Must-Visit Places in the Czech Republic: Outside of the capital
Updated: Jun 17, 2021
The Czech Republic has so much to offer beyond Prague. In addition to its famous capital city, the Czech Republic has 13 more regions that are filled with natural wonders, mystical castles, architectural masterpieces, and storybook villages preserved through the ages. So, exploring outside of the capital city is a must! Here are 5 amazing places beyond Prague worth checking out.
1. Český Krumlov (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Cesky Krumlov is one of the most recommended cities near the capital city. It is an enchanting medieval town with a stunning 13th-century castle above the Vltava River. The castle complex - a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles - is the second-largest complex in the Czech Republic.
This small town is filled with well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture and it has a blooming cultural life throughout the year that includes the traditional carnivals, ancient and international music festivals, and a river marathon. There is a lot to explore there, and it is well worth the time.
This UNESCO World Heritage city is located 175 km away from Prague which makes it a perfect destination for a city break or a day trip from Prague.
Tourist attractions: Cesky Krumlov castle, Egon Schiele Art Centrum, wide variety of museums including regional museum, museum of torture, the marionette museum, etc.
Best time to visit: March to May, September to November
How to reach: around 2.5 hours by direct train from Prague
2. Punkva Caves
Punkva Caves is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders of the country, located north of the city of Brno. The Punkva Caves is an underground cave system in the Moravian Karst. The journey to the Punkva Caves starts with a foot walk through massive rock cathedrals decorated with stalagmites and stalactites. From the breathtaking Macocha Abyss - a 138-meter deep gorge - visitors take a boat ride along the underground river Punkva.
Opening hours: 8:20 AM- 4:00 PM
Entrance fee: 250 CZK
3. Sedlec Ossuary or the Bone Church
The next destination is for those of you who like spooky adventures. The Church of All Saints is a gothic church situated in Sedlec, a suburb of Kutna Hora. Sedlec Ossuary, a chapel located in the basement of this church, is decorated with the human bones that were bleached then carved. The bones of more than 40,000 people are used to artfully cover everything in the chapel. Surprisingly, this "tragically beautiful" chapel is on the bucket list of many travelers visiting the Czech Republic.
If you decided to visit the Bone Church, you should explore Kutna Hora, a beautiful UNESCO city, that is nearby.
Entrance fee: 90 CZK
4. Castle Karlstejn
Castle Karlstejn is a large Gothic castle founded in the 14th century by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. It is located about 30 km away from Prague and it is a perfect destination for a nice day trip.
The castle served as the king's retreat as well as a place for safekeeping royal treasures, holy relics, and the coronation jewels of the Roman Empire. Karlstejn Castle is surrounded by beautiful nature and has a fairytale-like charm. It is one of the most visited castles in the Czech Republic.
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Suggested duration: more than 3 hours
5. Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary, meaning " Charles' Bath", has numerous thermal springs that have made it the most visited spa town in the Czech Republic. Karlovy Vary is not only famous for its unique spa treatments but also for its colorful and whimsical architecture. The most unique sights in the town are elegant spa colonnades that were built to protect visitors from the rain. There are 5 colonnades in the town and each of them has a unique architectural style.
There are many ways to get from Prague to Karlovy Vary. You can go there by train (€14 ), bus (€6 ) or taxi (€27)
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