Český Krumlov

This year, the Czech Republic celebrates the 20th anniversary of the incorporation of its first monuments on the UNESCO List of World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Come and discover 12 true “jewels of the world”.

Historic Prague

There is a reason why Prague is often called one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with an unequalled charm. And how could it not be, as it is interwoven with a plethora of myths, legends and stories passed on over centuries. Here you will find exceptional monuments of all architectural styles. The Old New Synagogue, St. Agnes Convent and Prague Castle, including the St. Vitus Cathedral, are all worth seeing. During the summer tourist season, you will surely be charmed by Prague Castle’s freely accessible gardens. Nor should you forget to visit one of the taverns of Old Prague to quench your thirst with a pint of excellent Czech beer.

Functionalist Brno

Following extensive renovations, as from this February the Tugendhat Villa – a gem of international functionalist architecture – is once again one of the main tourist attractions in the city of Brno. In addition to the main living quarters, you also will be able to tour the truly unique technical floor featuring the air conditioning engine room, a moth-free room for fur cloaks, and servants’ apartments. The outlying garden also underwent a complete revitalisation, offering an attractive view of the city and its many other tourist attractions.

Ecclesiastical Olomouc

For church tourism enthusiasts in particular, we recommend a visit to Olomouc, where, among other sites, you can see the Holy Trinity Column. It is an exceptional piece in the context of European baroque architectural and sculptural works – unique for its height, decorations and combination of materials. Some sculptural decorations are from stone, while others from gilded copper. A small chapel is hidden inside the column. When you are standing in front of this monument and admire its majesty with your own eyes, it will surely take your breath away.

Fairy-tale Český Krumlov

In this small town in South Bohemia, you will feel as if you have entered a fairy tale. The extensive chateau complex and unique medieval town houses will invite you to wander through streets filled with romantic nooks where many galleries and taverns can be found. In the chateau park, you will discover a theatrical rarity – a revolving auditorium. Or perhaps you may be tempted by a raft ride along the Vltava River winding below the city walls and offering an entirely different view of the town.

Rural Holašovice

Whosoever has some connection with the countryside must include the village of Holašovice on their visit to the Czech Republic. Located in the picturesque landscape of South Bohemia 18 kilometres from the city of České Budějovice, its spacious rectangular central square features 23 protected heritage medieval farmhouses with a total of 120 buildings connected by enclosing walls with gates and arched entrances. Together they represent the most important monument of the so-called “rustic baroque”. If you come here between 20 and 22 July, you can even attend traditional rural festivities whose atmosphere will take you back several hundreds of years.

Flowering Kroměříž

This town, referred to as the Athens of Haná, offers many interesting sites in a small area. The largest attraction is the Archiepiscopal Chateau with its outlying Flower Garden. The unparalleled beauty created by the combinations of colours will persuade you that gardening is not only a beautiful craft, but can also be an important art form. During 3–6 May, the chateau will hold the traditional Days of the Estates, when tours of the historic halls will be enlivened by firefighters, gamekeepers and soldiers who will tell you share with you information you would not otherwise know about the chateau of Kroměříž!

Silver Kutná Hora

With its history of silver mining and coin minting, this city has since long ago been called the silver treasury of the Kingdom of Bohemia. The city is dominated by a church dedicated to the patron of miners, St. Barbara, constructed over the course of more than 500 years. A visit to the Czech Silver Museum will provide you a wealth of interesting information, and for a time you can even experience life as a mining gnome.

Romantic Lednice–Valtice Cultural Landscape

This landscape area has been connected with the house of Lichtenstein for centuries, as they invested a fortune into the formation of this cultural landscape. At the Valtice and Lednice chateaus you can tour luxurious interiors and wander through extensive parks. You also will certainly be enticed by a romantic cycling trip to its slightly less grand structures, such as the Temple of the Three Graces, Jan’s Castle and the Obelisk. Valtice to this day hides a treasure in its cellars – the Wine Salon, with some of the best wines from the Czech Republic. Likewise, Lednice holds the international competition of ice and straw wines.

Musical Litomyšl

The city’s dominant feature is the Renaissance chateau with over eight hundred sgraffiti. When you see this jewel, you will surely be tempted to stroll the historic streets ending in the Cloister Gardens. There, you can have a rest and remember the local-born Czech composer, Bedřich Smetana, in whose memory a musical festival is held here every year.

Picturesque Telč

You will surely fall in love with this town as soon as you take a tour through the downtown. The burghers’ houses were constructed according to an integrated plan, so their arcades and facades form a resplendent unified whole. Moreover, a tour of the Renaissance chateau with the nearby park offers you an unforgettable experience. Telč is located in the south-western tip of Moravia, halfway between Prague and Vienna, and it should definitely not escape your attention during your visit of the Czech Republic.

Mysterious Třebíč

In Třebíč, a unique former Jewish ghetto has been preserved that is among the important centres of Jewish culture in Moravia. You can best come to know the city’s atmosphere by taking a walk through the crooked alleys with their mysterious passages and nooks. Another precious monument in this city is the three-nave St. Procopius’ Basilica which is a distinctive example of the Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles.

Santini’s Žďár nad Sázavou

The pilgrimage St. John of Nepomuk’s church on Green Mountain is among the true jewels of the city and entire Czech Republic. It was built by one of the greatest architects of the Czech baroque, Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel. This edifice especially stands out when seen from a bird’s eye view. The walls around the church area trace the shape of a ten-pointed star, while the church itself was built in the shape of a five-pointed star. You can admire additional historic buildings as well as modern buildings of contemporary architecture if you follow the Santini bike trail through the beautiful landscape of the Bohemian–Moravian Highlands.

Welcome to the Majestic Prague Castle!

Prague Castle: a majestic complex of buildings surrounding three courtyards, the Old Royal Palace hosting a permanent exhibition called “The Story of the Prague Castle”, St. George's Basilica and St. George's Monastery, with a part of the National Gallery, the romantic Golden Lane, towers called Mihulka and Daliborka, the Riding School, Ball Game Hall and other remarkable places. When visiting Prague Castle you can have a rest in the castle gardens, featuring countless interesting places such as Queen Ann's Summer Residence called Belvedere, the Ball Game Hall or the former Lion Court of King Rudolf II. Gardens situated at the southern part of the complex - “Rajská”, “Na Valech” and “Hartigovská” - offer a wonderful view of the historical centre and Lesser Town palace gardens. Of course we must not forget to mention Prague Castle's dominant feature, with its typical spires welcoming tourists from far away: St. Vitus, St. Wenceslas and St. Adalbert Cathedral, treasuring the Czech Crown Jewels.

Treasured Crown Jewels

No ordinary mortal can access the secret hall holding the Czech Crown Jewels. However, there is a place where you can see them and admire all the subtle details. That is Karlštejn, a castle rising above the river Berounka that was founded in the 14^th century by the Czech king and Roman emperor Charles IV precisely for storing the crown jewels and holy relics. Guided tours will take you to the Royal Palace, Treasury and Jewel Hall, the place where you will also find St. Wenceslas’ crown. Be sure to visit the Great Tower with the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Its unique ornamental interior, decorated in gold and precious stones and 129 panel paintings by Master Theodoric, dating back to the 14^th century is unmatched in Europe.

A similar precious jewel such as the Crown Jewels, however a larger one, can be found in a castle and chateau in Bečov nad Teplou. In 1985 a tremendously precious Romanesque relic case was discovered there under the floor of the chapel: St. Maurus Reliquary. The wonderful artistic work is a unique object of world renown probably created in the early 13th century in the Belgian town of Florennes. You can admire the reliquary taking a special guided tour rounded off by the display if the precious original object is in the vault.

Czech Treasure Labelled by UNESCO

However, there are many more jewels to be found in the Czech Republic: its chateaux and castles included in UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage list. There are several UNESCO sights that you can visit in the Czech Republic. If you come to the South Bohemian town of Český Krumlov and visit its chateau and castle, don't forget to visit the baroque theatre, too. It was ceremoniously opened in 1766 and survived in the original state, including stage equipment, set pieces, costumes and decorations.

Another UNESCO site is the South Moravian town of Telč. Its beautiful main square (Zachariáš z Hradce Square), fringed by burgher houses with arcades and ornamental gables, has a unique fairytale atmosphere. The western part of the square features a remarkable chateau, often referred to as the jewel of Renaissance architecture. A guided tour will take you to its presentable halls with preserved diamond vaults, coffered ceilings and original ornamental decorations.

Lovers of Renaissance will enjoy the chateau of Litomyšl with a beautiful arcade courtyard. Its walls and chimneys are decorated with sgraffiti consisting of eight thousand envelopes and considered one of the most beautiful examples of sgraffiti to be found in Central Europe. And again, there is a rare chateau theatre featuring unique set pieces and decorations. Climbing the chateau tower and descending to its cellars will be worth the effort! The Archbishop's Palace in Kroměříž is also listed by UNESCO and can boast its “Podzámecká” and “Květná” gardens. A baroque chateau in Valtice, the neogothic chateau of Lednice, the artificial castle ruin of Janohrad and a hunting summer residence called Rendez-vous, resembling a Roman triumphal arch: these are the main attractions of the Lednice-Valtice complex. This area is nicknamed “The Garden of Europe” and was listed by UNESCO as one of the largest artificial landscapes in Europe.

Fairytale Chateaux and Castles of the Czech Republic

However, there are destinations other than the crowded UNESCO sights that regularly rank among the top Czech chateaux and castles in many surveys. One of them is Bouzov Castle. Even though its look as we know it today was designed by the Order of Teutonic Knights at the turn of the 19^th and 20^th centuries, it is considered an example of a genuine fairytale castle by many visitors. It’s no wonder it is loved by film makers and has featured in a number of fairytale movies.

The chateau of Hradec nad Moravicí also looks like a fairytale manor, with its Empire-style White Chateau, pseudo-gothic Red Chateau with White Tower and a vast park. When taking a guided tour you will hear many famous names such as L. van Beethoven, W. A. Mozart, N. Paganini and F. Liszt who stayed there as guests.

The Buchlov castle dominates the mountain range of Chřiby and is one of the oldest and largest medieval castles in Moravia. It boasts period interior and displays collections of curiosities, vast natural and Egyptology collections. A room displaying a mummy and the view of the castle tower are some of the greatest experiences you can look forward to.

Would you like to amaze your partner and spend Valentine’s Day in an original, unforgettable way? Come and celebrate the day of lovers in the Czech Republic. The wide range of Valentine’s packages will definitely not disappoint you.

A Fairytale in a Chateau

If you love history or like to indulge in luxury, spend St. Valentine’s Day in one of the Czech and Moravian chateaux. You will enjoy a fairytale romance there. For example, Loučeň chateau, located about 50 kilometres from Prague, offers exquisite suites for couples in love.You will also enjoy a historical atmosphere in one of the suites at the baroque chateau of Jemniště, situated in Central Bohemia.

You can stay there in lovely little houses right in the courtyard. Apart from your love, there will be a fireplace to warm you and you will get your breakfast served in a wicker basket directly to your apartment.

The chateau of Zbiroh offers real chateau comfort to its visitors, too.The Neo-Renaissance chateau overlooking the woods of the Brdy Mountains, situated on the route between Prague and the town of Plzeň, offers its guests fifty hotel rooms in the chateau chambers themselves. They are decorated with antique furniture complying with European standards. The chateau’s historical exposition is open to visitors throughout the whole year. Additionally, “Medieval” evenings are prepared for visitors every Monday.

You can get pampered at the hunting chateau of Mcely, situated in Central Bohemia near the town of Mladá Boleslav. They are preparing a special Valentine’s Day menu for you. The chef working at the chateau of Mcely cooks according to old recipes of the first owners of the chateau, the family of Thurn-Taxis, and the chateau restaurant ranks among the top ten restaurants in the Czech Republic. The chateau’s specialties also feature a pearl massage.

Lovers of old movies will definitely feel at home at the hotel Chateau Kotěra in the town of Ratiboř near Kolín. The hotel was built and decorated in the second decade of the 20th century by the founder of Czech modern architecture, Jan Kotěra, and offers a Valentine’s Day package for couples in love. It includes a three-course dinner with a quality wine, a bottle of sparkling wine and a flower for the lady.

Valentine’s Day for Adventurers

Enjoy St. Valentine’s Day skiing in the Czech mountains. It is a well-known fact that endorphins, a hormone for happiness, are released during sports activities. A number of hotels in Czech mountain winter centres, such as in the ranges of Šumava or the Giant Mountains (Krkonoše), have prepared special offer packages for those in love. You can also stay right in a lookout tower and your Valentine’s Day experience will definitely surpass your expectations: Ještěd tower in the heart of the Jizerské Mountains or the tower hotel situated on Praděd mountain in the North Moravian range called Jeseníky will offer you an exquisite view of snowy mountain panoramas.

Spa Romance

Do you like to pamper yourself? Visit one of the Czech spas on St. Valentine’s Day! They will indulge you in the spa town of Františkovy Lázně, for instance, and a wellness service package awaits you in Spa House Fortuna, among others. A special Valentine’s Day wellness package with chocolate and honey massages has also been prepared for the guests of the Kriváň Hotel, situated in the spa town of Mariánské Lázně. A number of relaxation and wellness stays for couples are also offered in hotels in the town of Luhačovice, located in East Moravia. A St. Valentine’s Day relaxation programme full of massages and spas is offered for couples in the hotel of “Zámeček”, situated in the Central Bohemian spa town of Poděbrady. Nevertheless, these are just a few examples that might captivate you – you will find a full list of spa towns in the Czech Republic offering therapy and wellness stays at www.czecot.com.

Saint Valentine’s Day in Prague and UNESCO Towns

Mysterious places in the historical part of Prague are perfect for romantic strolls hand in hand. Local cafés or a romantic boat cruise on the river Vltava will also charm you. In case you prefer smaller towns, visit the picturesque town of Český Krumlov, situated in South Bohemia. Its unique chateau complex registered on UNESCO’s world heritage list will definitely fascinate you, as well as its amazing lanes. For romantic souls, we recommend visiting the so called “Moravian Venice”, which is a nickname for the beautiful town of Telč, located on the border between South Bohemia and the Czech Moravian Highlands. Its fairytale character has been appreciated by a number of film directors, Italian masters of architecture as well as UNESCO.

All Czech rivers have their own unforgettable charm. The Berounka runs gently and quietly through forested valleys and is ideal for beginners and families with children. The rapids of the Sázava will give water sportsmen a hard time and test the skills of both rowers to manoeuvre the boat among the rocks. The longest Czech river, the Vltava, also has numerous rapids. Lovers of unspoilt countryside will appreciate its upper reaches flowing through the Šumava National Park. But which river is the right one for a summer trip in search of adventure and romance?

This question was answered in a questionnaire prepared by the CzechTourism agency on the portal www.tipsfortrips.cz. Readers voted in the poll from 20 July to 6 August 2010 and in doing so compiled a ranked list of the most popular Czech rivers for water sports enthusiasts. The Sázava, voted for by 30% of the 1,370 voters, won by a landslide as it took the title of most romantic Czech river. The Berounka, a fixed star among popular touristic rivers, placed second with 22% of the vote, while the Vltava surprisingly lagged far behind those water sports hits with only 9%.

1. Sázava – the most romantic Czech river

The Sázava is a permanent fixture of summer canoeing, rafting and kayaking, with difficulty levels suitable for all paddlers. The challenging Stvořidla rapids rage on the upper stream, giving way to calmer waters with romantic creeks well-suited for a summer dip. Navigating the river is facilitated by weirs with sluices, which make the journey more exciting. The popular section between Týnec nad Vltavou and Pikovice was selected by readers as the most beautiful stretch of the Sázava. This section is well-known for its many beautiful, long rapids of varying difficulty, depending on the water level. Despite there being a relatively high number of boats on the river, the weirs do not get congested and thus everyone has a chance to enjoy a peaceful and quiet voyage. In Týnec nad Vltavou, be sure to visit the Romanesque rotunda on the site of the local castle which provides refuge for a colony of greater mouse-eared bats.

2. Berounka – the river made famous thanks by writer and passionate fisherman Ota Pavel

The Berounka is a river that never disappoints. One cannot expect to find difficult rapids, but it has plenty of water throughout the year and even beginners and families with children can navigate it without problems. The river typically is not crowded and thus guarantees privacy in the beautiful countryside around the Plzeň region in the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area. Berounka was also loved by the Czech writer Ota Pavel. The river is bordered by high cliffs, grassy banks and quiet pools. In autumn and spring, however, the otherwise calm and quiet river turns wild and has much to offer more experienced paddlers seeking an adrenaline adventure. You can spice up your outdoor enjoyment by exploring some of the countless cultural landmarks in the surrounding area: two castle ruins – Libštejn and Krakovec; the Křivoklát and Karlštejn castles; and the town of Nižbor, home of the world-famous Rückl Crystal glass factory.

3. Vltava – boaters’ choice

The most visited river in the Czech Republic is navigable all year round starting below the Lipno Dam. One of the most beautiful stretches can be found on the upper reaches of Teplá Vltava in Šumava National Park. Here the river flows through an unspoiled landscape graced by kingfishers and high banks lined in spring with the fragrant flowers of meadow plants. The sandy subsoil also guarantees clear water. River navigation, however, is regulated by the National Park Administration and it may sometimes be difficult to obtain a permit. The lower stream starting from Vyšší Brod, on the other hand, is navigable without any problems. Due to its popularity, long lines of boats may form on the river. In Vyšší Brod, you can freshen yourself up in the cool halls of a Gothic monastery or in a microbrewery. You can visit the Rožmberk Castle, the town of Český Krumlov, the Zlatá Koruna (“Golden Crown”) monastery and the ruins of the Dívčí Kámen (“Maiden’s Stone”) castle.

4. Lužnice – one of the most popular rivers

Lužice ranks among the most frequently run rivers and passes along beautiful countryside and historical towns. Due to mosquitoes, the river may be less pleasant near its upper reaches in the Novořecké marshlands and in the area of Stará Řeka flowing into the Rožmberk Pond. The most popular section with paddlers, from Tábor to Bechyně, however, does not attract mosquitoes and, what’s more, offers a swift current. The river leads from Bechyně along steep forested slopes to Koloděje nad Lužnicí, where the swelling of the Orlík dam begins, and on to Týn nad Vltavou, just before which the river flows into the Vltava. On the upper course of the Lužice you can visit the Jemčina Chateau, while Rožmberk Castle in Soběslav and the Hussite town of Tábor can be found on the lower reaches. The river passes under the Empire-style Stádlecký bridge, the last of its kind in Europe. Another unique sight is the Duhový most (“Rainbow Bridge”) on the outskirts of the town of Bechyně.

5. Morava – the beaver river

The lower stretch of the Morava River forms part of the border between the Czech Republic and Slovakia and between Slovakia and Austria. The interesting sections of this river include its upper and central course ending in Olomouc at the latest and the stretch between Břeclav and its confluence with the Danube. Paddlers may struggle with fallen trees, impassable weirs, shallow sandbars and mosquitoes in the Litovelské Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area. The untouched island near Litovel, however, is particularly popular with beavers, whose complex dams can be admired only from the boat. Shoals with bird nests also form in the river bed and it is prohibited to enter such sites. The central and lower stream of the Morava is suitable even for absolute beginners. Besides beavers, otters and rare species of birds, the river also is home to some 60 species of fish. The banks are teeming with large colourful carpets of snowdrops, anemones and irises. The Přemyslid Castle in Olomouc and the aviation museum are among the cultural attractions.

6. Otava – a river less travelled

The Otava originates at the confluence of the Křemelná and Vydra mountain streams below Čeňkova pila (“Čeněk’s Sawmill”) in Šumava. It runs past amazing natural sceneries and such beautiful historical towns as Sušice, Horažďovice, Strakonice and Písek. The river offers sporting enjoyment for both experienced paddlers and beginners. Most of the weirs are passable and the number of tourists stays at a bearable level. The most interesting part for experienced paddlers runs from Čeněk’s Sawmill to Sušice where the river drops by a full 48 metres. The forested river valley hides stones as well as large boulders. One disadvantage of this route is the necessity to check the water level, which must reach 50 cm at Čeněk’s Sawmill. One can admire the stately Rabí Castle, however, from a boat or dry land, while in the nearby town of Horažďovice you will find the Červená brána (the “Red Gate”), the second oldest preserved city gate in Bohemia. After that you can stop by the Strakonice Castle and the town of Písek, home of the oldest Czech stone bridge. The last stop, at the confluence of the Otava and Vltava, is the Zvíkov Castle.

7. Ohře – the fourth longest river in the Czech Republic

Although the Ohře runs through the countryside quite quickly, paddlers are not very fond of it for its high number of impassable and dangerous weirs. The most popular stretch for paddling takes you from Loket to Klášterec nad Ohří. There the river flows nicely between forests and meadows. The route is also lined with the Paddler’s Trail, which informs paddlers about the river, cultural sights and accommodation possibilities, as the Ohře runs through several protected areas where free camping is prohibited. The most precious gems along the Ohře River include the Loket Castle; the granite towers of the Svatoš Rocks, measuring up to 50 metres high; and the most visited spa town of Karlovy Vary. If an exhibition of porcelain appeals to you, then you will surely be pleased by the Klášterec nad Ohří Chateau.

8. Jizera – a river of many faces

The Jizera is a large mountain river and is preferred by paddlers seeking more demanding courses. Experienced paddlers will appreciate the stretch between Semily, Bítouchov and Podspálov. The entire upper stretch of the river is surrounded by forests. Further on, the river runs through meadows with willow bushes and sandy pools where trout bask. The river runs swiftly as far as Turnov, after which it turns into a lowland river with a gentle stream which becomes faster only before flowing into the Elbe past Benátky. The only disadvantage is the amount of impassable weirs. In Železný Brod you can admire traditional glass-making. The rocky castle of Vranov – Pantheon is a popular tourist attraction.

9. Ploučnice – paddling through the wilderness

Until recently, the Ploučnice had been hidden in a military area and therefore remained wholly untouched by civilization. During the first few kilometres of the river, the paddler is surrounded by the narrow riverbed of the Ploučnice Gap cut between two rocks, nicknamed the Devil’s Throat (“Pekelný jícen”). After squeezing through this tunnel, all that remains is a drop into a pool. Then the river meanders through the former Ralsko military area, where paddlers will pass among willows and other plants. Free from any damming, the river flows quite fast as far as Brenná near Česká Lípa. Ploučnice is navigable throughout the year down to Benešov nad Ploučnicí due, in particular, to its spring, which is noted as the most abundant in Central Europe. In the town of Mimoň, you can visit the Municipal Museum, while still other sights can be found in Česká Lípa, where the water castle of Lipý is situated. You can bid your last farewell to the river at the Děčín Chateau, which overlooks the confluence of the Elbe and Ploučnice from a high cliff.

Voting paddlers added to the questionnaire their own suggestions for other attractive Czech rivers

The Odra River in the Moravian-Silesian region was very popular. It flows through the Poodří Protected Landscape Area and features many rapids. Its banks are lined with stands of beech trees over 150 years old. Many paddlers were keen on the undemanding East Bohemian river Orlice with its many wonderful beaches and clay banks, running through the nature park of the same name. Its two tributaries, the Tichá and Divoká Orlice, also are appealing for kayakers when the water level is high. Many water-sport enthusiasts have discovered the Bílina River, which has a sufficient water level throughout the year. Most of these “independent votes”, meaning 16 out of 117, were granted to the larger, multi-country Elbe River rising in the heart of Krkonoše Mountains. Readers clearly were fascinated by the stretch on the upper reaches from Vrchlabí to Jaroměř as well as by romantic sightseeing cruises onboard steamboats.