Experiences in Czech Republic

Renaissance Litomyšl Chateau and its underground
Do you like exploring Czech castles and châteaux? Visit Litomyšl, a historic town in East Bohemia. The local chateau is a unique Renaissance building particularly thanks to its original sgraffito decorations on the façade and gables. If you want to see the interior of the chateau, you can choose from several guided tours. It is only up to you if you are more interested in the chateau chapel, the representative halls with a theatre, or the guest rooms. The chateau theatre from the 19th century boasts a lot of preserved decorations, including the stage machinery and the lighting technology. When touring the chateau, do not forget to go to the second floor where you can see the artworks of Czech artists such as Josef Čapek or Josef Lada. Those who are a little braver can visit the underground with a secret passageway, the purpose of which is still unclear to this day. There, you can admire the brick vault, as well as the wine gallery and a permanent exhibition.

Explore all the beauty of the chateau hill
Everyone can find something for themselves in the large chateau area. Explore the chateau garden, the cathedral, brewery, stables, the carriage house or the riding school. They are all near the chateau and you can visit them all in a single day. The chateau hill includes a reconstructed brewery from 1630, where famous opera composer Bedřich Smetana was born. There is an exposition that commemorates the composer’s childhood in Litomyšl. There is also the Baroque Piarist Church of the Discovery of the Holy Cross that has been reconstructed. It now serves as a concert hall and an exhibition hall. The footbridge that connects the church towers inside the church offers a beautiful view of the organ and the bronze tomb.

A romantic refuge in the monastery gardens
The town with amazing old and contemporary architecture and a peaceful life brings relief and peace to one’s soul. Therefore, Litomyšl was declared to be the first Czech soul spa in 2012. Walk through the Monastery Gardens near the Piarist Church that are open all year round and offer a beautiful view of the historic centre thanks to their elevated location. There are no restrictions in the gardens, you can sit down and relax on a blanket. Quiet classical music will accompany you. When wandering through the chateau gardens, you will definitely notice the fountain with charming sculptures by Olbram Zoubek.

A tribute to Bedřich Smetana
Litomyšl is linked to many famous personalities in Czech music, literature and art. Authors Božena Němcová and Alois Jirásek lived there. However, the most prominent personality is music composer Bedřich Smetana. You can see his name at one of the squares, the theatre building and the most important classical music festival. Smetanovo Square is lined with houses with Baroque, Classicist and Empire style façades. It takes ten minutes to walk from the square to Smetana’s house, which is more than 150 years old. Smetana’s Litomyšl, the second largest music festival in the Czech Republic, is one of the regular classical music festivals. The festival has hosted the greatest musicians and conductors who pay a tribute to both Czech and international classical music. The festival takes place in the beautiful area of the Litomyšl Chateau.

Portmoneum – Josef Váchal’s Museum
Those who like rarities should not miss Portmoneum, a museum of graphic designer and author Josef Váchal, with unique murals. The former home of his friend Josef Portmon is decorated by many murals from Váchal’s distinct mystical world and fantasy. There are images of devils, gnomes and ghosts with classic Christian motifs and references to Hinduism.

The perfect combination of architecture, nature and superb wine
Chateau Lednice gained its ostentatious neo-Gothic appearance thanks to conversion in the middle of the 19th century. At that time, it was used for summer meetings of the European aristocracy. The other chateau – Valtice – was the spectacular residence of the Austrian and Moravian Lords of Lichtenstein. It is known not only for its beauty, but also the long tradition of winemaking. Grape vines were brought here by the Roman legion of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, who regarded the area of Pálava as suitable for cultivation of wine. You can thus enjoy not only a unique cultural experience, but also a glass of superb Moravian wine in the Wine Salon here.

Off to find a minaret? Off to find a minaret!
The park here, surrounding both chateaux, is one of the most luxurious landscapes in Europe. You can admire the landscaped countryside here with its many fishponds covered with water lilies, green forests, meadows full of flowers and rare tree species. To please and surprise the guests, Viennese architects incorporated many small romantic buildings into the landscape, which lend the place a unique character. You can thus climb to the top of a minaret that is 60 m high, which offers an unforgettable view over the whole complex, have a pleasant picnic by the “Rendez-vous” hunting chateau or take a trip on a boat right up to the ruins of “John’s Castle”. If you enjoy cycling, you can take a leisurely trip through the chateau park here by bike.

Where else to set out for?
Not far from the Lednice-Valtice Complex is the royal town of Mikulov, which is dominated by a chateau set on a rocky cliff and is inherently linked to high quality Moravian wine. You can also spice up your stay with a trip to the Moravian capital Brno, where you must not fail to visit Villa Tugendhat – the only Czech monument to modern architecture to be included in the UNESCO list.

Hanička artillery fort hidden under the ground
Whilst wandering around the Orlické Mountains, you must not forget to visit Hanička Fort, which belonged to the system of pre-war fortifications in Czechoslovakia. The artillery fort, which now serves as a museum, was secretly converted into a nuclear bunker in the 1970s. Under the fortress, at a depth of 20 to 36 m below the surface, is an intricate network of corridors, shafts, a unique water treatment plant, ammunition warehouses, dining halls and barracks for the men. The tour ends on the combat level of the surface of the building, where you again reach the surface via 126 steps. The temperature under the ground is 5 – 8 degrees, so we recommend warm clothing and suitable footwear. You can also walk the six-kilometre nature trail which passes by the light military fortification buildings in the area around Olešnice.

Extensive collections of pictures and weapons in Opočno
The collection of historical monuments, which is part of the complex of Chateau Opočno, stands testament to the way of life here in ages past, the sophistication and thinking of Bohemian society. Opočno Chateau will astound you with its three stories of arcade loggia in a rectangular shape. You can admire the well-preserved historical interiors here, which hold extensive collections of pictures and weapons or have a walk in the naturally landscaped park which surrounds the chateau. If you would like to get to know crafts long forgotten, all you have to do is visit the Letohrad Craft Museum. Board games, building sets, tin soldiers or trains are hidden away in the Museum of Toys in Rychnov nad Kněžnou.

Where else to set out for?
If browsing historical gems would wear you out, set out for Hradec Králové with its dominant feature, the White Tower. You can visit the local observatory and planetarium, the botanical gardens, or get to know the Hučák hydroelectric power plant, the Art Nouveau building of which stands proudly on the River Elbe.

A trio of towns with an unmatched feel
The famous West Bohemian spa triangle, made up of the towns of Karlovy Vary, Františkovy lázně and Mariánské Lázně, enjoys special status in the Czech spa industry. Candidates for inclusion by UNESCO on its world cultural heritage list, these three towns still display the magnificence and grandeur of the spa’s golden age. The region also boasts other spas at Kynžvart and the first radon spa in the world at Jáchymov.

Let yourself be pampered…
The West Bohemian spa triangle is an area to which people from around the world have come for centuries to recharge their batteries, unwind and breathe fresh life into fatigued frames. Thanks to the area’s mineral-rich springs, whose waters possess medicinal qualities, people come to treat problems with the muscular-skeletal system, the cardiovascular system and infertility. Between spa procedures you can enjoy a round of golf, take a bike ride or head out for some horse riding. You can also just have a relaxing stroll in the shade of the colonnades or try some of the local specialities such as herb liqueur and spa wafers.

Where next?
West Bohemia isn’t just about famous spa towns. You can combine a visit with a trip to many other historical towns, among which medieval Cheb is one of the finest. The Plzeň Region, and in particular the city of Plzeň, has been lauded around the world for its unsurpassed beer.

Museum Fotoateliér Seidel – In the footprints of photographic beginnings
Welcome to a museum where time has stopped. The museum is dedicated to two great photographers, Josef and František Seidel. Enter and get immersed in the atmosphere of old negatives and the story of the beginning of photography. The exposition of the studio is very authentic and includes glass negatives, old cameras as well as photographs from the chronicles of the Czech-German-Austrian borderland from the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. This unique collection is even more attractive thanks to the personal journals of the father and son, their notes, books of customers as well as the original furnishings of the flat.

Egon Schiele Art Centrum – A place filled with art
Egon Schiele was an Austrian painter and graphic artist, and a student of the famous Gustav Klimt. An expressionist in whose work we can find provocative nudities, portraits of cities and own portraits. He used to live and work in Český Krumlov as it was the place where his mother came from. The Art Centrum, founded after the fall of the Iron Curtain, documents his life and work on an area of three thousand square metres, in the premises of a former 16th century brewery. In addition to Schiele’s work, there are also exhibitions of classic and world art of the 20th century, and a traditional café with Czech specialties for artists.

Český Krumlov Castle and Chateau – One of the most visited places in the Czech Republic
A castle or a chateau? That is what makes this architectural monument, soaring over Český Krumlov, unique. The original ground plan, construction as well as the interior installation shows the construction development from the 14th to the 19th century, and therefore you can enjoy both a medieval castle and a spectacular Renaissance residence. At present, there are many tourist attractions in the compound that are worth seeing. In addition to the guided tours, we also recommend visiting the exposition of the Castle Museum, which will take you through the times of prominent noblemen and the valuable chateau depositary. You can climb up the round chateau tower and look at the Šumava countryside! You can try working with hot iron in the blacksmith’s workshop under the supervision of an experienced blacksmith, and do not forget to see the bear moat! It is currently occupied by a bear called Maria Theresa.

Inner Town, Latrán and Museums for Children and Adults Alike – In the footprints of urban architecture
When visiting Český Krumlov, take a stroll through the inner town, completely surrounded with the meanders of the Vltava River, connected to the other districts with three bridges. The painted houses lining the square of náměstí Svornosti look like a movie set. There are Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque houses there. The wide façade of the Renaissance town hall or the hexagonal stone fountain built in the 19th century around the plague column dedicated to the Virgin Mary are also worth seeing. You can additionally visit the Torture Museum with an exposition of naturalistic macabre figurines. When travelling with children, take them to the Fairy-tale House, where there are three hundred historic puppets on display. And if you are on a stroll through Krumlov, take a detour to Latrán, another historic district. It is located in the outer bailey, north of the inner town, connected with a wooden bridge, called Lazebnický.

Vltava – The omnipresent quiet partner
The Vltava River. A paradise for fans of water sports, both experienced and lay. Its bottom stream, navigable all year round, offers peaceful wandering through the Šumava National Park, the Lipno water dam, the torn canyon under the Devil’s Wall and the deep valley of the České Budějovice basin. Český Krumlov is a town built on the river that used to be an important trading path. The river belongs to the town and wherever you go, you will always hear its peaceful ripples. Romantics will definitely enjoy the view of Krumlov from the river surface, such as on a wooden raft illuminated with candlewood in the dusk. You will feel as if you were in Venice! Or even better.

Tips for Trips around Český Krumlov
You will remember the romantic area with a breath-taking chateau in Hluboká nad Vltavou for a long time. The same applies to the village of Holašovice, famous for its unique buildings built in the folk baroque style in the 1870s. One of the most significant cultural monuments in South Bohemia is the only operating Cistercian monastery in the Czech Republic, which can be found in Vyšší Brod. Visitors can participate in the Tridentine mass every day. We also recommend visiting the Zlatá koruna monastery, one of the most valuable compounds of Gothic architecture in Central Europe.

Wait for the sunset!
Immediately after having passed through the massive gate known as Špička, you will find yourself in a world where history is still a living thing. Your steps will then lead you right to the dominant feature of the whole complex, the Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul, modified in a neo-Gothic style. Another real experience for you will be sitting on the local battlements over the River Vltava, from where you can watch a magical sunset over the silhouette of Prague Castle opposite.

A place where the Czech greats rest
The world famous composers Antonín Dvořák and Bedřich Smetana, the opera singer Emma Destinnová or the romantic poet Karel Hynek Mácha – these are only a few of the greats who are buried in Slavín Cemetery at Vyšehrad. Here, you can visit a place where the Czech nation decided to bury the artists who have spread the good name of Czech culture around the world.

Nowhere else in the world
Under the massif of the Vyšehrad rocks, a true architectural gem awaits you. This is to say that the Czech Republic is the only country in the world where the style known as Cubism, which was originally a thing of artists, was successfully transposed into architecture. Along Rašínovo nábřeží you can thus see several Cubist villas decorated with typical geometric shapes, where you can engage your fantasy in a game of light and shadows.

UNESCO wherever you look…
The past has bequeathed the Vysočina Region many noteworthy places of interest. Three of these have been added to UNESCO’s esteemed list of world cultural heritage sites. The town of Telč is a well frequented place, and one which wows visitors with one of the most attractive squares in the country. Renaissance houses in a variety of pastel shades create a fairytale backdrop and a graceful chateau adds to the scene. The Church of St. John of Nepomuk at Zelená hora lures visitors with its mystical side and unusual architecture. The last of the region’s UNESCO sites are the pride of Třebíč which boasts a well preserved Jewish quarter.

Active breaks amid rugged landscapes
Nature has been generous to the Vysočina Region. On your way through the region you can discover curious peat bogs near Velké Dářko, climb rock formations such as Čtyři Palice (The Four Sledgehammers) and Devět skal (Nine Rocks) or lose yourself in the forests on Žákova Mountain. This serene landscape, whose beauty has been captured on canvas by a whole army of artists, including Kosárek and Jan Zrzavý, is the ideal stage for an activity holiday. The best place for a spot of cross-country skiing is the area around Nové Město na Moravě, often a venue for skiing competitions. If you prefer getting on your bike, hit the trail from Jihlava to the Austrian town of Raabs. For water sports head for Bystřicka, which in 2010 was declared a European EDENdestination of the highest quality. Large numbers of bridleways can be found around Žďár nad Sázavou.

Where next?
A break in the Vysočina Region can be combined with a trip to Brno, the capital of Moravia, where a must-see is the villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO-listed site. If you are into wild landscapes, head for the Czech Canada area. This region’s unfettered landscapes, many lakes, huge tracts of forest and its rather cold and bleak climate are responsible for its name.

Treasures of the past
The most important monument in Olomouc is the Holy Trinity Column standing in the central square. It represents the largest group of Baroque statues in one structure in Central Europe. You can gain a panoramic view of the column from the nearby Town Hall Tower. You can also enjoy its remarkable beauty whilst sitting in one of the cafes here. Apart from the many historical buildings, another interesting point about Olomouc is the astronomical clock, designed in the spirit of Socialist Realism. You can also discover the wealth of history here whilst taking a tour of the Olomouc Fortress, which was designed to stave off attacks by the enraged Prussian army thanks to its massive ramparts and extensive barracks.

In search of mysticism and wealth on the trail of a thousand years of history
Mythical princes and historically documented kings of the oldest of the Bohemian ruling families, the Přemysls – it is precisely in Olomouc that the era of their famous rule ended, when Wenceslas III was murdered here in 1306 and the family thus died out by the sword. Set out on their trail to the dominant feature made up of the three high towers of the Cathedral of St. Wenceslas rising up over the skyline of Olomouc and then continue on to the grounds of Olomouc Castle or to discover the richly decorated Archbishop’s Palace, the spectacular seat of the Archbishopric of Olomouc. And where can you go to find some important church history? Allow yourself to be blinded by the beauty of the treasures held in the Archdiocese Museum, founded on the instigation of John Paul II, or set out for peace and contemplation in the monumental pilgrimage site making up a dominant feature of Olomouc, Svatý Kopeček. Get to know spiritual equilibrium and material wealth face to face with a thousand years of history.

Where else to set out for?
A rest from the ostentation of the buildings in Olomouc is provided by the beautiful countryside of the Jeseníky Mountains. This picturesque mountain range is the ideal destination for an active holiday. Another historical gem to be found in Moravia is the city of Kroměříž, which thanks to its chateau and gardens has found its way onto the UNESCO list.

Try some flower therapy!
Velké náměstí is the centre of the city with its picturesque arcades and right next to it stands the Baroque Archbishop’s Chateau. The chateau is just as magnificent from the inside as it is from the outside. When you say the name Kroměříž, many Czechs instantly think of a multicoloured flood of flowers and exotic plants, elegant fountains or a snow-white colonnade. All of this will be offered to you by the unique Kroměříž Gardens and Castle, which have even been included in the UNESCO list.

Save on money, not experiences!
You can view lunettes by the leading Czech painter Max Švabinský in the complex of the former Franciscan monastery – nowadyas Hotel Octárna. They were originally intended for the National Theatre in Prague. A great way to get to know the unusual attractions in Kroměříž is the Via Artis ticket, which will allow you discount entry to the renowned local gallery, mint and exhibition of modern art.

All you have to do is take a seat…
If you want to really enjoy the magic of Kroměříž, take a seat in one of its parks and allow yourself to be carried away by the easy-going atmosphere. Kroměříž is a city of flowers, trees, water and elegant architecture, which will absolutely amaze you with its picturesque appearance.

Kašperk Castle
When you set out to reach Kašperk Castle on foot from the nearby town of Kašperské Hory, you’ll discover that it is rightly referred to as the highest-located royal castle in Bohemia. It is situated at an elevation of 886 metres above sea level, and you should brace yourselves for a long ascent. From Kašperk you will surely have one of the best views of the entire Šumava Mountains with their round hills and long valleys. Of the entire castle trio, Kašperk offers the broadest range of tours, starting with a classic guided tour that will present the everyday life of a medieval castle, via a tour dedicated to the construction of the medieval castle up to interactive tours for children.

Velhartice Castle
Velhartice is located just a short way from Sušice at the foothills of the Šumava Mountains, and it is well-prepared for those visiting it during the tourist season. A tour route will take you deep into the Middle Ages, during which you will visit the cellars with the castle well, the interiors of the Paradise Palace (Rajský palác) built in the Gothic style, the Putna defence tower as well as a unique stone bridge that connects them. In addition, there is a Renaissance palace and a former castle brewery with a restaurant as well. You can combine a visit to the castle with a walk, for example, past the open-air museum in the settlement around the castle. You will see historic folk houses typical of this area that were transported here from nearby villages.

Rabí Castle
Located just a few miles from Velhartice are the largest Czech castle ruins – Rabí Castle. It is termed the King of Czech castles. The medieval castle played an important role in the past. It protected a trade route and once rich gold panning sites on the Šumavan Otava River. The castle was often the target of attacks because of this, which is also the reason why it had such massive ramparts. They are roughly 3 km long in total. Only a fragment of the castle has survived to this day, and its tours now lead through the spaces of the former palace, cellars and castle tower.

Other places worth visiting
The castle trio lies at the foothills of the Šumava Mountains, and that’s why almost all visitors’ trips lead to the heart of the Šumava National Park – to the environs of Kvilda, Modrava, Srní and other small villages situated in the heart of wildlife. Šumava’s moderate relief is ideal for bike trips. Even less proficient sportspeople will find paths that take them through the lovely countryside and, at the same time, ensure they have enough energy in the evening to sample beer from some of the Šumava breweries.

Stories of bygone times
The entire route is divided into several areas based on the technical specialisation of individual industries. You will witness stories of miners, stone-breakers and steelworkers, millers and craftsmen, stories of courage, pride and determination, as well as stories from travels or of industrial brands. Each story involves several stops across the region of North Moravia and Silesia. You will find a total of 30 stops on the Moravian-Silesian technical trail, and more of them will be added. The trail not only includes monuments from the industrial revolution era, but also artefacts that are much older or, on the contrary, younger. Given that this corner of the Czech Republic around the cities of Ostrava and Opava is interwoven with a dense network of cycle routes in close proximity to individual facilities, you can undertake a visit by bike as well.

Interesting places you should not miss
Michal Mine and Lower Vítkovice area in Ostrava
Both the Michal Mine and Lower Vítkovice area are authentically preserved locations that witnessed the industrial development of the entire region and, in particular, of the city of Ostrava. The industrial revolution in the 19th century required bituminous coal, and Ostrava mines offered it almost in unlimited quantity. Tours take place both in the Michal Mine and in the Lower Vítkovice area, the latter of which presents the steel production process. The routes will take you to places where the steel heart of industry was beating as recently as 25 years ago!

Třemešná – Osoblaha narrow-gauge track
A unique narrow-gauge track, the only one of its kind in Silesia, is located in the wider Osoblaha area at the foothills of the Jeseníky Mountains. The track was put into operation in 1872, but today it only serves for recreational purposes – you can take a ride on a genuine steam engine with tourist carriages.

Ema slag heap in Ostrava
There is a cone-shaped slag heap near the centre of Ostrava. Its red top is composed of millions of tonnes of burnt spoil that was transported there from the “Trojice” bituminous-coal mine in Ostrava from the 1920s. The slag heap has been slowly burning internally for the past 60 years, and the rare porcelainite and jasper minerals are formed there half naturally and half artificially owing to high temperatures. The heap is freely accessible and forms the highest peak of the city.

Darkovičky Czechoslovak fortification complex
You can find a notable military and technical monument in the small village of Darkovičky, a short journey from Ostrava. Highly valued at European level, the fortification complex is today an example of the unique Czechoslovakian fortification system, which comprised a system of forts constructed along the border with Nazi Germany before the Second World War.

Wesselsky watermill in Loučky
The mill in Loučky between Olomouc and Ostrava is situated beside the Odra River, and a functional race still operates there to this day. Here you can view a mill with unique technology, a functional mill wheel nearly 5 metres in diameter and a restored gearbox to drive agricultural machines. Today, the watermill offers interesting and romantic accommodation.

Slezská Harta Dam
Slezská Harta reservoir on the Moravice River in the Jeseníky mountain range offers numerous options to actively spend a summer tourist season. You can not only partake in some sun-bathing and swimming, but also boating, angling, yachting and windsurfing.