The 14 most beautiful places to visit in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic, a small treasure of Eastern Europe, is still unknown to tourists and is not just summed up in Prague. Here are the most beautiful places in the Czech Republic that you must see!

Overflowing with history and natural beauties, the Czech Republic houses a multitude of national parks, beautiful small towns and medieval castles. The country is best known for its magnificent and enchanting capital, Prague. However stopping at this Bohemian city would be a shame as the Chequia is full of fabulous sites. Discover our list of the most beautiful places to visit in the Czech Republic, no doubt that after your reading, you will only have a desire: to visit the Czech Republic and make sure in person that it is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe – which we are certain of.

1. Prague, the capital

It is called the city with 100 bells, but it is said from Prague that it is the mother of all the cities. In the heart of Europe, the capital of the Czech Republic has a tumultuous history that fascinates travellers from all over the world. Wherever we are in the city, it is impossible to miss its imposing silhouette: the Prague Castle .

2. Krkonoše National Park

It is in the Krkonoše National Park that you will find the highest mountains to visit in the Czech Republic. The Krkonoše National Park is known for its unique landscapes and its decline of preserved ecosystems, from the alpine plain to the slopes of altitude and the tundra – such a unique feature that the park has been listed since 1992 as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

The small town of Pec pod Sněžkou represents the perfect base to explore the park and its highest point: Sněžka, accessible by cable car or by hiking, a trail allows you to access it through the Obří Důl valley. You will be rewarded with breathtaking landscapes and a panoramic view of the Czech Republic and Poland.

3. Český Krumlov

In the South of Bohemia is the fairytale town of Český Krumlov – a picturesque and historic city that UNESCO has listed as a World Heritage site. The small town is located around and within a Vltava arm, surmounted by a magnificent 13th century castle – a mix between Gothic style, Renaissance and baroque. If you want to discover and visit the Czech Republic, Český Krumlov is a must!

4. Castle of Karlštejn

Originally built in 1348 under the direction of Charles IV, king of Bohemia and Germanic Roman Emperor, the castle of Karlštejn was first a privileged residence for the king before becoming the safe place where the jewels of the crown, sacred relics and royal treasures were preciously kept.

Rebuilt at the end of the 19th century and renovated by architect Josef Mocker in a pure neo-Gothic style, the castle has acquired its charm of fairy tale and has become one of the most visited castles in the country. The visitor can discover the five floors of the imperial palace as well as the chapel of the Sacred Cross, which includes 129 paintings on panels of the famous Gothic artist Theodoric.

5. Czech Switzerland

Considered one of the most beautiful in the country, this national park houses breathtaking ravines, deep valleys and other amazing stone labyrinths. The river that runs through the park is navigable with a small boat, a perfect way to discover and explore it. Visiting the Czech Republic without passing through Bohemia Switzerland is impossible!

6. Kutná Hora

Located north of Prague, the town of Kutná Hora was famous in the Middle Ages for its silver mines, from which up to a third of European production came out. They financed the construction of magnificent churches, monuments and houses, which are now listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The most famous, magnificent and surprising are the Church of St. Bart, the Ossuary of Sedlec and the Jesuit College, today a museum of modern art.

7. Karlovy Vary

Western Bohemia gems, Karlovy Vary is known for its magnificent spas and the green countryside around her. It is the second most visited place in the Czech Republic, thanks to its sumptuous architecture, its monuments and its muddy culture. A former holiday resort, frequented by the European elite before the First World War, walking around the city allows to admire the history through the colonnades and amazing churches of the late 19th century. Karlovy Vary also hosts annual events such as its Food Festival or its Czech Film Festival. And especially, visiting the city will surely bring you to try the famous Karlovy Vary spas!

8. Český ráj

In the north of the Czech Republic lies the Paradise of Bohemia, known for its rock cities, sets of various and varied rock formations: towers, needles, stone blocks. The best known and most beautiful is Hruboskalsko, a formidable and extraordinary rock formation composed of hundreds of sandstone towers eroded over time. Some towers reach the 55 meters, making it a destination popular both by climbers and visitors.

9. Brno

The second city of the Czech Republic, the city is rich in a grandiose historical and cultural heritage. It becomes increasingly popular with tourists year after year. After Prague, why not visit the capital of Moravia? Špilberk Castle or St. Peter’s Cathedral deserves a look.

10. The wine route of Mikulov

If you are looking for a hike in the middle of nature in the Czech Republic that will lead you through the Moravian vineyards, the Mikulov wine region is the perfect place. Located in South Moravia, this wine route is accessible both on foot and by bike and will make you cross so many picturesque towns, as the hills of Pálava and even the water reservoir of Nové Mlýny – of course, you can stop on the way to taste the famous Morave wines produced in the region. The city of Mikulov, charming and increasingly popular, can serve as a starting point and base camp to discover the South Moravia.

11. Punkva Caves

Discovered in the early 20th century by Karel Absolon, Punkva caves are a system of underground caves in the Morave Karst. They are located an hour's drive north of Brno, second city of Chequia. It is possible to visit them on foot, to discover the immense stalagmites and stalactites of the preserved site, as well as deep and breathtaking gorges. A boat ride in the river at the bottom of the Punkva caves will allow you to discover sites like the Masaryk Cave, one of the most beautiful in the region.

12. Castle of Konopiště

Nestled on the heights of Benešov in the Czech Republic, Konopiště Castle was originally a fabulous Gothic-style fortress, created to defend the city of attacks. Today, it is recognized for its current baroque style, the result of the many renovations of the 18th century. The castle is also known for being the residence of the Archduke François-Ferdinand, a heir to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and who died murdered in 1914 – an event that provoked and led to the First World War. The castle of Konopiště offers a tour of the private rooms of the Duke, as well as the surrounding lands: rose garden, lake and paons free – a soothing and picturesque setting.

13. Šumava National Park

Also one of the few UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in Europe, Šumava offers hikes in the middle of nature, punctuated with exhibitions and information points to learn more about the region, but also camping areas, ski hikes or boat rentals to explore the three rivers that cross the park – one of them being the magnificent Vltava, which runs to Prague.

14. České Budějovice

Located in South Bohemia, the city of České Budějovice perfectly represents the calm and serenity of Bohemian. Rich in prestigious institutions, such as the Academy of Sciences or its University, the city also has picturesque historical monuments that you can admire through its centre and its main square.

What to do in the Czech Republic? What to visit? We hope that with this list of the 14 most beautiful places to visit in the Czech Republic we have perfectly answered these questions that you ask yourself. Do you know other places to discover in this country?

Main photo credit: Pixabay – MurderousPass