11 BEST AND AMAZING CZECH REPUBLIC LANDMARKS
11 BEST AND AMAZING CZECH REPUBLIC LANDMARKS, The Czech Republic is a fascinating European country to visit. numerous excursionists flock to its capital megacity, Prague, still, the country has so much further to offer excursionists. There are further than 2000 castles, conforming of remains and those in immaculate condition, to explore, unique churches to get lost in, and spectacular natural geographies. The Czech Republic is the perfect starting point for a European adventure thanks to its central position and connectivity to other major European metropolises similar as Vienna and Berlin.
The Czech Republic was home to Franz Kafka, considered a master of literary magical realism. He spent his whole life in Prague, and tourists can retrace the author’s footsteps across the city through walking tours, visiting his museum, or spending time relaxing by the bronze statue depicting him.
With a long tradition of brewing beer stretching back to the late 10th century, it comes as no surprise that The Czech Republic is home to the worlds first pilsner, Pilsner Urquell, and numerous beer festivals, some of which last for more than two weeks! Prague makes for a cheaper city break than other capital cities in Europe, with affordable, comfortable and well-designed hotels and 24-hour transport tickets available for less than €5.
11 CZECH REPUBLIC LANDMARKS
1- PUNKVA CAVES
The Punkva Caves are an incredible network of caves and underground rivers part of the Amaterska Cave, the longest cave system in the country.
The caves stretch for more than 30 km (19 miles) and possibly further as there may be many more undiscovered caves within the system.
The Punkva River, which flows through the caves, is accessible on guided tours via motorboat, making for a truly unique travel experience.
The tour ends with the boat pulling into the Masaryk Dome, an incredible domed and open cave.
Punkva Caves is at 679 13 Varinec.
2- RESOV WATERFALLS
Resov Waterfalls is one of the most beautiful landmarks in the Czech Republic.
The waterfall lies in the depths of the Lower Jesenik Mountains and forms part of the River Huntava.
The falls cascade overstepped mossy rocks and through lush greenery.
The area surrounding the falls has been a protected area since the 1960s.
Timber steps allow visitors to get closer to the falls and protect the plant and animal life.
Resov Waterfalls is at Horni Mesto.
3- HRUBOSKALSKO
Hruboskalsko is a staggering natural rock formation nestled within Bohemian Paradise Geopark.
The rock formation features steep and deep canyons and 55m (180ft) towers stretching above the trees below.
Wind and rain have eroded and moulded the soft sandstone rocks into unique shapes.
The rocks are a popular location for rock climbers and free climbers, thanks to their uneven and unique structure.
Hruboskalsko is at 511 01 Karlovice.
4- MACOCHA ABYSS
One of the most magical natural locations in The Czech Republic is Macocha Abyss.
Thanks to a local legend about a stepmother and stepson, the abyss’ nickname is’ Stepmother Abyss’.
The mother remarried and had a child of her own but did not want the boys to compete, so she led the stepson deep into the forest.
She lured him to the gorge and asked him to search for berries, where she pushed him into the abyss.
Fortunately for the boy, he survived and was rescued by locals.
News travelled fast, and the stepmother was soon captured and thrown into the abyss herself.
Aside from the grizzly legend, the abyss is a rather beautiful location.
It stretches for three km (1.86 miles) and is formed from a sinkhole covered in lush green plants and rare wildflowers.
There is a walkway right through the length of the abyss.
Macocha Abyss is at 678 25 Blansko, Vilemovice.
5- SNEZKA MOUNTAIN
Snezka Mountain is the highest mountain in The Czech Republic.
It reaches 1602m (5256ft) at its peak and offers views over both the Czech Republic and Poland, thanks to its border location.
The first documented climb to the mountain’s summit was in 1456 by a merchant searching for precious stones.
Unlike other mountains that are desolate at the summit, Snezka has many buildings at its peak.
These include a meteorological station, a chapel and a post office.
Snezka Mountain is at Pec pod Snezkou.
6- BOHEMIAN SWITZERLAND
Bohemian Switzerland is a truly staggering natural landmark in the Czech Republic.
The landscape covers 700 square kilometres (270 square miles), making it one of Europe’s largest national parks and wildernesses.
The park was founded in 2000 and aims to preserve the natural sandstone rock formations dotted across the landscape and the rare flora and fauna growing there.
Many species are being reintroduced to the area, including silver ferns, peregrine falcons and salmon.
Walk along the Kamenice Riverbank to take in some of the most beautiful sights within the park.
Boat rides along the river are also available during the warmer months.
Bohemian Switzerland is at Jetrichovice.
7- PRAVCICKA BRANA
Pravcicka Brana is the largest natural arch formation in Europe.
This incredible natural landmark of the Czech Republic is within the beautiful Bohemian Switzerland landscape.
The name Pravcicka Bravia comes from German origins meaning ‘the Prebisch Gate’. Prebisch was a hermit who had lived in the area.
The arch is 8m (26ft) wide at its largest and 3m (9.8ft) thick.
The arch is surrounded by a forest, and next to the arch is a picturesque chateau.
The Clary-Aldringens family build the house in 1881, and today it serves as a restaurant and gallery.
Pravcicka Brana is at Hrensko 82, 407 17 Hrensko.
8- KRKONOSE
Krkonose, or Giant Mountains, is a mountain range north of the Czech Republic within the country’s oldest national park.
The mountains are surrounded by national parks and offer many hiking and climbing routes to the summit.
The highest peak within the range is Snezka.
According to local legend, the Krkonose mountains are home to Rubezahl, a mischievous yet friendly goblin.
Krkonose is at 543 51 Spindleruv Mlyn.
9- ADRSPASSKO-TEPLICKE SKALY
Adrspassko-Teplicke Skaly is a series of rock formations of sandstone within Bohemian Switzerland.
The rocks are a protected nature reserve, with many hiking trails and climbing areas specifically marked out to preserve the delicate sandstone structures.
The rocks are significant in the conservation of peregrine falcons. Amongst the rocks live the largest population of breeding peregrine falcons.
Adrspassko-Teplicke Skaly is at 549 57 Adrspach.
10- VLTAVA RIVER
The Vltava is the Czech Republic’s longest river.
The river begins in two separate locations, Bohemian Forest and Bavarian Forest, before merging.
The river flows through valleys with locks and due to its narrow formation, there are many restrictions in place should boats want to use its waterways.
The river widens as it enters Prague, where many bridges cross it.
Boat tours are very popular within the city, offering tourists a relaxed way to travel through the city and experience the waters up close.
Vltava River runs along the southeastern edge of the Bohemian Forest through Prague and merges with the River Elbe at Melnik.
HISTORICAL LANDMARKS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
11- PRAGUE CASTLE
The Czech Republic is a magical land of castles, and there’s none more famous than Prague Castle.
Its origins are debated, however, it is believed that the castle was founded in 800 and visiting the castle is one of the top things to do in Prague.
Prince Borivoj built the castle during this time, covering 70,000 sqm (753,474 sq ft).
The castle is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest complete castle complex in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.