When you think of the Czech Republic most people think of Prague, the country’s picturesque capital famous for both its cheap beer and perfectly preserved historic buildings. Although there’s much more to this beautiful country, only just a day trip away lies some of the most underrated and unspoilt countryside in Europe just waiting to be explored. Here’s why we think you should add the Czech countryside to your travel list…
It’s a more unspoilt alternative to other travel destinations in Europe
The Czech countryside is possibly some of the most beautiful in Europe and offers a great alternative to established locations such as Tuscany and Provence just without the crowds. Visitors have a chance to really lose themselves in nature here either by cycling through valleys, swimming in lakes, exploring chateaux or hiking over picturesque hillsides. Surely this is what a holiday is supposed to be about; relaxation and detoxing from our hectic everyday life?
It’s only a day trip from Prague
There are many spectacular beauty spots only a short travelling distance from Prague so you can combine a city and countryside break in one. For example the medieval city Kutná Hora is less than an hour outside Prague and offers a heady combination of history, art and culture and quaint towns like Tabór, Olomouc or Karlovy Vary offer a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Tabór is famous for architecture ranging from gothic to art nouveau, Olomouc has a jam-packed festival schedule while Karlovy Vary is a world-renowned spa town. To find real peace though head for Český ráj, otherwise known as Bohemian Paradise. It’s a protected nature reserve filled dramatic rock formations, deep shady valleys, meandering rivers and tranquil lakes flanked by ancient forests.
There’s plenty to do
It is impossible to be bored in the Czech countryside regardless what time of the year you arrive at. The Spring and Autumn are perfect times of the year for taking mountain hikes or forest walks, there’s the option to hire motorbikes, mountain bikes and electric bikes and take to the country roads. For those looking for something a little different, there are several lakes that are safe to swim in, however- be warned, a lot of the natives, go..ahem, native in the lake so for those with more refined sensibilities, steer clear! For something more sedate, cruise along the Elbe or if you’ve no sealegs, just hike along it’s banks. In winter, there are spectacular open-air skiing routes along with many other snow sports but don’t miss an opportunity for a horse-drawn sledge ride through the snow, for your own Dr Zhivago moment.
The outstanding scenery
As home to a number of UNESCO Heritage Sites, it goes without saying that the countryside of the Czech Republic provides visitors with some of Europe’s most stunning panorama. Although the cityscapes are very special, you will truly be awed by what the countryside has to offer. The best way to experience these rolling hills and lush forests is on foot or by bike. This landscape of forests and fishponds with a delectable mix of fairy tale castles and rural setting. Whatever you do in this beautiful countryside, a visit to one of the many ‘rock towns’ (where huge sandstone towers, walls and rocky boulders, standing alone and forming groups with narrow walkways, ravines and trails) is an absolute must.
The beautiful castles
It is impossible to step into the Czech countryside, without encountering a castle. In fact, it has more castles per square mile than any other country in the world! The collection of royal castles and charming chateaux that dot the countryside are homes to the most beautiful gardens, intriguing legends, enthralling history and marvellous halls in the world. In many of the houses, you will be greeted by passionate tour guides in historical dress and experience re-enactments from various periods of history- don’t be surprised if you run into a ghost! During the summer season, you can watch a concert in some of the baroque theatres or at the revolving auditorium of the Chateau Cesky Krumlov. For the ultimate in romance- take a drive along Castle Road which, runs through Southern Germany and across a small section of the Czech Republic and is the address for some of the most picturesque and most-photographed castles on the planet.
The picture perfect small towns
There are many beautiful small towns outside of Prague, that although smaller, they are just as lively. Firstly, Telc is worth a visit, it is about 2.5 hours from Prague but does not disappoint in terms of traditional, pastel coloured buildings and a quaint, picturesque vibe. Litomysl is a small village bursting with history and culture, a fabulous Renaissance chateau sits atop a hill and as it is a university town, it has an impressive festival line up and variety of places to eat and drink. Melnik, is another perfect escape from the city, with its red-topped roofs, steep clock tower and symmetrical market square, it bears all the hallmarks of a traditional Czech town. It is soaked in history, as being the centre of the original Czech settlers around 600AD so is the heart of Czech culture- and is the centre of the winemaking region, what better way to enjoy the culture?!
With options like these, why insist on spending your holiday caught up in the hustle and bustle of the city, especially considering the real core of a country’s spirit lies within its heartland. Forget the schedules and timetables, hire a bicycle and take to the country roads and fresh air and really experience a country’s heritage.
Where to stay in the Czech Countryside
Nestled in the heart of the Bohemian Paradise Cesky Raj, is this newly refurbished luxury country cottage set in three and a half acres of pretty meadow gardens. ‘Peace of Eden’ lies not too far from the of the historic village of Svatonovice which is only a 45 minute journey from Prague in an area of natural beauty with rolling hills, mystical forests and majestic ancient rock towns steeped in history. It offers a high standard of traditional decor, includes a large kitchen with a traditional wood stove and sleeps up to eight people in four spacious bedrooms (with two main bedrooms offer en-suite bathrooms).
For more about Peace of Eden:
34 Comments
Pilha
8 April, 2017 at 8:08 amLooks like there are some really beautiful places to visit in the Czech countryside! Lovely article!
Such a beautiful, unspoilt place. Heading to Czech Republic in September to visit some friends in Liberec – can’t wait!
Agne
17 September, 2015 at 12:46 pmAwesome article! Reminds me I have to visit this country once again!
Kevin Garlend
16 September, 2015 at 4:08 pmThis is the best part of Europe, according to me. I grew up in Prague so know every inch of there. It was a seamless joy out there if you love to be alone with nature. I wish I can bring my childhood back 🙂
Stephen Garone
5 September, 2015 at 5:00 pmVery nice photos. Can’t wait to go!
Becky Moore
13 September, 2015 at 9:56 pmHave a great time! 🙂
Maddy
1 September, 2015 at 5:23 pmThis looks like one for the bucket list. I traveled to Prague last January, but we didn’t make it out of the city (except to drive to Munich). I’ll be visiting Prague again this January and I’m happy to say that we’ll be visiting Cesky Krumlov too! I guess I’ll have to come back in the summer some day to really enjoy the countryside! Thanks for sharing!
-Maddy @ http://www.travelalphas.com
Helen Anderson
21 August, 2015 at 1:36 pmAwesome post guys!
2travellingsisters
19 August, 2015 at 4:38 pmRight place to relax and detox while visiting Czech, can’t agree more and the pictures are just out of this world!
Pati
14 August, 2015 at 3:40 pmChech countryside is really gorgeous and unspoilt. I’m Polish and I invite you all to visit Poland – the same beauty :), totally different views than in South Europe.
I invite you to visit my travel blog and read about my stay in TOKYO 🙂
http://www.travelekspert.com/2015/08/tokyo-lifestyle.html
Becky Moore
18 August, 2015 at 11:59 amThanks Pati! 🙂
Naeem
13 August, 2015 at 9:08 pmSuperb photos, such unspoilt unknown places are really good to visit!
Becky Moore
18 August, 2015 at 12:00 pmVery true, we love finding off the beaten track places!
Emma
13 August, 2015 at 12:39 pmLove this blog as it always gives me so many new ideas for my next trip, I wouldn’t have considered this before but it looks beautiful!
Becky Moore
18 August, 2015 at 12:00 pmThanks for your kind words Emma 🙂
Scott
13 August, 2015 at 12:36 pmWow I didn’t know the countryside in the Czech Republic was so beautiful, the lakes and castles look particularly impressive!
Becky Moore
18 August, 2015 at 12:01 pmYes a real hidden gem!
Rav Mohammand
13 August, 2015 at 12:10 pmLooks like a truly wonderful place to visit and so unspoilt!
Becky Moore
18 August, 2015 at 12:01 pmHope you make it over there one day!
Suze The Luxury Columnist
12 August, 2015 at 10:10 pmI’ve been to the Czech countryside and got to try my hand at tank driving of all things!
Becky Moore
18 August, 2015 at 12:02 pmOh wow sounds very different! 🙂
Tom Miller
12 August, 2015 at 2:11 pmA great post on an underrated destination who knew it was so beautiful there?
Becky Moore
18 August, 2015 at 12:03 pmThere’s a lot more to the Czech republic than people realise!
Jess @UsedYorkCity
12 August, 2015 at 12:47 pmyou TOTALLY convinced me! I love exploring tiny towns and villages, and paired with the serenity of nature, it’s the perfect addition to a trip!
Becky Moore
18 August, 2015 at 12:04 pmHope you make it over one day Jess!
Lauren Meshkin @BonVoyageLauren
12 August, 2015 at 11:48 amI’m determined to visit more of Eastern Europe in 2016 and the Czech Republic is definitely on my list. Bookmarking this, thanks for sharing!
Happy travels 🙂
Becky Moore
18 August, 2015 at 12:10 pmYes us too, there’s so many beautiful places there just waiting to be explored!
The Guy Who Flies
12 August, 2015 at 11:15 amThat is a very convincing article, not that I needed convincing 🙂
I’ve been to Prague twice and it is one of my favourite cities. Admittedly my most recent visit was a few years ago I did take a trip out to the countryside and small villages. It really is beautiful and helps you see the real Czech Republic.
Becky Moore
18 August, 2015 at 12:20 pmThanks for your comment Guy 🙂
Marc
11 August, 2015 at 10:13 pmGreat info and I love that picture perfect small towns. Czech Rep is a country with great Scenery.
Becky Moore
18 August, 2015 at 12:26 pmThere’s some very pretty towns over there!
Lilly B
11 August, 2015 at 10:08 pmLooks like there are some really beautiful places to visit in the Czech countryside! Lovely article!
Becky Moore
18 August, 2015 at 12:26 pmThanks for your comment Lilly!
Daniela Frendo @ Grumpy Camel
11 August, 2015 at 5:51 pmSuch a beautiful, unspoilt place. Heading to Czech Republic in September to visit some friends in Liberec – can’t wait!
Becky Moore
18 August, 2015 at 12:28 pmOhh have a great time Daniela!