Czech Republic

Czech Republic sits in Central Europe landlocked between Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria with Prague as the jewel and castles scattered across rolling countryside. It separated peacefully from Slovakia in 1993 after the Velvet Revolution ended communism. The country keeps affordable compared to Western Europe with excellent beer culture and Gothic and Baroque architecture everywhere. One to two weeks covers Prague plus smaller towns like Cesky Krumlov and the spa region. Locals speak some English in Prague but less elsewhere. The crown is the currency not the euro which keeps things cheaper for travelers.

Prague and Beyond

Prague dominates with the castle complex, Charles Bridge, and old town square drawing millions yearly. The castle sits massive on the hill with St Vitus Cathedral inside. Charles Bridge connects across the Vltava River lined with statues and street artists. Old Town Square has the astronomical clock and Tyn Church with Gothic spires. The Jewish Quarter has preserved synagogues and cemetery. Beer halls serve cheap pilsner everywhere. Cesky Krumlov south is a fairy tale town wrapped by a river bend with a castle and painted tower. It’s tiny but perfect for a night or two. Kutna Hora east of Prague has the bone church decorated with 40000 skeletons arranged in chandeliers and coats of arms. It’s macabre and fascinating. Karlovy Vary in the west is the spa town with hot springs and pastel buildings where people drink the mineral water from special cups.

Castles and Nature

Bohemian Switzerland National Park on the German border has sandstone formations and the Pravcicka Gate natural arch. Hiking trails wind through forests and rock cities. Karlstejn Castle sits on a hilltop outside Prague built by Charles IV to store crown jewels. Hluboka Castle looks like a white fairy tale with towers and manicured grounds. The countryside has small villages and breweries making pilsner style beer invented here in Plzen.

Food is goulash, svickova beef with cream sauce, roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut, trdelnik chimney cakes, smažený sýr fried cheese, pilsner beer, becherovka herbal liquor.