Last Updated on 30 January 2026 by Johan

The Czech Republic lies in Central Europe. It borders Germany to the west, Poland to the north, Slovakia to the east, and Austria to the south. The country has no coastline but is rich in rivers, forests, and mountains. Its central location makes it easy to reach from across Europe by air, rail, or road.

Explanation of the name: Czech Republic

The name Czech Republic comes from the ethnonym “Czech”, referring to the Slavic people who settled in Bohemia and Moravia in the early Middle Ages. In Czech the country is called Česká republika. Historically the land was known as Bohemia, derived from the Celtic Boii tribe. After the peaceful separation of Czechoslovakia in 1993, the modern state adopted the name Czech Republic. Since 2016 “Czechia” has been promoted as the official short name in English, though both names remain valid.

History: Czech Republic

Slavic tribes arrived in the 6th century, building circular villages and farming the land. In the 7th century Samo united tribes against Avar invasions. The Great Moravian Empire followed in the 9th century, introducing Christianity through Cyril and Methodius. Bohemia later flourished under Charles IV, who made Prague a cultural capital. The Hussite Wars in the 15th century reflected religious tensions. The Habsburgs ruled from the 16th century until 1918, when Czechoslovakia was founded. Nazi Germany occupied the land in 1939, followed by decades under Soviet influence. The Velvet Revolution in 1989 restored democracy. In 1993 Czechoslovakia split peacefully into the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Today the Czech Republic is a parliamentary democracy divided into 14 regions (kraje), including Prague, South Moravia, and Moravian‑Silesia.

Tourist information: Czech Republic

Prague, the capital, is known as the “City of a Hundred Spires.” Its Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, and Prague Castle attract millions of visitors. Brno offers modern culture and Villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO site. Český Krumlov is a fairy‑tale town with a castle and winding streets. Kutná Hora has St. Barbara’s Church and the Sedlec Ossuary decorated with bones. Olomouc is known for fountains and the Holy Trinity Column.

Attractions sorted by distance from Prague

• Old Town Square – Staroměstské náměstí, 110 00 Prague. The historic heart of Prague with the Astronomical Clock and Gothic churches.
• Charles Bridge – Karlův most, 110 00 Prague. A 14th‑century stone bridge lined with statues, connecting the Old Town and Lesser Town.
• Prague Castle – Hradčany, 119 08 Prague. The largest ancient castle complex in the world, including St. Vitus Cathedral.
• Kutná Hora – 70 km east of Prague. Famous for St. Barbara’s Church and the Sedlec Ossuary.
• Karlovy Vary – 130 km west of Prague. A spa town with mineral springs and colonnades.
• Český Krumlov Castle – Zámek 59, 381 01 Český Krumlov, about 170 km south of Prague. A UNESCO site with Renaissance and Baroque halls.
• Brno – Villa Tugendhat – Černopolní 45, 613 00 Brno, about 210 km southeast of Prague. A UNESCO modernist villa designed by Mies van der Rohe.

Museums

• National Museum – Václavské náměstí 68, 115 79 Prague. The largest museum in the country.
• Jewish Museum in Prague – U Staré školy 1, 110 00 Prague. Preserves Jewish heritage.
• Moravian Museum – Zelný trh 8, 659 37 Brno. Covers archaeology and natural history.
• Technical Museum Brno – Purkyňova 105, 612 00 Brno. Focuses on science and industry.
• Museum of Decorative Arts – 17. listopadu 2, 110 00 Prague. Exhibits design and applied arts.

Fun things for children

Prague Zoo, DinoPark Plzeň, Aquapark Čestlice, and Science Centre VIDA! in Brno are popular. Puppet theatres and seasonal fairs are also family‑friendly.

Local events in 2026

• Prague Spring International Music Festival: 12 May – 4 June 2026.
• Karlovy Vary International Film Festival: 3 – 11 July 2026.
• Colours of Ostrava: 16 – 19 July 2026.
• Brno MotoGP Grand Prix: August 2026.
• Ride of the Kings in Moravia: May 2026.
• Strakonice Bagpipe Festival: August 2026.

Culinary destinations

Roast pork with dumplings and cabbage is the national dish. Other favourites include svíčková, guláš, and fried cheese. Carp is eaten at Christmas. Czech beer is world‑famous, especially Pilsner Urquell and Budweiser Budvar. Moravian wines are gaining recognition. Bohemia Sekt produces sparkling wine. Pardubice gingerbread and plum brandy (slivovice) are regional specialities.

Cycling and walking routes

The Elbe River Trail connects Prague to Germany. The Moravian Wine Trails link vineyards and villages. The Prague–Vienna Greenway passes castles and forests. Walking routes include trails in the Giant Mountains, Šumava National Park, and Bohemian Paradise. Winter offers skiing in Špindlerův Mlýn.

More information on our website:

Fun things to do in Czech Republic

Sources

• VisitCzechia – Official tourism board: https://www.visitczechia.com/ Used for attractions, events, and travel information.
• CzechTourism – Official agency: https://www.czechtourism.cz/en-US/ Used for cultural highlights and gastronomy.
• Czechia.eu – Government portal: https://www.czechia.eu/tourism/ Used for regions, UNESCO sites, and national parks.
• Czech Statistical Office – Territorial units: https://www.czso.cz/csu/czso/territorial-units Used for administrative divisions.
• UNESCO World Heritage Centre – Czechia: https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/cz Used for verified UNESCO sites.
• Prague Spring Festival – Official site: https://festival.cz/en Used for 2026 festival dates.
• Karlovy Vary International Film Festival – Official site: https://www.kviff.com/en
• Colours of Ostrava – Official site: https://www.colours.cz/en Used for 2026 festival schedule.
• Bohemia Sekt – Official site: https://www.bohemia-sekt.cz/en Used for sparkling wine information.
• Pilsner Urquell – Official site: https://www.pilsnerurquell.com/ Used for beer heritage.
• EuroVelo – Czechia cycling routes: https://en.eurovelo.com/czech-republic Used for cycling trails.
• Embassy of the Czech Republic – Historical outline: https://mzv.gov.cz/copenhagen/en/briefly_about_the_czech_republic/history/historical_outline.html Used for historical background.