Things to do in  Bohemia

It may be the Czech Republic’s newest national park, but Bohemian Switzerland National Park (Narodni Park Ceske Svycarsko) has long been a popular destination for traders and artists. The park’s curious name was inspired by two 19th-century Swiss artists who settled in the region because it reminded them of their homeland. Today the park draws hikers, bikers, climbers, and nature lovers from around the world.

A Habsburg-era military fortress that became a Nazi transit camp for prisoners awaiting transfer to Auschwitz and Treblinka, Terezín is a harrowing reminder of a dark chapter in Europe’s history. Today, the World War II site is preserved as the Terezín Memorial (Památník Terezín) and tells the horrifying truths of the Holocaust, as well as the stories of some of its 150,000 prisoners, including those who lost their lives.

At the northwestern edge of the Czech Republic, you’ll find one of the country’s favorite nature escapes. Bohemian Switzerland National Park is blanketed in lush green landscapes, steep navigable river gorges, and the 52-foot (16-meter -high Pravcice Gate (Pravcická Brána, Europe’s largest natural rock arch and the park’s symbol.

Located 2 hours outside of Prague, Karlovy Vary (also known as Carlsbad) is a charming spa town in the Czech Republic. Its spacious streets are lined with classical-style colonnades and colorfully painted buildings and the town is surrounded by green forest. Visitors come to drink the restorative spa waters and enjoy the countryside.

As visitors to the Czech Republic soon find out, Pilsner Urquell is practically synonymous with Czech beer. It’s brewed in the city of Pilsen (Plzeň), in the western Czech Republic. Beer lovers can take a tour of the Pilsner Urquell Brewery (Plzeňský Prazdroj) to learn more about the beer’s history and production, and to have a taste.

The Czech town of Ceske Budejovice in South Bohemia may be best known for the beer that has been brewed there since the 13th century. Even if you aren't a beer lover, this charming provincial capital is well worth a visit thanks to its vast main square, winding lanes, and a location that lends itself for exploring the region.

A short drive from Prague, Konopiste Castle is a grand chateau built in a French style. It’s famous as the former home of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, whose assassination in Sarajevo triggered the First World War.

In Cesky Krumlov, 105 miles (170 kilometers) away from Prague, the St. Vitus Church (Kostel sv. Vita) is not be confused with the cathedral of the same name located at Prague Castle. With its unusual steep-sided roof and single tower, the church is a popular stop for visitors coming to see Krumlov Castle—the church is inside the castle complex.

The Czech Republic is famous for its fine crystal glassware, which travelers can admire, learn about, and purchase at Karlovy Vary’s Moser Glassworks. Founded in 1857, the glassworks produces a range of decorative and practical glass pieces using environmentally friendly techniques. Visitors can tour the museum and shop for fine glassware at the Moser Glassworks.

The spa town of Mariánské Láznĕ (also known as Marienbad) is one of the Czech Republic’s favorite getaways and easily accessible from Prague. With a balmy climate, panoramic mountain views, elegant architecture, and lush gardens, Mariánské Láznĕ is the perfect place for a day trip or relaxing weekend away from the big city.

Cesky Sternberk Castle sits on a cliff over the small village of Sternberk, in the countryside of Bohemia. It was built in the 1240s, redesigned in the Gothic style in the 15th century, and renovated in the baroque style in the 17th. It’s still owned by descendants of its original owners, who still live there.

The Ghetto Museum (Muzeum Ghetta) is part of the Terezín Memorial, which commemorates and teaches visitors about erstwhile Czechoslovakia’s dark World War II history. The late-18th century garrison town of Terezín, known as Theresienstadt in German, was turned into a work camp and ghetto by the Nazis and used as a transit point for Jews on the way to Auschwitz. An estimated 30,000 people died here.

One of Central Europe’s major rivers, the Elbe River runs through the heart of Dresden. It has played an important role in Germany’s history, forming part of the border between East and West Germany during the Cold War. Today the Elbe River is a popular spot for boat tours and views of landmarks like the Dresden Opera House.

The Magdeburg Barracks (Magdeburská Kasárna) were originally constructed as part of a Habsburg military fortress, but the baroque-style building was later annexed by the Terezín concentration camp during WWII. Today, the barracks are a place of reconciliation and hope, and house an educational center run by the Holocaust Education Trust.

The Gothic Loket Castle (Hrad Loket) looms over the Western Bohemian town of Loket. The town was founded in about the 9th century, and the castle a few hundred years later. The castle is a beautiful sight from the outside, with its pointed turrets and thick stone walls. Visitors can also tour the inside, which has been converted into a museum.