The Balcarka Cave is situated in a picturesque karst valley near Ostrov u Macochy. The underground labyrinth of corridors, fissures and caves has two floors. The entrance portal of the cave is a significant paleontological and archeological locality. It is a place where the bones of Pleistocene animals have been found, as well as stone and bone instruments and fireplaces of inhabitants from the Early Stone Age. Further sections of the cave were gradually discovered between 1923 and 1948. These caves boast unique and very rich, varied and colorful stalactite and stalagmite decorations. The sections called the Gallery and the Natural Corridor are among the most beautiful sights of the Moravian Karst. Another remarkable sight is the circular abysses - the Rotundas.

Location
Tábor area

Natural healing source
The main healing means of the spa characterized by very kindly climate include natural peat from the nearby Komárov marsh, therapeutic rehabilitation and advanced therapies applied by experienced and dedicated professionals.

Object of treatment
Locomotive system disorders

Further information:

www.laznebechyne.cz

The Pluh family connected two older parts of the castle and later built a new residential palace in the Renaissance style. In 1547, Kaspar Pluh headed the uprising of the Estates against Ferdinand I; it failed and he was sentenced to death. The Bečov dominion continued to serve as a pledge for the debts of the Emperor Chamber.

The Thirty Years’ War brought an end to tin prosperity, and in 1648, the Swedish Army damaged the castle and occupied it. The most valuable preserved part of the castle is the Chapel of the Visitation of Our Lady from the year 1400 with original frescoes depicting 17 Biblical motifs.

In the 18th century, on the site of the former fortifications above the castle moat, a Baroque chateau with an octagonal tower was built. The tower housed state rooms, a library and fountains. In the 19th century, the castle was connected to the chateau as one complex. The interiors were renovated in the Romantic style by architect Josef Zítek. There are valuable collections of paintings and tapestries from the property of the Belgian Beaufort-Spontin family, who bought Bečov in 1813.

The most precious artifact is the unique reliquary of St. Moor, which was found in the chapel in 1985. Alfred de Beaufort bought a rare 12th century reliquary of St. Moor for 2,500 francs, had it restored and brought it to Bečov. At the end of World War II the Beauforts, active collaborators with the Nazi regime, left the chateau in a hurry. The reliquary was hidden under the floor of the castle chapel for 40 years. In the 1980s, police got a tip that a foreign businessman was offering mediating services in the export of the forgotten reliquary. After a long investigation into the archives and interrogations of witnesses, a short list was made of possible sites where the reliquary could be hidden. On November 5, 1985, the reliquary was discovered, surrounded by bottles of wine and cognac. Sixty Czech and international specialists participated in its restoration. Since May 2002, the reliquary is displayed in a special safety deposit room in the chateau Bečov.

Recently, the castle was completely renovated. The exhibition entitled “The History and Meaning of Reliquaries” was opened to the public. Bečov offers unique night sightseeing tours and viewings of the reliquary of St. Moor.

Ann’s Peat Spa, with its 120-year-long tradition, is situated in the peaceful town of Lázně Bělohrad. Clients come to the local spa mainly to treat disorders of the locomotive system. These include rheumatic illnesses, back pains, Bechterew’s Disease, arthritis, post-traumatic or post-operative conditions, vertebrogenic root syndromes and mild peripheral paralysis in particular. Another indication is the treatment of deformative scars caused by injury or burns. In addition to traditional therapeutic stays, reconditioning and specialized stays are offered.

Location
Jičín area

Natural healing source
Sulphur-ferric peat

Object of treatment
Locomotive system disorders

Further information:
http://www.belohrad.cz/

A year after Přemysl’s death, Bezděz became the place of imprisonment of Queen Kunhuta and her underage son Wenceslas (Václav) II, kept under lock and key by Otto Margrave of Brandenburg after the Battle of Marchfeld. Albrecht of Wallenstein turned the castle into a monastery for the Benedictines from Monserrat, who brought a copy of the Madonna of Moserrat in 1666, and so the castle became a pilgrimage site.  It was abandoned in the 18th century.

Parts that are accessible to visitors are the castle precincts including the royal palace, burgrave’s house and the unique early Gothic Chapel. The castle tower offers a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. The castle’s romantic silhouette has attracted a number of artists, including the poet Karel Hynek Mácha.

Location

Natural healing source
Alkaline hydrogen-carbonated waters

Object of treatment
Nonspecific respiratory illnesses and ailments of circulatory and digestive tracts in young patients

Further information:

www.bilina.cz

The costly and exigent reconstruction was carried out in a particularly sensitive way in terms of historical credibility and style harmony. The Romantic reconstruction produced what would have been a perfect idea of a massive medieval residence, with several artistic styles, especially Gothic and Renaissance, intermingling. Its historical and artistic value is enhanced by a great many substantial works of art. Modern adaptation of the premises was executed in respect to the intended opening of the castle to the public. The castle offers Romantic interiors with furnishings of high historical value and rich painted decoration, woodcarving and smithery.

The Bozkov Dolomite Caves are situated on the northern slope of the municipality of Bozkov in the hilly landscape of the Krkonoše foothills. The entrance into the underground area was discovered by dolomite miners in the 1940s, but it was not until 1957 that the underground system of fissure corridors that are partly filled with water was discovered. The Bozkov Dolomite Caves are a labyrinth of underground corridors and cavities situated not far below the surface. The typical and unique decorations of the accessible caves consist of quartz ledges and listels in the walls and ceilings. Some of the hollows are even filled with stalactites and stalagmites, including small, interesting eccentric stalactites and stalagmites, in addition to traditional calcite decorations. Attractive items along the sightseeing tour include underground lakes with crystal-clear, blue-green water. The Bozkov Dolomite Caves are the only cave system in North Bohemia accessible to the public. The caves and their surroundings are a protected area according to the Nature and Landscape Protection Act.

From the early 19th century till the end of the Second World War, Buchlov was owned by the Berchtold family, who maintained the castle in good condition. Moreover, the half-brothers Leopold and Bedřich Berchtold transformed part of the castle into a museum open to the public as early as in mid-19th century.

The castle interior exemplifies the development of the culture of living from the 15th to the 19th centuries. The Knight’s Hall, the central space of the late Gothic palace, stands out in terms of size. Apart from private quarters and other rooms, vast biological collections and a rich library, visitors can see the tomb of the owner family in the adjacent chapel.

The permanent exhibit of the castle includes approximately 20 rooms that are furnished in styles ranging from Renaissance to Biedermeier. The paintings, collected by the family over the past centuries, include fine examples of Karel Skreta, Lucas van Valkenborgh and J. H.Schonfeld. It is one of the most interesting permanent exhibition of its kind in the Czech Republic. The present owner, Diana Phipps Sternberg, experienced interior designer, gave care also to other parts of chateau. These rooms (the second sightseeing tour) are accessible to the public three times a year.

The Protected Landscaped Area of Kokořín is a picturesque place within the Central Bohemian region, an area of sandstone rocks and ravines, scented pinewoods and also a site with remarkable monuments. The main tourist destination of the Kokorin region is Kokořín Castle, where one can climb from a carpark near the Dolina restaurant in the Kokořín valley. This romantic castle, which has charmed many Czech poets, was built in the 1^st half of the 14^th century. The dominant feature of the castle is a 38-meter high round tower, utilised as a view point.

In the surroundings of Kokořín, one can find other interesting places, such as the town of Mělník. This ancient town became famous mainly due to grapevine cultivation and there is a vintage ceremony held each year. In the town is a manor, which is an impressive dominant feature which can be seen from afar, together with the tower of Saint Peter & Paul’s Temple. Visitors to Mělník are attracted by the view from the manor view point, from where they can see the conflux of the Labe and Vltava rivers, the monumental Říp Mountain and the Bohemian Central Highlands.

Let us move from the region of Kokořín to the south-west towards the manors of Veltrusy and Nelahozeves.

Veltrusy offers a walk across a large park, which is one of the best preserved English parks in Europe. The park includes a fallow-deer field with one hundred-year-old oak trees. The Veltrusy manor was built in the 1^st half of the 18^th century on an equilateral cross shaped ground plan. The interior is furnished with historical pieces and remarkable art collections.

In 1992, the Nelahozeves renaissance manor was returned to its original owners, the Lobkowitz family, where one can find the largest private art collection in Bohemia, which, among others, includes paintings by Rubens, Cranach and Verones. In the village of Nelahozeves there is a memorial of the world-famous harmonist Antonín Dvořák, who was born in family house no. 12.

On our way further towards the southwest, we can stop by the romantic village of Okoř, the dominant feature is a ruin of a castle of same name. During the summer months many cultural events take place, for example every year a rock and folk festival is organized. From Okoř, it is only few kilometers to get to Kladno, an industrial town with significant tradition of black coal mining and iron production. The mining history is documented by an open-air mining museum, the Mayrau Mine, Vinarice. In addition, Kladno is the birth place of the famous Czech hockey player - Jaromír Jágr, and where he started his successful career. 

Five kilometers from Kladno, is the worldwide renowned village of Lidice.  During World War II, German Nazis razed the village to the ground because of alleged cooperation of some of the local villagers with paratroopers, who made an attempt on R. Heydrich. The Germans shot all 173 male villagers, deported the women to concentration camps and put the children in German families for re-education or killed them in gas chambers. After 1945, Lidice was rebuilt and the original site area has been commemorated. Close by, the Lidice Museum  was built.

Another interesting and attractive destination in the Kladno region is the Červený Újezd castle. It is not a typical castle but an interesting entrepreneurial work – a historical building built between 2001 and 2002, with an aim to introduce the tourists and visitors to the Czech Republic Bohemian countryside of the previous two centuries in quite an untraditional manner. Visitors can admire a museum exhibition and an open-air museum.

Another jewel of the region of Central Bohemia is the region of Křivoklát. Křivoklát is one of the most famous Bohemian castles. It was built in the first half of the 13^th century and its dominant features are a 12-metre high large cylindrical tower and the Prismatic Tower. One can visit a jail and torture chambers, and the little town Křivoklát itself.  On days when the castle is open for the public, one can visit a herbal tearoom, a candle shop, an armoury shop, a wood-carving shop and the Nakřivo gallery. 

In Central Bohemia one can find the largest area of karst topography of the Czech Republic. However, only the Koněpruské Caves are open for the public. The 800-meter long sightseeing circle leads through the most interesting sections of the upper and medium floor, through large cathedrals; Předsíň (Hall), Pustý (Deserted) and Vysoká kaple (High Chapel). The caves are rich in stalactites, with the unique “konepruske roses” – where calcium carbonate has been dissolved by water and the shrunken walls have formed bushes. The branches have fallen off and only the rose florets remain on the walls. A similar site cannot be found anywhere else.

Northward, not far from the Koněpruské Caves, one can find one of the most picturesque places in Bohemia, a pilgrimage site named Svatý Jan pod Skalou (St. John under the rock). Here, one can visit a monastic church, interconnected with travertine caves (travertine is light, often porous calcareous sediment). It is said that St. Ivan, the first Bohemian hermit, mentioned in the first ever written source-books, used to live in these caves.

The beautiful Karlštejn castle , undoubtedly the most famous and most significant castle in Bohemia, looks like it has come straight out a fairy tale. The founder of it, the Bohemian King, Saint and Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Charles IV saved the imperial crown jewels here, as well as with the remains of saints, and used the castle as a place of rest and meditation. Karlštejn has become even more famous for golf enthusiasts.

One can enjoy other water sport activities at one of the biggest Czech water reservoirs, the Slapský Dam. A lake flooded the original valley of the Vltava River, and later tens of recreation camps developed at its banks. The lake is 44 km long and its maximum depth is 58 meters. Besides swimming or fishing one can participate in a summer yachting course, or enjoy a trip on a steamboat.

Not far from the town of Benesov, is another romantic manor named Konopiště . Despite many reconstructions, the manor, with its seven towers, preserved the appearance of an Early-Gothic castle. There are social lounges in its interiors and rich art collections. 

Eastwards from Konopiště one can find the medieval castle Český Šternberk, which was founded around 1241. The interior of the castle is richly decorated with collections from the Sternberk family, among others, a collection of more than 500 copperplates dating back to the Thirty Years War . Also worth visiting is the near-by Sázavský Monastery .

However, a place not to be missed in our meander across the Central Bohemian region is Kutná Hora . During medieval times, it was the largest and most important town after Prague, famous for its silver extraction and processing and one of the Bohemian towns recorded in the UNESCO List of Monuments. The town conservation reserve houses a set of medieval and baroque architecture with over three hundred protected structures. From the large number of preserved monuments, we should mention some examples. 

The Cathedral of St. Barbara  is the most dominant feature of Kutná Hora; after St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle, this temple, dedicated to the benefactress of coal-miners, is probably the second most prominent church in Bohemia. Its construction took a fairly long time; it was started in 1388 and was completed during the Late-Gothic period at the end of the 15^th and the beginning of the 16^th century. The interior offer preserved Late-Gothic sculptures and masonry decoration.

The Jesuitical college provides a picturesque panorama of the town. It is an Early Baroque structure, dating back to 1626-27. In front of the college, is a gallery with Baroque sculptures dating back to 1703-1716. Vlašský Yard was built around 1300, originally as a complex of buildings of a mint; from the 15^th century it served as a seat of the monarch. In Kamenný dům, one of the most beautiful burgess houses in Kutná Hora, is a museum exhibition of hand crafts.

From Kutná Hora, interwoven with history, we move to the spa town Poděbrady , the seat of the world renowned Bohemia Glassworks. The town is first mentioned in the middle of the 12^th century, and in 1905, works on construction of a spa were commenced; and since 1926, specializes in the treatment of cardiac and vascular diseases. The main curing source is a mineral water called Poděbradka.

However, the spa town offers its visitors much more than just pleasant and healthy therapies, and walks on the colonnade, since there are plenty of opportunities to participate in sports. There is a golf course, riding hall, mini-golf, tennis and squash, swimming in an indoor pool, fitness and also cycle paths. Recently, the town of Podebrady has been expanding rapidly in the area of providing services for corporate events. Upon request, one can organize a conference or a congress, including associated supplementary services.

A Romantic Renaissance water chateau from the first half of the 16th century built on the site of a former Gothic keep, Cervena Lhota Castle was modified in the pseudo-Renaissance style in the early 20th century. There is also a castle park, which is appreciated by botanists and conservationists. The castle’s chapel is located in the park.

Červená Lhota Castle is currently a National Monument and is owned by the National Monument Institute in České Budějovice. The chateau is open to the public. Renaissance and Rococo interiors include valuable furnishings from the 17th-19th centuries.

The chateau has served as a backdrop to many popular Czech fairy-tale films.

Location: Located between village Tisá in the Ústí region and Šluknovský foreland in the Dečín region.

The Bohemian Switzerland National Park was created January 1, 2000, as the fourth national park in the Czech Republic. It links to the Sächsische Schweiz (Saxonian Switzerland) National Park on the German side, which was established 10 years prior (1990).

The main subject of conservation in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park is the very characteristically developed sandstone phenomenon, i.e. the unique geomorphology of the sandstone rock towns and the biodiversity bound to them.

The Bohemian Switzerland National Park is part of the more extensive geomorphological set of the Elbe Sandstone rocks. The bilateral whole of the Bohemian and Saxonian National Parks provide a representative example of thick-bedded sandstone of the Bohemian Chalk Basin, which, with its vastness (a total of 172 km²), and its current low level of settlement (there are only two small villages within the territory of both national parks) has no equivalent in Europe.

Jetřichovické stěny

The majority of the Bohemian Switzerland National Park occupies the geomorphological sub-unit of Jetřichovické stěny – an extensive set of rock and forest complexes, which are practically without settlement.

One of the best-known sights in this part of the National Park is the National Natural Monument, Pravčická brána, a unique European stone bridge.

The Jetřichovické skály are also much visited by tourists, especially the lookout spots of Mariina skála, Vileminina skála and Rudolfův kámen, as well as the stone castles (Šaunštejn, Falkenštejn and others). In the northern part of Jetřichovické stěny, one of the most frequented spots is the Kyjov Valley, which continues through the Křinice Gorge (part of which is accessible by boat from the German side).

The Jetřichovické stěny territory of thick-bedded sandstone is enriched in many places by individual outcrops of basalt minerals, e.g. at Větrovec, Mlýny, Goliště and Suchý vrch in the Ponova louka nature reserve or Český vrch.

The southern part of the Bohemian Switzerland National Park includes the peripheral area of the Děčínské stěny sub-unit, where the Kamenice Gorge can be found, next to Pravčická brána, the best-known sight in Bohemian Switzerland. The Tichá a Divoká Gorge is also much visited by tourists, where barge trips have been held since the end of the 19th century. North of the gorge is also the only village in the national park, Mezná (local part of the Hřensko municipality) with valuable folk architecture (house with a base).

Marked trails

The whole territory of the Bohemian Switzerland National Park is accessible through the network of traditional marked trails and especially popular sections are accompanied by two nature trails: one around Hřensko (Pravčická brána and the Tichá Gorge) and one at Jetřichovické skály.

Sports

Climbing is one of the traditional sports in the sandstone area here. The majority of climbing rocks are to be found in the area north of the municipality of Jetřichovice.

The territory of the national park also contains marked cycling paths with a total length of approximately 40 kilometers.

Bohemian Switzerland National Park in numbers:

Area: 79 km²
Highest point: 619 meters (Růžový vrch)
Lowest point: 116 meters (Hřensko)

In the mid-13th century the lords of Krumlov, who belonged to the important noble family of Vítkovce, founded the castle Krumlov on a steep rocky bulge above the stream of the Vltava River. In 1302, the Rosenberg family took over the castle and made it their main residential palace. During the era of Vilem of Rosenberg, the huge Gothic castle was rebuilt under the guidance of Italian masters into a monumental Renaissance residence, and in the same period it became an important cultural, social and economic center of the large Rosenberg dominion. Petr Vok of Rosenberg sold the residence to Rudolph II due to financial reasons. Rudolph II never visited the castle and in 1622 his cousin Emperor Ferdinand II presented it to his banker, Jan Ulrich of Eggenberg. At the end of the 17th century, during the era of Jan Christian of Eggenberg, the chateau went through extensive reconstruction in the Baroque style. The floor of the halls was equally levelled, huge Baroque staircases were constructed, Baroque gardens were designed and a new Baroque theater and a mint were built.

After extinction of the Eggenburg line, the Schwarzenberg family inherited the property and the union of the two noble families created an extensive dominion, resembling the Rosenberg era in size and location. Further reconstruction in the style of High Baroque took place during the period of Josef Adam of Schwarzenberg. He had the Mirror Hall and the Mask Hall reconstructed and decorated with Rococo paintings by Josef Lederer. The Eggenberg theater building was rebuilt and equipped with a large collection of wings by Viennese painters, theatre costumes and requisites from the 18th century. In the garde the wooden pavilion Belaria was reconstructed and a new wooden music pavilion and winter chateau riding-school were built. The theater and the park are accessible by the corridors on the upper floors of the Late Baroque bridge – a technical marvel that vaults across the castle moat.

In the late 18th century, the rush to construct the Krumlov chateau dwindled. Only the Duke Adolf Josef of Schwamberk took interest in the restoration of the chateau Krumlov and in the year 1900 he decided to open part of the Schwarzenberg representative rooms to the public. In 1940, Gestapo confiscated the whole Schwarzenberg property. After the war, the chateau was nationalized and made accessible to the public again.

In 1992, the whole historic complex was included in the UNESCO list of cultural and natural heritage.

Above the meanders of the Vltava River, a unique complex of municipal housing developed, mainly in the 16th century, along with an extensive castle and chateau complex, the second-largest in the country after the Prague Castle.

The historical seat of the Rosenberg family includes a variety of chateau buildings, the famous Hall of Masks, a unique Baroque theater, a chateau garden with a Rococo fountain and the summer residence Bellaria with a revolving auditorium, where seasonal theater performances take place.

The Cathedral of St. Vitus, a valuable architectural work of the Czech Gothic style, is a significant feature of the town.

Numerous cultural activities contribute to the lively atmosphere of the town, among them the International Music Festival, the Old Music Festival, exhibitions at the Egon Schiele Center, and the Five-Petalled Rose Festival (the rose was a symbol of the Rosenberg family.).

It was founded by Zdeslav of Divišov in 1241 and called, in accordance with the contemporary trend, Šternberk. The new title of the Sternberg family and their coat-of-arms containing an eight-pointed star date back to the same period.

It is remarkable and extraordinary indeed that the castle is still owned by the family whose member, Zdeslav of Sternberg, had the castle built; the castle was returned to its present owner, Zdenek of Sternberg, during the restitution process in 1992.

The medieval essence of the early Gothic castle is concealed in the core of the contemporary structure, which acquired its existing shape through several remodelings. The architectural development spans from late Gothic reconstructions enhancing the castle’s fortification system to the ostentatious Baroque interior remodeling aimed at comfortable living.

The castle exhibition includes historic rooms in Baroque style with rich stucco and painted decorations, valuable furniture and family collections (Knight’s Hall, Dining Room, Chapel of St. Sebastian, Hunting Room, Bedroom, Kašpar Šternberk’s room containing family portraits). Worth seeing is a collection of copper engravings from the period of the Thirty Years’ War and a collection of 17th-century miniatures (so-called Dutch Silver).

At present, the castle consists of the singular three-story late Romanesque chapel and the ruined Romanesque palace with coupled windows. The prismatic tower, called Black (Černá), was adapted as a lookout tower.

The castle exhibition specializes in archeology, the develoment of Cheb stove-fitting and Baroque casemates.

The building has a unique groundplan, which is of the royal crown. It consists of a cylindrical core with three wings each of three rooms with square floors. The ground floor has a round central hall and the rooms it opens onto are dedicated to family exhibitions. The many paintings of horses on display are a reflection of this family’s long-lasting passion for horse-breeding. (Immagine della sala col Mercurio)

The castle is surrounded by a 40-acre park with rare specimens, an example of a French/English Baroque garden and there is an orangerie in the southern part. A chapel, dedicated to St. Ann, stands next to the chateau. The second floor, which can be reached by a monumental external staircase, has a magnificent round ballroom that leads to further rooms housing the collection of family and horse paintings. Two buildings facing the castle were formerly inhabited by the family and another one was used as a covered riding area for training horses. (Immagine della Sala da Ballo)

The Chýnov Cave was discovered in 1863 during work in a quarry. In 1868, after some modifications, this became the first Czech cave accessible to the public.

The original stone staircases can still be seen and the tour around the cave is a small journey through history. The Chýnov Cave was formed gradually by erosion, which widened various fissures with the help of water running through the fissures and washing out the solid substances. The principal wealth of the cave is not its stalactites and stalagmites but its colorful walls and ceilings, where white, yellow and brown marble facets alternate with dark amphibolite fillings. These two materials create the remarkable circular shapes seen in the walls.

The steep corridors of the cave go as deep as 41 meters, to the surface level of an underground stream. The total length of the cave system, not yet fully investigated, is more than 1,200 meters, with 220 meters accessible to visitors. The areas outside the sightseeing tour are under investigation by speleologists and spelunkers.

In the 1980s and ’90s, explorations resulted in the discovery of extensive, permanently water-filled spaces with unique druses of flintstone and other minerals.

Location
Karviná area

Natural healing source
Iodine-bromine water in form of baths, inhalations and wraps

Object of treatment
Locomotive system disorders, post-operative and post-trauma conditions, neurological illnesses, diseases of the circulatory system, post-burn cases

Further information:

http://www.darkov.cz

The present shape of the house comes dates to 1745-65, from a renovation commissioned by Heinrich Paul Mansfeld. His daughter Isabelle married Franz Gundakar Colloredo, and thus the noble family of Colloredo-Mansfeld came to exist, which lived there until 1942, when the house was confiscated by the German Reich. In 1945, it was expropriated again, by the

Private ownership of both the house and the French and English parks was restored in 1998. The present owner of the manor is Jerome Colloredo-Mansfeld from

The house, including the exhibition and the French park, is open to the public all year round. The historic interior is furnished with valuable furniture from the periods of Rococo and Neo-Classicism. A stone bridge, called the Devil’s Bridge in association with a legend, is situated in the park.

The main attractions are the rooms once occupied by G.G.Casanova, the Wallenstein librarian and famous globe-trotter, who lived there for 13 years until his death, and the central hall with the Wallenstein family portrait gallery. Prominent Baroque artists, such as the scupltor M. B. Braun and the painter V. V. Reiner, contributed to the decoration.

The manor is situated close to the border of Cínovec and Moldava in the direction of Dubí – Teplice – Duchcov, or Moldava – Osek – Duchcov.

It is represented by the Škoda-Volkswagen company located in Mladá Boleslav. Built on a greenfield site, the factory’s current huge area and the layout engineered to the last detail resembles a town in a town. In 1895 Václav Laurin and Václav Klement started to manufacture bicycles under the brand “Slavia” and the factory’s success grew further with the production of motorcycles, soon to be replaced by automobiles – the first Voiturette model was made in 1905. The production of Škoda cars followed this tradition, and they are still manufactured here today - by the Škoda-Volkswagen company. You can learn about the past and present manufacture of Škodas in the Museum of Škoda Auto.

Several kilometres to the east of Mladáa Boleslav is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved Czech Gothic castles - Kost . The castle’s location is very interesting: unlike most castles which dominate the landscape from hills where they have been built, Kost Castle is hidden in a valley in the ragged terrain of Český Ráj and is invisible from the open countryside. If one decides to take an hour’s tour of the castle, the guide will introduce you to Renaissance cuisine, historical arms and the collections from the Kinský dynasty. In summer, the settlements around the castle host fencing tournaments and other events. You can also visit the exhibition of torture and other interesting sights.

The rock towns of Český ráj are one of the main attractions of East Bohemia and the Prachovské skály (Prachovské Rocks) are one such example to the visitor. The most popular tourist paths lead through the Emperor’s Corridor and marked routes offering amazing sights. 

Another symbol of the Český Ráj area is the ruins of Trosky Castle. The most preserved parts of the ruins are two towers standing on basalt rocks. Today they serve as observation towers and a view terrace.

The observation towers of Trosky offer a beautiful view of Hruboskalské Rock Town. This romantic area is formed by nearly 400 sandstone towers reaching the height of up to 60 metres. The selective weathering of the sandstone gave rise to rock windows, tunnels and mainly rock gates, the most beautiful of which is Bránická Tower in Dračí Rocks with its perfectly arched ceiling. The Rock Town was inhabited as early as in 5000 BC and in medieval times several castle fortifications were built (Valdštejn, Hrubá Skála). Today the local rocks are a popular destination for rock climbers. A Golden Route that leads through the Rock Town shows the visitor many interesting sights.   

To the north of Český Ráj the town of Turnov is situated with the most beautiful entrance gate to this lovely area. The town has a long tradition of jewellery making and the processing of precious stones. A burgher house in the town centre is the site of the Český Ráj Museum. It contains a precious-stone exhibition and a unique painting by Mikoláš Aleš called “The Massacre of Saxons Under Hrubá Skála”.

The Krkonoše , the highest Czech mountains, are also located in this region. The most significant of Krkonoše´s centre is Harrachov. It was founded back in the 17th century and in 1712, glassworks were established here, whose famous tradition has been maintained up to this day. The fine works of local glass makers can be seen in the museum located near the glass factory in Nový Svět.      
However, Harrachov is the most popular with winter-sports and mountain-hiking enthusiasts as it prides itself on a wide area with downhill and cross-country skiing facilities. The first ski-jumping hill in Bohemia was built here back in 1920. Harrachov´s ski-jumping hills have hosted numerous World Cup events. Mumlava Falls are a popular tourist destination and one can also take trips through the Mumlava Valley from where fitter hikers may continue in a more challenging climb up to Vosecká bouda. The town of Jilemnice saw the production of the first skis in the Krkonoše. Now the town has The Krkonoše Museum and a reconstructed Neo-renaissance castle.

In nearby Vrchlabí, one can find a nice example of rustic architecture in the shape of three houses (No.´s 222, 223 and224) in Mír Square. The houses with archways and shingled roofs are today used as the Information Centre for the KRNAP Administration and for the exhibitions and expositions of The Krkonoše Museum. Behind the town in the direction of Trutnov, is an airport where a sightseeing flight can be arranged.

The most popular and significant destination in The Krkonoše is Špindlerův Mlýn. This municipality was discovered for tourism at the end of the 19th century. Today it offers a modern ski resort and numerous hotels, inns and family-run B&B´s.

Another important tourist and ski centre of The Krkonoše is Pec pod Snežkou. A chair lift to Mount Snežka, the highest Czech mountain, was put into operation here in 1949. The most unique and most attractive site of this area is Obri Dul (Giant Mine), which was formed from ancient iceberg activity. Through Obří Důl leads the most beautiful but also the most challenging tourist route to Mount Snežka. This difficult journey is about 14 kilometres long and it is impossible to take in winter time. Hikers who are not so fit should take the chair lift to negotiate the steepest incline. 

The name of the Krkonoše´s highest mountain – Mount Snežka (1,602 m) – means snow or snow covered. The first historically recorded climb of Mount Snežka was made in 1456 by an unknown Venetian looking for precious stones.

Another destination to visit in this area is Dvůr Králové nad Labem, a royal town founded around the year 1270. Although the town has a range of interesting historical sights, the biggest attraction is the zoo established in 1946. Since 1967 the zoo has gradually been developed into an “East Bohemia safari park” specializing in African wildlife living in open pens.

If you are interested in history, architecture and art, set off for Kuks . The most attractive sight here is the gallery of Virtue and Wisdom sculptures, mostly the works of M.B. Braun.

The genuine center of sandstone sculpture is just few kilometers away to the south. It is called Hořice, a city of stone beauty. In the park, one can admire works of art created at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

A unique sandstone lich-gate is located at the Gothard hill that serves as a natural „art- gallery“ displaying sculptures created by participants of international sculpture symposiums, which have been organized in Hořice since the 1960s.

Another speciality of this location is special baked rolls from Hořice. They are worth tasting!

Not far from the Rozkoš Dam is the town of Česká Skalice, which is strongly connected with the famous Czech writer Božena Němcová. The premises of the former pub U Bílého Lva are now the site of the Museum of B. Němcová . 
Between Česká Skalice and Havlovice stretches a lovely valley called Babiččino (Grandmother’s). It was named after the most famous book (Babička – Grandmother) by the above-mentioned author and it offers to visitors a 7.5 km educational trail with 25 stops.

Broumovsko is another conservation area in East Bohemia. The town of Police nad Metují, with a road climbing to Broumovské Walls, is an ideal starting point to the beautiful rock towns. A remarkable Swiss-style tourist cottage on the Hvězda peak (674 m) offers accommodation or you can just have something to eat there and enjoy the beautiful view of Broumovsko and The Javoří Hory or take interesting trips.  

The small town of Teplice nad Metují is the entrance gate to the romantic area of Teplické Rocks. Every year it hosts the Festival of Mountain climbing Films founded by the world-renown climber - Marek Šmíd. Just a stone’s throw from the Teplice nad Metují-Skála train stop is a car park and the main point of entry to Teplické Rocks. The basic, 6-kilometre-long hiking round route will take you through the most interesting sights of the area.  

Not far from there is another rock town. It is reached via the small town of Adršpach, where one can find a wide range of accommodation, together with an information centre. The area attracts many visitors and it can become very busy, especially in summer. The romantic rock town not only offers beautiful rock formations, but also the lovely Adršpach Lake and a range of various plant species. There are a lot of marked hiking paths through the rocks while cycling is limited in many places due to protection of the countryside.

Other historical jewels of East Bohemia are the castles of Nové Město nad Metují a Opočno. 

Military enthusiasts and fans of military fortresses should visit Jaroměř. The local Josefov Fortress was built between 1780 and 89 and its total area amounts to 289 hectares. 

One of the oldest and most significant Czech towns is Hradec Králové . The construction history of the town is a matter of interest: in the 18th century Hradec was turned into a Baroque military fortress. However, the military mission of the town was not fulfilled, the fortress was cancelled and the buildings were knocked down. The contemporary face of Hradec Králové was largely influenced by Professor Jan Kotěra, who had been the leading figure for the whole generation of architects up to the 1930s. The constructional period of those years is represented for example by the New Town Hall, Klicpera Theatre, Prague Bridge and mainly the Museum of East Bohemia. 

When one sets off from Hradec Králové due south, you find the quiet spa resort of Lázně Bohdaneč in the landscape of ponds and deciduous forests. In 1896, Dr. Veselý founded a peat and carbonic spa, which has been treating illnesses like rheumatism and vascular diseases up to this day. The spa park has an artesian spring whose source is 347.5 metres deep.

A trolley bus line connects Lázně Bohdaneč with Pardubice. The town is renowned for its delicious ginger bread and prestigious horse races – the oldest and most difficult steeplechase race Velká Pardubická takes place here. Pardubice is dominated by large castle premises, which today contain the collections of The Museum of East Bohemia. Kladruby nad Labem is also linked to horses. Austrian Emperor Maxmilian II had several Spanish horses shipped there in 1552 and the breeding of Old Spanish and Old Italian horses, the famous Kladruby white and black horses, has been continuing ever since.  

Litomyšl , the centre of culture and education for millennia, is a momentous town. One of the most significant historical buildings is the castle built between 1568 and 1582. A massive four-wing block became one of the first Renaissance displays in Bohemia. The unique castle theatre from the end of the 18th century is one of the oldest preserved theatre complexes in Europe. The former riding-hall has now been turned into a museum. Another exhibition can be seen in the castle brewery, where the world-famous composer Bedřich Smetana was born in 1824. 

For example, one is the inland waterway known as the Baťa Canal. About 50 kilometers runs from Otrokovice close to Hodonín, partly down the Morava River and partly through a new artificial channel.
The Baťa Canal was built in 1936–38. However, the waterway construction was interrupted by the war, and its original purpose became defunct after 1960, when navigation on the canal was completely terminated for economic reasons. In 1993, the local municipalities initiated efforts to renew the navigation, and launched a common project supported by the European Union. Due to these efforts, the water channel has gradually been reconstructed and made accessible to tourists, who have shown considerable interest in visiting this unique point of interest.

Another unique water structure in the Czech Republic is the Schwarzenberg Canal in South Bohemia. It was built in 1789-1822 in order to float timber from the forests of Šumava to Vienna. The canal is 45 kilometers long and connects the basins of the Vltava and the Danube.

The open-air mining museum at the Mayrau Mine in Vinařice is a sight from a much later period. There you can learn about the early and also quite recent history of black coal mining. You will find all the machines and equipment laid out as if the miners had left them just yesterday.

Another monument worthy of attention is a part of the mining industry of Ostrava. The Michal Colliery, which dates back to 1843, is an exceptionally significant industrial area in regards to its construction and technology. It owes its appearance to the reconstruction completed in 1915, carried out by the architect František Fiala. The area includes a singular collection of electric mining machinery and compressors dating back to the dawn of the electric era. Other subjects of interest include a mining bath, a former lamp house, transport bridges and wagons as well as a mine shaft and steel cage. A tour through the facility allows visitors to follow the same path that miners would make every day on their way to work. Operations at the Michal Colliery stopped in 1994. The mine is now a national cultural monument and may be added to the UNESCO list of world heritage sites. The main building is often used for exhibitions, theater performances and other cultural and social events.

Ostrava’s Vítkovický complex including the Hlubina Mine and blast furnace dates back to the first half of the 19th century. In the spring of 2002 it was declared a national, cultural technical monument. Because of its unique nature, it may also be included on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites. The first blast furnace was put into operation here in 1836. The Hlubina mine became an integral part of the manufacturing process in 1843. Soon the site provided for an entire industrial process from start to finish, from the mining of coal as a raw material, through the manufacture of coke, to its use in the production of iron. This continued uninterrupted until 1998.

Ostrava is also host the largest mining museum in the Czech Republic. Extending to the Landek site, this museum is world-renowned as an area of geological, archeological and historical interest. In addition to the natural sciences, mining is the main focus of the museum. It is famous for the discovery of the Landecky Venus, the only Venus of its kind in Europe. The machinery included as part of the exhibition is still running and is often put into operation to acquaint visitors with the intricacies of the mining profession. The original Albrecht and František gallery dating back to the first half of the 19th century provides and authentic view to the roots of mining. A typical mining pub also makes up part of the exhibition. The Barborka, as it is called, is richly decorated with mining-related items. Part of the museum includes a sports complex and recreation facility, a rope park, cycling paths and a children’s play area.

Another engineering-related sight is the greenhouse of the Lednice Chateau in South Moravia. The greenhouse was built in 1843–45 using a unique light and buoyant structure. Today, it is used as a winter garden with many tropical and subtropical plants.

Fishing in the Czech Republic

Breeding fish has a long and rich history in the Czech Republic. The first records of fishermen in Czech date as far back as the 11th century. Fishing in streams was at that time the main source for making a living. Under the government of Jan Lucemburský, fishing made such a boom that nearly every village built a pond in the middle of the village square, which, besides breeding fish, also served as a water reservoir for firemen. It is often still the same today.

The biggest fishing boom, however, happened in the 15th and 16th centuries, when the most ponds emerged in South Bohemia. At that time, two fisherman who served for the aristocratic family, Rožmberk - Štěpán Netolický and his successor Jacob Krčín from Jelčany, Sedlčany - became famous.

Recreational and sports fishing

It’s no wonder that even sports fishing has a long tradition in the Czech Republic. The first fishermen’s league was established here in the second half of the 19th century. “The first fishing club of Prague” was founded in 1886. The Czech Fishing Association is one of the largest special interest clubs in the Czech Republic. On a countrywide scale, there are nearly 300,000 members, including children and youth. The non-profit organization not only puts fish in our ponds, but also other protected species. Thanks to this, every year thousands of tourists come to the Czech Republic to fish, most of them fishermen from other member states of the European Union. 

Fish

Sixty-four types of freshwater fish live in the Czech Republic.

You can fish for carp, pike, catfish, bass, pikeperch and bighead carp; and in the rivers, trout, eel and grayling.

The favorite and most common fish for Czechs is carp. Fried carp is the traditional Christmas dinner in Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia. The next highest in demand is trout. Even swans like to eat them because they have very tender meat and an excellent taste. They are usually baked and served only with fresh or melted butter. They have lean meat and therefore are certified even for diet nutrition. Pikeperch and pike also have lean meat and a similar taste.

Some of the protected types of fish are for example jezdik zluty, whiteye bream, chevin and burbot.  

Territories

Territories are divided by rule of trout waters, where mainly salmonids can be caught, non-trout where there are predacious and non-predacious (carp).

Sought after trout territories:

Vltava in Českých Budějovic, Otava in Sušice, reservoir Lake Lipno, Střela, Jizera in Harrachova, Kamenice nad Děčínem, horní Orlice, Morava.

Non-trout territories:

Reservoir dams Orlík and Lipno, Hněvkovická reservoir, Labe u hranic, Mušovské reservoir, Slezská Harta, Nechranice, Skalka u Chebu, Hracholusky.

Třeboňsko

Excellent conditions for fishing are offered especially many places along South Bohemian rivers, ponds and reservoir dams. Mainly spring and fall are preordained for fish lovers; but of course, this favorite activity can be done practically all year. Unique natural technical pieces as well as convenient areas for fishing are in the South Bohemia systems.

The most famous are in Třeboňsko, built in the 14th-16th centuries, which dominates Rožmberk – the largest fishing pond in the Czech Republic. This area became part of the worldwide heritage of UNESCO in 2005.

Excellent conditions are provided as well in the ponds around České Budějovice, Hluboká nad Vltavou, Protivín and Blatná.

Fishing season

Trout

Trout season
Fishing for trout is permitted from March 16 to the end of November. During this period it is permitted to fish rainbow trout and American char or brook trout. Common trout can only be caught at the end of August while grayling can be fished from June 16 to the end of November.

Season for fish other than trout
Fishing is permitted year-round. At certain times of the year there are some species that are not permitted to be caught. Predatory fish can be caught from June 15 to the end of the year, while carp can be fished at any time of the year.

Fishing regulations

Maintaining regulations while fishing are covered by several organizations: Bohemian and Moravian fishing leagues, state forestry, military forestry, the Ministry of Environment and individual registered fishing organizations.

Permission for fishing is given by the relevant organizations within the area of the waters after providing a state fishing license. It can be valid for the league, region, or all inclusive for several locations. A license can be bought for one, two, seven or 14 days, one month, six months and one year.

State fishing licenses are sold after providing a passport by the district, county or local office for one to two days, for periods shorter than one year, for one year and one-time for children under 15 years old.

A national fishing license is sold by the regional, municipal or local authorities and is valid across the Czech Republic for a period of ten years, three years or one year, from the date of its issue. Foreign citizens can also receive a fishing license if they show a fishing license issued in their home country or a fishing license issued earlier in the Czech Republic. The cost of issuing a fishing license is CZK 100 for one year, CZK 200 for three years and CZK 500 for ten years. Those under 15 years old will receive a 50-percent discount.

Unorganized fishing

Besides these, it is possible to buy a license to fish for only a specific time period, e.g. for one day, without a state fishing license at some fishing ponds. Fishing here isn’t limited to organized or sports fishing. It’s enough to say “let’s go fishing” and choose a pond.

It is very simple at the chosen ponds in the region of Třeboňsko. There are different regimes and different rules valid for exercising recreational fishing for each group of ponds.

The prices of licenses depend on if it is a breeding pond or not. A “fishing permit” qualifies a person to catch fish on one rod, which can be arranged at a specific pond. The value of the catch isn’t in the price of the permit bought.

Orientation prices:
Breeding ponds:  Svět a Dvořiště – CZK 350 for one day

Other ponds: Staňkovský, Hejtman and Nový Kanclíř: CZK 100 for one day

Treatments

Twenty-three healing mineral springs of excellent-quality acidulous water, sulphur-ferric peat, and natural hot springs of gas have been used for the treatment vascular diseases and heart and gynaecological disorders.

Active relaxation

Golf and mini-golf, fitness, solarium, tennis, mountain bike rentals, fishing

Culture

Theater, cinema, colonnade concerts, the orthodox Church of St. Olga
Spa Music Summer festival, literary festival “Literární Františkovy Lázně”

Nearby places to see

National Natural Reserve SOOS - European rarity (gas springs)
Komorní Hůrka - the youngest quaternary volcano
Žirovice - the butterfly farm
Cheb - the complex of stall-keepers´ houses “Špalíček”

Transportation

Express trains: direction to Pilsen, Prague, Ostrava, Hradec Králové. Network of long-distance and regional bus connections. Transport system Egrensis of the Euroregion.

Personages, dates, history

Kaspar Bruschius discovered the springs near Cheb in 1520-1536.
Georg Agricola, a doctor from Jáchymov, made an analysis of the gas spring.
The curative effects of the springs were confirmed by analyses in 1565.
Dr. Adler from Cheb initiated adjustment of the springs in 1785 and in 1791 built the first spa hall above Franciscus’s spring. Nine years later, the peat treatment begins. In 1793, Františkovy Lázně boasts its first spa house.

Further information:
www.franzensbad.cz

The castle was built in the 13th century on a strategic site in order to protect the crossroads of trade routes. Its oldest part is the so-called Old Castle, or Upper Castle, with a tower nearly 50 meters high, which served as an orientation point or a lighthouse and has been preserved to this day. After 1558, the Redern family settled in Frýdlant. They were not only successful merchants and warriors, but also supporters of the arts. The construction of the new Renaissance chateau with rich sgraffito decoration and a large chapel from the turn of the 17th century are their architectural contribution to the castle.

In 1622, the Duke of Frýdlant, Albrecht of Valdstein, general of the imperial military forces, bought the confiscated property of the Redern family after the Battle of White Mountain. In 1634, after the duke’s violent death, Major General Matyas Gallas gained the dominion and for a long period Frýdlant remained in the hands of his descendants. In the course of the Thirty Years’ War, the Swedish seized the castle several times. They contributed a huge barbakan to the complex, built in 1646-47 in front of the main gate, and strengthened the fortifications with pentagonal bastions.

In the second half of the 18th century, the Clam-Gallas family had the so-called Castellan wing attached to the complex. At that time residential rooms were already concentrated in the chateau. In the castle halls collections of weapons, furniture, paintings and books from the 16th and 17th centuries were stored. This area was opened to the public in 1801 and thus Frýdlant became the first castle in Europe to be accessible to the public.

The present-day exposition includes a museum, orientated toward the Thirty Years’ War and the personage of Albrecht of Valdstein, the chapel with precious movables and two chateau wings. Besides furniture, chateau equipment, glass and china, the exposition includes a collection of weapons and a unique collection of pipes. The authority office room, the children’s room with toys from the late 19th century, and the bathroom and kitchen with original equipment are all accessible. In the chateau picture-gallery, there are exposed works by Czech Baroque masters, such as Karel Škréta, Petr Brandl and Václav Vavřinec Rainer.

The tradition of golf in the Czech Republic has been successfully developing since the early 20th century. Currently, the sport is witnessing a huge increase in interest as the number of clubs in the country grow in step with the number of players. Adding to this rise in popularity is the exceptionally beautiful surroundings on which Czech golf clubs are built.

Among the most attractive courses are the extensive grass courses in Karlštejn, Konopiště, Šilheřovice and Cihelny near Karlovy Vary. The golf course in Mariánské Lázně is placed in an attractive spa environment with magnificent natural sceneries. Edward VII, the King of England founded it in 1905.

The golf area in Karlovy Vary has the oldest golf club in the Czech Republic.

In Zaloň near Jaroměř, a new large multistyle golf resort called Nová Amerika, or New America, offers top-quality services and a unique experience.

The 18-hole course at Čeladna promises to make an impression with a magical atmosphere and beautiful views of the Beskydy mountains.

Meanwhile, Kravaře’s  9-hole course is set in a beautiful English park next to a Baroque castle. The landscape is dotted with hundred-year-old trees and plenty of water hazards.

Dozens of other golf resorts can be found all over the country, always thoughtfully placed in undulating forest terrains with panoramic views of river valleys or in the romantic environment of parks. The basic services provided to visitors include golf equipment rentals and electric golf carts, top-quality beginners’ and advanced courses and a wide range of complementary sports activities. Some of the top-category hotels have golf courses of their own.

Its 22 farmhouses with painted Baroque gables in the front and rear gardens are situated around a central pond. The pond was once used for breeding freshwater fish; the entire area is still known for its fish industry. The village is a living monument to rustic traditions, such as those we know from Smetana’s The Bartered Bride, perhaps the most famous Czech opera. (The village even served as a set for the its film version.)

Holašovice is situated 14.5 kilometers west of České Budějovice.

Archbishop’s Palace
Residence of

Strahov Monastery 
The oldest Premonstratensian monastery in Bohemia, founded by Prince Vladislav II and Jindřich Zdík, Bishop of Olomouc, in 1140. Destroyed in the Hussite wars; the present shape of the monastery is Baroque from the latter half of the 17th and early 18th centuries.

Loreto
The Prague Loreto can be viewed not only as an architectural monument but also as a Baroque pilgrimage site, the fame of which can be, in the context of the town, compared perhaps only with the renown of the statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague.
The history of the pilgrimage site began by the laying of the foundation stone of the Holy Hut June 3, 1626.
The appearance of the place changed gradually over the course of the 17th and 18th centuries, though its interior was partly remodeled as late as in the 19th century. A new treasury, open to the public, was built in the 1950s and 1960s.

The pilgrimage site is designed as a self-contained complex of buildings around the central Holy Hut, with a rectangular arcaded yard (unlike the Italian Loreto, where the Casa is situated inside the pilgrimage church).
In the original plan of the 1660s, the present Church of the Nativity of Our Lord (along the longitudinal axis) and two of the chapels (amid the northern and southern wings) were mere shallow altar alcoves. As the fame of the Loreto grew, the number of visitors increased and it was necessary to enlarge the liturgical spaces of the pilgrimage site. Therefore, gradually (until the end of the 17th century) larger oblong chapels were built in the yard corners. Subsequently, two chapels on the transversal axis were enlarged and the Chapel of the Nativity of Our Lord was rebuilt in several phases into a spatial church.