Attractions
Trinity Column of Olomouc
The university town of Olomouc (German: Olmütz) in the east of the Czech Republic is surrounded by vineyards and orchards. The most important building in the city is the Trinity Column from the 18th century. It was created by local artists as a gift of thanks at the end of the plague and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. The Baroque Olomouc Trinity Column is 35 m high and has a chapel at the bottom. The upper part is decorated with gilded statues, various sculptures and figures of the apostles.
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The Giant Mountains
In the north-east of Bohemia and on the border with Poland are the most visited mountains in the Czech Republic – the Giant Mountains. The attractive area covers an area of 800 km². Large parts are under nature protection. Vast landscapes, some of which have an alpine character, are home to impressive waterfalls such as the 140 m high Panchenfall and the Elbfall. Špindlerův Mlýn and Harrachsdorf are among the snow-reliable places in the Giant Mountains. A show mine near Pec pod Snezkou (German: Petzer) presents an old tunnel under the Sněžka.
Adršpach-Teplice rock town
The Adršpach-Teplice Rock Town, the largest rock town in Central Europe, is located east of Prague. In the 17 km² large area of sandstone rocks, weather conditions created imposing gorges and formations. This area is particularly popular with climbers. The rocks, which rise like needles, offer all levels of difficulty. The most famous rocks of the Adršpach-Teplice rock town have fantastic names such as mayor, lovers and rock crown and can also be visited from a rental boat.
Historical village Holašovice
The historic village of Holašovice (German: Hollschowitz) in the south of the Czech Republic transports its visitors into the Bohemian past. Only 15 km from Budweis, the settlement is one of the oldest in the Czech Republic. It was already mentioned in the 13th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The baroque wooden houses were restored in the 1990s and are inhabited again today. Colorful farmsteads, the village smithy, the chapel and numerous fish ponds bring the South Bohemian way of life from bygone times back to life. Especially at the end of July, many visitors are drawn to the multi-day fair in Holašovice.
Lednice-Valtice cultural landscape
The Lednice-Valtice cultural landscape was created in the 17th century and is a complex of protected areas and parks around the Lednice and Valtice chateaux in southern Czech Republic. Both properties were owned by the House of Liechtenstein noble family for 700 years. These created a huge park straight out of a picture book. The Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992. Today, historical buildings, small castles with wonderful views, the archaeological finds in Pohansko Castle, the imposing Lednice greenhouse and the baroque riding hall can be visited. In 1993, the Malawi Aquarium with freshwater and sea aquariums was built in the baroque wing of the stables on an area of 360 m².
Shopping
Overview
Bohemian glass and crystal, art books, ceramics, porcelain, wood carvings, hand-embroidered clothing and culinary specialties (e.g. Prague ham or Znojmo delicacies). Shop opening hours: Mon-Sat 09.00-18.00. In small towns and rural areas, shops close at 12pm on Sat, while in larger towns they are also open on Sun between 10am and 4pm. Many grocery stores and supermarkets in larger cities are open from 7 a.m. on weekdays.
Nightlife
Introduction
Music and opera performances enjoy a good reputation, the three Prague operas are well known. In the big cities there are discos and nightclubs.
Culinary
Overview
Typical local dishes include roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut, goulash, Wiener Schnitzel or Svicková sirloin in a cream sauce, as well as duck and game. Knedliky (dumplings) and zeli (spicy white cabbage) are often served as side dishes. Bramborak (potato pancakes with garlic), Topinky (roasted bread with garlic), sausage and Prague ham are recommended as a small snack. The traditional Christmas meal is carp, which is served fried, stewed or baked. The meal usually begins with a soup: Bramborová (potato soup with mushrooms), Hrachová (pea soup), Zelná (cabbage soup) or Rybi polévka (fish soup). For dessert there is the famous Palatschinken, Powidltatschgerl, Kolatschen, Liwanzen (Bohemian dessert) or apple strudel. Drinks: Pivo (beer) – whether light or dark – is the elixir of life in Bohemian lands. And it doesn’t always have to be Pilsner Urquell or Budweiser. Czech or Moravian white and red wines as well as sparkling wine can be tasted in the numerous wine bars. Popular spirits include Slivovitz (plum brandy), Merunkowitz (apricot brandy) and Becherovka (Carlsbad herbal brandy).
Accommodation
Hotels
You can choose from hotels with 1 to 5 stars. More information from the National Federation of Hotels and Restaurants, Revoluční 13, CZ-110 00 Prague 1. Tel: 236 04 23 20. (Internet: www.nfhr.cz). Hotel Classification: Hotels are classified into the Hotelstars Union star categories from one to five stars.
Camping
In the summer months there are a large number of campsites available, which also rent out caravans. More information from the Czech Tourist Board offices in Berlin and Vienna (see addresses).
Culture
Religion
11% Catholics and 1% Protestants. Hussites, Jews and orthodox minorities as well as numerous non-religious (79%).
Social Rules of Conduct
Manners: ‘Good day’ (dobry den) and ‘Goodbye’ (na shledanou) are part of polite manners. If you are invited home, the host will be happy to receive a small gift such as a bouquet of flowers. Shoes should be removed before entering the house. If you ask for directions, you should always give the Czech name of the place. Attire: Smarter attire is expected for formal invitations and in particularly posh restaurants and hotels. Tourists can usually be recognized by their overly casual clothing. Smoking: Smoking is prohibited on public transport, in train stations and bus stops, and in cultural institutions. Smoking is also not permitted in restaurants and bars. There are no separate smoking rooms in restaurants. Tip: 5-10% are gladly accepted.
Climate
Best travel time
Continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. Regionally different climate in the mountains and in the lowlands. The Czech Republic is a good travel destination all year round.
Country data
Phone prefix
+420
Area (sq km)
78866
Population
10,708,981 (Source: homosociety)
Population density (per square km)
134
Population statistics year
2020
Member of the EU
yes
Main emergency number
112
