The following article has been written by one of our fabulous interns, Adam, here at Barter's Travelnet. Adam has come to Ireland from the Czech Republic as part of his ERASMUS work experience programme and has kindly shared these insights into his beautiful home country with us!
"When you say the Czech Republic, most immediately think of Prague, parties, and the word robot. Although this covers most of the basics, I think it's a shame that when people go to see the city of Prague, they then tick Czechia off their travel list, when there really is so much more to visit.
This is why I, a born and raised Czech, am here to shed light on Czechia's lesser-known regions, cities, and landmarks. Let's go!
Cities of Czechia
Albeit I think that Prague is definitely a must-see for anyone that finds themselves in Czechia, there are so many alternative cities and towns that you can (and should!) visit, and may just find even more enjoyable than Prague. Here are my top four...
Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary is the most visited spa town in the country, founded by the renowned Czech monarch, Charles IV. It is home to numerous hot springs, and countless spas and wellness centres, offering everything from massages to cupping to curative baths. With colourful Baroque and Renaissance architecture, it is also a photographer's paradise. The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, also attracts Hollywood stars and over 100,000 movie lovers each year.
Liberec
Never let Liberec's small size fool you, as there is much more to this city than it appears at first glance. The most dominant attraction is the Ještěd Tower, which is visible no matter where you are in the city. Take on the challenge of hiking up to the tower, formerly a TV transmitter, now renovated into a hotel and restaurant, or hop on the cable car! Spend some time at the iQLANDIA Planetarium and Science Museum, visit the Frýdštejn castle. Why not check out the Liberec Zoo, one of the best in the country, and spot the iconic white tiger!
Kutná Hora
Originally an important site for silver mines and processing facilities, Kutná Hora is now instead a historical goldmine. Travellers now get to head down into a medieval mine or explore a mining museum that recreates 18th-century mining life. Though there is more to see in the town, such as St. Barbara's Church or The Italian Court palace, the majority of people come here to see the notorious Sedlec Ossuary, not because of magnificent and grand looks, but because it's decorated with the bones of 70,000 dead people. Charming right?
Brno
Located in the eastern part of the country, Brno, informally known as the capital of Moravia, is the second largest city in Czechia, and is a must-see if you find yourself in the Moravian Region. Brno's city centre is dominated by the towering Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. Although there aren't as many landmarks in Brno as you'll find in Prague, the city nonetheless has many interesting places to visit. Stop by the Museum of Romani Culture, go underground for a tour of the 10-Z nuclear shelter, or visit the Brno City Museum inside Špilberk Castle.
Of course, these aren't the only four cities worth visiting. If you're looking to extend your trip and want some more inspiration for Czech cities worth a wander, try below!
Olomouc
Český Krumlov
Telč
Pardubice
Kroměříž
České Budějovice
Natural Wonders of Czechia
If you'd like a break from the cities, why not pack your backpack and set out on a hiking trip? Here in Czechia we take pride in our stunning and diverse nature regions and national parks that are seriously worth a trip!
The Bohemian Paradise
The Bohemian Paradise, situated in the north-east region of Czechia, is a vast region and protected landscape area. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in Czechia.
The first thing you may see when entering the Bohemian Paradise is the symbol of the region itself, castle Trosky. Once a castle situated on a prominent hill, what now remains is two towers called the Maid and the Grandma, which have become iconic to the region's landscape.
The Bohemian Paradise has made a name for itself due to the countless castles, churches, chateaus, castle ruins, explorable caves, and rock formations. Some of the most famous ones include:
Castle Kost (translated literally to Castle Bone)
Chateau Hrubá Skála
Castle Valdštejn
Bozkov Dolomite Caves
Prachovské Skály (Prachov Rocks)
Suché Skály (Dry Rocks)
And many more...
The Giant Mountains - Krkonoše
The Giant Mountains, or Krkonoše in Czech, are the oldest national park in Czechia. Sitting along the Poland border, Krkonoše National Park is home to Sněžka, the highest mountain in the Czech Republic at 1,602 meters.
The park, which is blessed with an abundance of breathtaking, picture-perfect hiking and biking paths, is also a skier and snowboarder's dream. Ask any Czech if they've hiked to the top of Sněžka, and almost everyone will tell you that they have at least once in their life. The river Elbe, which flows through Czechia, Poland, Germany, and Austria rises here in the Elbe Spring.
Šumava National Park
Šumava National Park is home to the largest primeval forested area in the country. A stunning natural region with glacial lakes, and lush green mountains, the park remains mostly wild and untouched. All of this makes hiking here a unique experience, whether you decide to take a hike in the forest or trek to the lookout tower up on Poledník mountain.
Šumava covers a huge 680 square kilometres and offers everything from hiking to cycling to cross-country skiing routes. Just outside the borders of the park there's also Kašperk Castle and Černé jezero, the deepest natural lake in Czechia.
Hopefully this post has helped expand your knowledge about Czechia, beyond the bounds of Prague, and maybe even given you some inspiration for your next adventure!"
- Adam