come here to celebrate in over 60 clubs.

Oh, and then there’s also a beautiful historic old town with an interesting mix of Baroque brilliance, Soviet realism and Russian Brutalism.

7. Pilsen

The West Bohemian metropolis Pilsen is famous for its beer named after the city. But besides great-tasting beer, the former European Capital of Culture is home to a myriad of other interesting sights and attractions. Travelers can admire the towers of the St. Marvel at St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral and descend into one of the largest underground public tunnel systems in Europe. Also worth seeing are the Arab Great Synagogue and the ornate Renaissance decoration of the town hall by Giovanni de Statia.

The old town has a plethora of classic beer pubs and Czech taverns, with unpasteurized craft beers flowing from the taps alongside the famous beer from the Pilsen Brewery.

Karlstein Castle, Czech Republic (Photo: Bigstock)

Just 30 kilometers southwest of Prague is Karlstein Castle, which attracts. The castle was built on the order of the Roman-German Emperor Charles IV. in the 14. Built in the nineteenth century. With its magnificent Gothic towers and gatehouses, it is one of the most visited medieval relics in the country.

With about 228.000 visitors a year, the chateau ranks fourth among the most visited cultural sites in the Czech Republic. The landmark of the castle is the Great Tower from which you have a magnificent view of hilly forests of Bohemia.

9. Liberec

The 100.000 inhabitants Liberec is a charming North Bohemian town not far from the border triangle with Poland and Germany. The city is located at the foot of Jested on the edge of the Jeschken Mountains. On the 1012-meter-high mountain is Hotel Hyperbel with its panoramic restaurant and the Scherzturm, which is the most prominent landmark of the city and can be seen far across the country. If you don’t want to make the difficult climb, you can take the cable car to the top of the Jested ridge.

The Jizera Mountains around Liberec are one of the most important recreational areas in the Czech Republic with great routes for hikers and cyclists. In winter, excellent snow slopes provide the best conditions for skiers with unforgettable views of the Giant Mountains.

Lipno, Czech Republic (Photo: Bigstock)

Another Eldorado for active vacationers is Lipno on the reservoir of the same name in the southwest of the Czech Republic. Just a stone’s throw from the border with Austria, the mountain town attracts numerous hikers, mountain bikers, water sports enthusiasts and skiers every year.

The dreamy town is an ideal starting point to explore the picturesque landscape of South Bohemia. In addition to a treetop trail, there is also a 21-kilometer inline skating track, which is even illuminated at night. Lipno ski resort, with 9.8 kilometers of slopes, is not the largest, but it is the only five-star resort in South Bohemia. It is also one of the most varied and comprehensive winter sports facilities for families in the Czech Republic.

12. Bohemian Switzerland

Bohemian Switzerland is the Czech part of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and one of the country’s most beautiful vacation regions. Already since the 19. In the twentieth century, the wild forests and deep valleys between the sandstone rocks attract hikers and climbers. In the area through which the Elbe flows, there are a number of castles that used to protect the trade routes.

Many artists were inspired by the wild beauty of the rocks. Today the region is a paradise for hikers with fantastic circular walks through the Elbstein sand mountains. One of the most beautiful tours is, for example, from the Kamenica gorges to the Prebisch Gate, a part of the wildly romantic route has to be covered in a barge.

The rock town of Adersbach in the Czech Republic (Photo: Bigstock)

The rock town of Adersbach is a grouping of sandstone rocks on a gigantic area of 17.7 square kilometers. The region around the town of Braunau in East Bohemia has been attracting tourists since the 18th century. century magically attracts visitors and climbers. The highest of these rocks has a height of 681 above sea level and the gorges and ravines are up to 100 m deep.

The Metuje River cuts through the rocky landscape, dams up at the Johnsdorf Wolf Gorge and then plunges 16 meters into the depths over the Great Adersbach Waterfall. A natural spectacle not to be missed. A good destination for hiking is the ruin of the originally wooden castle Adersbach. Situated on a cliff, the former rock castle offers a magnificent view of the Adersbach rocks.

14. The cultural landscape of Lednice and Valtice

The cultural landscape of Eisgrub and Feldsberg covers 300 km2 between the towns of Valtice, Břeclav, Lednice and Mikulov. Since the late 14th century, the area has been. Acquired by the Liechtenstein dynasty in the seventeenth century, over the centuries the local princes transformed it into a vast landscape park on the English model.

Today, Baroque and neo-Gothic castles and smaller buildings in the Romantic style stand in the extensive parklands. Numerous recreational activities such as boating, horseback riding, cycling and inline skating will not let you be bored for long.

Romantics can stroll through the colonnades scattered in the landscape, climb the Palava Mountains or relax in a thermal spa. This unreal beautiful stretch of land in South Moravia was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1996.

Frauenberg Castle, Czech Republic (Photo: Bigstock)

Another romantic destination in South Bohemia is the Frauenberg Castle. The estate was built in the 13. Built in the 14th century as an early Gothic castle. After passing through a series of noble hands, acquired in the 19. In the 19th century, the Prince zu Schwarzenberg bought the property and had it remodeled in the Romantic style. Instead of the castle, today’s picturesque Frauenberg Castle was built in Tudor Gothic style. It is now considered the most beautiful castle in the Czech Republic.

16. sumava National Park

The Bohemian Forest on the Czech-Bavarian border is one of the largest forest areas in Europe. Here you can still find centuries-old primeval forests, crystal-clear glacial lakes and mysterious moorlands.

The green roof of Europe is full of sights and offers opportunities for active vacations in every season of the year. There are numerous marked hiking trails, cycling trails and high ropes courses. sections of the Vltava , Otava and Vydra rivers are designated for water tourism.

Marianske Lazn? spa town, Czech Republic (Photo: Bigstock)

The spa town of Marianske Lazn? is located in the West Bohemian Spa Triangle, not far from Karlovy Vary. Splendid spa houses and ornate colonnades also make this dreamy place one of the most beautiful destinations in the Czech Republic.

Spa guests can hike in the nearby mountain forest, stroll through green parks or relax at one of more than 100 healing springs. There are also pavilions, cafes, monuments and an observation tower to visit. The water of some springs is very ferruginous, contains carbonic acid and is sometimes drunk as medicinal water.

View of the Chain Bridge and the castle in Elbogen, Czech Republic (Photo: Bigstock)

Nikolsburg, Czech Republic (Photo: Bigstock)

Nikolsburg is a town in southern Moravia right on the border with Lower Austria. The picturesque town lies at the foot of the Palava Mountains and is surrounded by numerous vineyards. In the taverns of the medieval alleys of the historic old town as well as in the castle you can taste the excellent wines of the region.

On the Holy Mountain near Nikolsburg begins the 152-kilometer-long Way of St. James Weinviertel. the trail is well signposted, but unfortunately not passable by bike throughout.

20. Moravian Karst

Czech Republic is full of breathtaking geological wonders of nature. One of them is the Moravian Karst, a low mountain landscape with more than 1.000 caves, grottos, gorges and canyons. The underground cave system with stalactites, stalagmites and underground rivers covers about 92 square kilometers. A highlight are the Punkva Caves, where you can even take part in a subterranean river trip.

The nearby blast furnaces of Josefov and the castle of Rajec nad Svitavou are also worth seeing. There are numerous opportunities for hiking and biking in the Macocha Gorge. But beware, the area is littered with sinkholes and known as the largest sinkhole gorge in all of Central Europe.

Olomouc in the Czech Republic (Photo: Bigstock)

Olomouc is one of the hidden gems of the Czech Republic, off the beaten track. Situated in the plains of Eastern Moravia, the town has a very eventful history, which has its roots in Roman times.

The city, shaped by various eras and rulers, is full of wonderful sights. Landmarks of the city are the Wenceslas Cathedral, the baroque Holy Trinity Column and the Saint Maurice Church, which stands between the old city walls of its former castle. In addition to its many historical attractions, the city is also home to the country’s second-oldest university and is full of student bars and cafes.

22. Kutna Hora

Kunta Hora is a royal mining town that rose to significant size and prosperity with the discovery of silver in the nearby hills. Kutna Hora, as the city is called in German translation, was once the “silver treasure chest” of the country and significantly involved in the boom of the Bohemian kingdom. To this day, Kunta Hora bears all the hallmarks of a once rich and royal center of power.

Its historic center is an architectural jewel, but much less touristy and more authentic than its counterpart in Prague. Majestically rise magnificent towers of the miner’s church Sta. Barbara above the city. In its Italian courtyard you can visit the former royal mints and former silver chambers.

Another whimsical attraction in Kunta Hora is the Sedletz Ossarium, a bone house where the bones of the deceased have been assembled into elaborate chandeliers, statues and altarpieces.

The castle of Hruba Skala in Bohemia Paradise, Czech Republic (Photo: Bigstock)

Bohemian Paradise is the oldest nature reserve in the low mountain range. The enchanting landscape is characterized by towering hoodoos and canyons. The cascading gorges are crisscrossed by winding hiking trails, with the romantic silhouette of vast pine forests in the background.

For centuries, numerous artists, writers, painters and romantics have raved about the unique beauty of the region, which is dotted with majestic castles and palaces. Many hikers are attracted to the labyrinthine rock towns and dolomite caves in Bozkov. Mountaineers and climbers always find new challenges on the rugged rock faces, and rafting trips on the Jizera River are available for active vacationers.

24. Krkonose National Park

Krkonose National Park is located in the Krkonose Mountains on the border with Poland in the northeast of the country. The wild mountainous country is intersected by babbling mountain streams and is covered by misty fir forests. The rugged landscape is crisscrossed by numerous hiking trails that lead past gushing waterfalls. In the cold season, the Krkonose Mountains become an Eldorado for winter sports enthusiasts. One of the most famous and also best winter sports resorts in the Czech Republic is the Spindleruv Mlyn ski resort.

Located in the east of the country, Kremsier was voted the most beautiful historical town in the Czech Republic in 1997. A real tourist magnet is the Archbishop’s Castle with its castle park, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. The baroque flower garden is particularly beautiful and the painting gallery of the chateau is the second most important in the Czech Republic after the National Gallery in Prague.