Czech Republic Travel Guide


The latest travel Information on Czech Republic, includes ideas on Things to See and Do, Local Events, Consulate & Embassy Contact Addresses and much more, all from a first-time visitors point of view.

Czech Republic Information

Overview

Part of Czechoslovakia until the ’Velvet Divorce’ in January 1993, the Czech Republic has a rich cultural heritage represented by classical composers such as Dvořák and writers like Kafka. Tourism in the Czech Republic really dates from the 1989 ’Velvet Revolution’ when the communists were ousted and a democratic government was installed with Václav Havel as president.

Tourism has largely focused on Prague, with its great museums, galleries, concerts and other attractions. Many day trips are possible from Prague, including the great western spa town of Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázne, early settlements like Kutná Hora and castles like Karlštejn.

However, the rest of the country has much to offer the independent traveller with 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Český Krumlov, Litomyšl Castle and the Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk at Zelená Hora. In addition the Czech Republic boasts an immense number of fascinating castles, churches and other architectural gems.

Among the most beautiful areas are the river valleys of the Vltava (Moldau) and Labe (Elbe), the hilly landscape and rocky mountains. The Šumava Mountains of south Bohemia offer excellent rambles and a range of sports, and well-preserved medieval towns like Český Krumlov. Bohemia is also a popular skiing and winter sports destination. In the northeast, the Bohemian Paradise (Český Ráj) is perfect for hiking and climbing amidst unusual scenery.

The eastern half of the country, the rich agricultural area of Moravia, offers a variety of wooded highlands, vineyards, folk art and castles. Here life moves at an even more relaxed pace; Brno provides an excellent base for exploring important historic towns like Olomouc, Kromeríz and Telc.

Although prices have risen over the past decade, the country still represents good value for money.

Author

Jon Gillaspie


Top Things To See

 Admire magnificent gothic, baroque, romanesque, belle époque/art nouveau and cubist architecture in Prague ’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Enjoy stunning cityscapes from Prague Castle, Old Town Hall and Petrin Tower. Watch the astronomical clock chime the hour (website: www.pis.cz).

Fall in love with Cesky Krumlov (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and soak up views of the River Vltava from the ramparts of its enormous castle, which is perched dramatically on a ridge overlooking the medieval core (website: www.ckrumlov.cz).

Get the creeps at Sedlec’s Ossuary (also known as the Kostnice Ossuary). This stunning collection of carved human bones are the remains of around 40,000 people, and have been crafted into chandeliers, coats of arms and statues (website: www.kostnice.cz). 

Follow in the footsteps of 007 and visit the attractive spa town of Karlovy Vary, which somewhat bizarrely masqueraded as Montenegro in the Casino Royale Bond film. Admire the baroque and gothic architecture that dominates the historic centre (website: www.karlovyvary.cz). 

Visit what is arguably the Czech Republic’s most attractive castle, Karlstejn. This gothic fortification dates back to the 14th century. Its dramatic hillside location, Disney-esque appearance and proximity to Prague make it one of the country’s premier attractions (website: www.hradkarlstejn.cz).

Discover the historic silver mining town of Kutna Hora with the dominating gothic cathedral of sv Barbora (St Barbara), which is another UNESCO World Heritage Site (website: www.kutnahora.cz).

Learn the secrets of the Budweiser Budvar brewery in Ceske Budejovice (Budweis), and sample the amber nectar on a brewery tour (website: www.budvar.cz). Take in the medieval architecture and explore one of Europe’s largest town squares.

Visit the pretty churches of the country’s second city, Brno. The Moravian capital dates from the 13th century and also boasts the fine Moravian Museum and the gothic Špilberk Castle (website: www.brno.cz). 

Learn about a darker period in Czech history at Terezin. The isolation cells, cramped living quarters, cemetery and crematorium bring the horrors of this former concentration camp to life. 

Visit Telc, one of the most perfect examples of Renaissance towns in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town was rebuilt after the fire of 1530; medieval arcades surround the town square with its gabled and pedimented houses. 

Admire the eclectic architecture of Plzen; visit its Brewery Museum and the first-rate Západoceské Galérie (one of the best outside Prague). Take a guided tour of the Plzensky Prazdroj brewery (website: www.prazdroj.cz) and see how the world-famous Pilsner beer is made. 

Visit some of the Czech Republic’s other fairytale castles including Bitov, Bouzov, Český Šternberk, Krivoklat, Konopiste, Loket and Pernštejn. 

Check out the valuable art collection in the Archiepiscopal Chateau in Kromeriz (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and stroll through its lovely Flower and Chateau gardens. Admire the well-preserved baroque core itself (website: www.azz.cz). 

Visit the attractive university town of Olomouc, noted for its parks, baroque churches, sculptures and fountains (website: www.olomoucko.cz). The surrounding Haná region is strongly agricultural, with many villages holding attractive harvest festivals in late September.

See Contact Addresses for further information.


Top Things To Do

Get a different perspective and see Prague’s stunning architecture and ornate bridges from the comfort of a Vlatva River cruise.

Enjoy a classical concert in one of Prague’s many atmospheric venues, which include churches, concert halls and the outdoor stages.

Indulge in a spa treatment at the thermal springs and mineral baths of Bohemia and Moravia. The king of spa towns, Karlovy Vary, has attracted the crowned heads of Europe to bathe in its sulphurous waters.

Go hiking in the Sumava/Bohemian Forest, the country’s largest national park. The park includes glacial lakes, many areas of virgin forest and important historic monuments. Good winter sports centres include Zelezna Ruda, Spicak, Zadov, Churanov and Kramolin.

Get fit downhill or cross-country skiing in Krkonoše (Giant Mountains) National Park, the Czech Republic’s premier downhill skiing destination, and myriad other resorts.

Cast a line at the fishing lakes of South Bohemia and Lednice-Valtice (contact the Czech Anglers Union (website: www.crsplzen.cz) for more information), or kayak on rivers like Luznice, upper Vltava and Sazava.

Go caving in the extensive underground karst system of Moravsky Kras (Moravian karst), near Brno. Alternatively take a guided tour of the Balcarka, Katerinska, Punkva or Sloupsko-Sosuvske caves.

Sample Czech wine at the Melnik Chateau, or take a bicycle tour of the Southern Moravian vineyards on the Moravian Wine Cycle Routes (website: www.vinarske.stezky.cz). In September attend wine festivals in Melnik and Kadan.

Visit the castle in Moravsky Krumlov and admire the great painting on display in its Mucha Gallery, inlcuding the Slovanska epopej (The Slav Epic), a story which unfolds over 20 enormous canvases.

Hike or climb amidst the spectacular scenery of Český Ráj (Bohemian paradise), with its mini-canyons, steep bluffs of volcanic rocks, dense forests and attractive castles. Visit the sandstone ‘rock town’ Prachovské skály.

Travel back in time at the open-air skansen (folk museum) at Roznov pod Radhostem. The museum has three distinctive parts - the Little Wooden Town, the Water Mill Valley (with technical buildings), and Wallachian Village (with residential dwellings and farmhouses).

See Contact Addresses for further information.


Going Out

Food and Drink

Traditional Czech food comprises of hearty meat dishes with clear influences from neighbouring Austria and Hungary. There is a wide selection of restaurants, beer taverns and wine cellars.

National specialities:
• Svickova is the national dish of beef tenderloin and sour cream. It is typically served with potatoes, cranberry sauce and dumplings.
• Polevka (soup) is a common starter and comes in a variety of flavours including garlic (Cesnekovy Polevka) and onion (Cibulova Polevka).
• Bramborak (a potato pancake delicacy filled with garlic and herbs).
• Karp (carp) is the national fish.

National drinks:
• Beer (lager, dark ales, pilsner).
• Wine (red, white and sparkling wines from Bohemia and Moravia).
• Becherovka (herb brandy).
• Slivovice (plum brandy).
• Merunkovice (apricot brandy).

Legal drinking age: 18.

Tipping: It is customary to tip 10-15% for good service in a restaurant.

Nightlife

Prague has a diverse nightlife scene with everything from lap dancing bars and casinos to theatre and opera, and with a seemingly infinite string of cafes, bars and nightclubs. Nightclubs, bars and casinos are also located in other big cities.

Shopping

Souvenirs include Bohemian glass and crystal, pottery, porcelain, wooden folk carvings, hand-embroidered clothing, and food items. There are a number of excellent shops specialising in glass and crystal, while various associations of regional artists and craftspeople run their own retail outlets (pay in local currency). Other special purchases include pottery (particularly from Kolovec and Straznice); china ornaments and geyserstone carvings from Karlovy Vary; delicate lace and needle embroidery from many Moravian towns; and blood-red garnets and semi-precious stones from Bohemia.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1800. Some stores close at 1200 on Saturdays, while others also open from 1000-1600 on Sundays. Supermarkets and food shops in large towns and cities are open from 0700 and often stay open until late.


Climate

The temperate climate means that winters are cold and summers mild. Spring and summer have the highest rainfall.

Required Clothing

Mediumweights, heavy topcoat and sturdy shoes for winter; lightweights for summer.


Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
24 Mar Easter Monday.
1 May May Day.
8 May Liberation Day.
5 Jul Day of the Apostles St Cyril and St Methodius.
6 Jul Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Jan Hus.
28 Sep Czech Statehood Day.
28 Oct Independence Day.
17 Nov Freedom and Democracy Day.
24-26 Dec Christmas.

2009
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
13 Apr Easter Monday.
1 May May Day.
8 May Liberation Day.
5 Jul Day of the Apostles St Cyril and St Methodius.
6 Jul Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Jan Hus.
28 Sep Czech Statehood Day.
28 Oct Independence Day.
17 Nov Freedom and Democracy Day.
24-26 Dec Christmas.


Health

Diphtheria

Special Precaution: No

Hepatitis A

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Malaria

Special Precaution: No

Rabies

Special Precaution: No

Tetanus

Special Precaution: Yes

Typhoid

Special Precaution: No

Yellow Fever

Special Precaution: No

Health Care

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles European travellers to free or reduced cost emergency medical care, at state-run facilities, in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. Contact the Centre for International Reimbursements (website: www.cmu.cz/languages/en.htm) for more details. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised.

Note

Further Health Information

We advise you to check health requirements for the country you are traveling to with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic as health requirements and vaccinations can change at short notice.

Money

Currency

Koruna (CZK; symbol Kc) or Crown = 100 haler. Notes are in denominations of Kc5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of Kc50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20 and 10 haler.

Currency Exchange

Foreign currency (including traveller’s cheques) can be exchanged at all bank branches and at authorised exchange offices, main hotels and road border crossings.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

Major cards such as American Express, Diners Club, Discover, Visa, MasterCard and others may be used to exchange currency and are also accepted in some hotels, restaurants and shops.

Traveller's Cheques

These are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling.

Banking Hours

Generally Mon-Fri 0800-1800. Some banks close early on Fridays.


Passport/Visa

British

Passport Required: Yes/1
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: No

Australian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No/3
Return Ticket Required: No

Canadian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No/3
Return Ticket Required: No

USA

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No/3
Return Ticket Required: No

Other EU

Passport Required: 2
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: No

Note

The Czech Republic joined the Schengen Agreement on 21 December 2007 for overland entry points and seaports, and on 29 March 2008 for airports.

Passport Note

Minors are allowed to travel on their parents’ passports up until aged 15 years.

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) 1. British nationals whose passport should be valid for intended length of stay;
(b) 2. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) nationals of EU countries who may stay for an unlimited period;
(b) 3. nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Visa Note

(a) EU nationals, and those who do not require visas, whose stay will exceed 30 days, must register with the Alien and Border Police within 30 days of arrival. All other nationals must register with the Alien and Border Police within three days of arrival, regardless of intended length of stay. Generally, accommodation providers will arrange this for their guests. (b) British Overseas Citizens require visas as do holders of British Travel Documents (blue) under the 1951 Geneva Convention, and holders of British Travel Documents (brown) for tourism and business trips, and must apply in person.


Contact Addresses

Embassy of the Czech Republic in the UK

26-30 Kensington Palace Gardens, London W8 4QY, UK
Tel: (020) 7243 1115 or 0906 910 1060 (24-hour recorded visa information; calls cost £1 per minute).
Website: www.mzv.cz/london  
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 0830-1715; Fri 0830-1600; Mon-Fri 0900-1100 (visa application); 1315-1500 (visa collection).

Czech Tourist Authority in the UK

13 Harley Street, London W1G 9QG, UK
Tel: (020) 7631 0427 or 0906 364 0641 (24-hour brochure request line; calls cost 60p per minute).
Website: www.czechtourism.com

Embassy of the Czech Republic in the USA

3900 Spring of Freedom Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 274 9100.
Website: www.mzv.cz/washington

Czech Tourist Authority in the USA

1109 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10028, USA
Tel: (212) 288 0830.
Website: www.czechtourism.com


Travel Advice

Warning

Most visits to the Czech Republic are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. Czech authorities have introduced heightened security measures in Prague in response to a possible terrorist threat.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel




Disclaimer
We've tried to make the information on this page as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information with the relevant authorities before you travel.