5 Reasons to Visit the Czech Republic (and what to do there)

The Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is a picturesque country in Central Europe that offers stunning landscapes, hearty cuisine, world-famous beer, and tranquil spas. From its capital city, Prague, all the way to the interior, the country is basking in rich history and serene nature. Here are five reasons to visit the Czech Republic.

World-Famous Czech Beer

There is probably no beer connoisseur in the world who has not tried some of the famous Czech export. The city of Ceske Budejovice is home to Budweiser. It is located roughly 150 kilometers south of Prague. The Budweiser Budwar Brewery organizes tours for beer drinking experts as well as novices. A guide will acquaint you with the history of the brewery as well as how the entire process of beer making works. Of course, you will also get to try some. At the end of the tour, you can buy some souvenirs as well. There are around 400 breweries in the small country, so trying a single glass from each would take you for more than a year.

If you happen to visit in May, check out the Czech Beer Festival in Prague, which is the largest beer festival in the country.

More than 900 Castles

The rich history of the Czech Republic is the main reason why many tourists visit. Prague, the most recognizable Czech city, attracts tourists from all over the world. According to the Guinness Book of Records, Prague Castle is the world’s largest. The complex includes several churches, towers, palaces, and gardens. Some of its halls are used for events, some of which recreate some of the thousand-year-old charm that the castle possesses.

Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic and the largest in the Moravia region. Spilberk Castle is located on an elevation above the city proper. It was built in the 13^th century by King Otokar II of Bohemia. The castle is now home to the Brno City Museum. Another glorious castle built in the 13^th century is Haunstejn. Located in the Usti nad Labem region, it is now in the property of the Palacky family, who are the descendants of Frantisek Palacky, one of the founding fathers of the Czech Republic.

Mountaineering

The Czech Republic is replete with mountains, so there are many attractive locations for tourists looking for adrenaline-fueled sports or a serene connection to the outdoors. The Krkonose (or giant mountains) are located on the Czech-Polish border. The highest point of the Czech Republic, Sneska, is located there. On both sides of the border, you can find several national parks. The Czech Krkonose national park was founded in 1963 and is the oldest in the country. The mountain was a popular tourist destination, which dates back to the 19^th century. Today, most visitors come for the winter sports and mountain biking. For those who would like to climb on their own, there are the Adrspach-Teplice rocks in northern Bohemia. The area is a bit shrouded in mystery and full of lakes and waterfalls. Perfect for a day exploring the outdoors.

Czech Cuisine

You have to eat. And after imbibing copious amounts of beer, you’ll be best served to soak some of it up. The beer just makes every meal a bit better. Whether you are a fan of street food or splendid restaurants, traditional Czech cuisine is available at every corner. For example, svickova na smetane (beef sirloin in a cream sauce) is a very popular Czech dish. It typically includes vegetables such as celery, carrots, and parsley and is mixed with spices. The most popular restaurants tend to be located in the center of Prague. Although Prague is more affordable than the Western European capitals, centrally located restaurants tend to be the most expensive. In the Kolkovna, you can order svickova na smetane and pair it with some traditional Czech wine. For dessert, try medovnik, which is a cake made up of several layers of honey and hazelnuts (a quintessentially Czech way to end an evening).

Spas

If you want to relax after all these activities, take a quick trip down to one of the Czech Republic’s numerous spas. Karlovy Vary is the most popular. Located roughly 120 kilometers north-west of Prague, this spa was a place of rest for many famous people during modern history. It has thirteen main springs and is surrounded by woods. There are many hotels to choose from as well as hundreds of treatments to enjoy.

Around 50 kilometers south from Karlovy Vary is Marianske Lazne, which is another popular spa. It is one of the youngest spa towns in the Czech Republic and was visited by the likes of Winston Churchill, Franz Joseph I and Edward VII. If you enjoy rural tourism, check out Velike Losiny, which is a spa village located in the north-east of the country.