Travel Tips for Czech Republic
July 10, 2009 by Graham McKenzie
Filed under Flights
Bordered by Germany, Austria, Poland, and Slovakia, the Czech Republic is a small country located in Central Europe. In 1989, the Velvet Revolution facilitated a non-violent overthrow of Communism, and since that historic time, the Czech Republic has grown into a well-developed, democratic country.
The Czech Republic’s tourism dates from the time of the Velvet Revolution, and now offers visitors wonderful diversity and delights. Well-known for its talented musicians and concerts, there are also a variety of festivals to choose from in this country. In addition, fairytale castles, historic churches, public parks, chic spas, and medieval towns are waiting to be explored. The Czech Republic is also the birthplace of the world’s finest beer.
The Czech Republic has two provinces. In the west is Bohemia, and in the east you will find Moravia. With excellent travel accommodations, any location is assessable by train, bus, car, air, or even bicycle.
Moravia’s capital is Brno, and dates from the 13th century. Attractions here include the Capuchin Church, complete with mummies, the Gothic ?pilberk Castle, and the Moravia Museum. There is also an Augustinian Monastery where the Father of Genetics, Gregor Mendel, was Abbot. Oddly enough, in Moravia wine is more popular than beer. Enjoy the rolling ranges, wooded hills, and beautiful vineyards.
Bohemia is located in the western part of the Czech Republic, and here visitors find spa towns and ski resorts. The beautiful ?umava Mountains offer excellent hiking opportunities, as well as a variety of other sports, and tourists delight in medieval towns such as ?esk? Krumlov. Southern Bohemia is famed for its caves as well as many excellent recreational facilities, not to mention dazzling lakes and spectacular woods.
Cesk? Budejovice , or Budweis to the English, is home to one of Europe’s largest town squares. Although it established its wealth on silver mines, the local beer is this town’s main attraction. Founded in 1895, the Pivovar Budejovick? Budvar, or Budweiser Budvar Brewery, sells its beer under the Budweiser name throughout much of Europe. To secure global rights to the Budweiser name, America’s Anheuser-Busch offered to buy out the Czech brewing company, to no avail. For the Czech people, retaining this rich heritage is still a matter of national pride.
A trip to the Czech Republic would be incomplete without first visiting Prague, the country’s capital. Set in the middle of Bohemia, Prague is famous for its many museums and galleries, as well as concerts and imposing castles. Slowly regaining its caf? culture since the fall of Communism, Prague is once again considered the Paris of the East.
Heading south from Prague you will find the second-largest city in Bohemia, Plzen. Sporting an eclectic mixture of Gothic to Art Nouveau architecture, Plzen also offers visitors numerous museums and galleries. However, the Plzensk? Prazdroj brewery is the big draw. Here, beer has been brewed since the town’s foundation, in 1295, and in fact, Plzen takes its name from its world-famous Pilsner beer.
