Last year we explored Transylvania quite well, so this year we thought we’d head in the other direction. Prague is one of my favorite cities anyway, so a Czech trip won everyone’s approval. In this part, I’m writing about the places outside Prague!
We spent six days there, solving the five nights in three different places. We started in the southern part, in Krumlov, then went to Prague. From there the route led towards Brno, but not via highway – we made stops at two more places along the way.
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Cesky Krumlov
We spent the first night (Saturday) perhaps in the most beautiful place. I think many people know Krumlov’s name – the city lying in the bend of the Vltava River is as beautiful in person as it is in pictures.
The city has an outdoor swimming area (Hornobranský rybník), which is good to know for those who want to swim. Our accommodation was one street away, and there’s also a good restaurant next to the swimming area. We ate there too. True, the selection isn’t large, but the pork knuckle is unbeatable. 🙂
After an early dinner, we set off to explore the city. We started at the southern bend of the Vltava, went along Linecka street towards the immediate city center. Already here we saw many kayakers: you can actually paddle by kayak all the way to the castle area. The river’s current is very gentle, so many families tried it without any problems. There’s a section where you have to paddle into a narrow channel, where the boat quickly slides down. It’s completely safe, but the whole thing is very cool.
We went up to the castle, from where the iconic photos are taken. From here you can see the city center best. There’s also a small buffet at the viewing terrace, it’s worth lingering here and enjoying the view.
We walked through the castle, then back along the main pedestrian street to the old town in the river bend. We lingered here a bit, especially since it was starting to get dark, which made the sight even more beautiful.
Walking in Krumlov feels like we had traveled back in time. The buildings are renovated very tastefully but not pretentiously, you can really feel the feeling of the past. It’s worth exploring the entire city center, walking in every street.
Unfortunately, we traveled on the next morning: if I were to replan the trip, I would definitely leave another full day here, because there’s plenty to see in the city. And we wouldn’t skip the kayaking either. :/
Ceske Budejovice
This city is about half an hour towards Prague, so we stopped for a quick downtown walk.
We parked next to the Dlouhá lávka bridge, from here we reached the atmospheric old town through a park. Since it was Sunday morning, everything was quite deserted, but at least there were no crowds. The main square is very beautiful: a fountain in the center, surrounded by very beautiful, colorful buildings.
Almost the entire main square has arcades, which makes it even more atmospheric. Here we found a café where there are many types of coffee varieties. However, these are unique coffees, most of which you can’t buy in stores. Worth visiting if you’re in the area!
Hluboka Castle
About 10 km from Budejovice is one of Czech Republic’s most famous castles, so it was obvious that we would visit here. It’s located within the built-up area of Hluboká nad Vltavou settlement, easily accessible on foot too.
We left the car in the parking lot in the village center (80 crowns for parking), from here we reached the castle in about 10 minutes. Surprisingly, entry is free not only to the park, but also to the building’s courtyard and the greenhouse next to it. You only have to pay for the lookout in the tower.
And since it’s free, we looked around thoroughly. There’s a wonderful flower bed area in front of the castle, from here you can take great pictures. Most photos are taken from this spot.
Prague
We arrived here Sunday afternoon and stayed in the capital until Wednesday.
You can read the report about Prague!
Kutna Hora
Wednesday morning we left Prague for Brno, the first stop was in this small town.
Here you can find a chapel (Kostnice Sedlec) whose interior is „decorated” with human skeletons. It’s an interesting sight from the outside too, recommended for those who aren’t disturbed by lots of bones and skulls to go inside. You can’t take photos inside! In the small street leading to the church there’s a gift shop where you can scare the folks at home with „skeleton” souvenirs. 🙂
A few hundred meters away, along the main road stands the cathedral, which is an imposing building. Tickets can be bought online or at the local information office. With the ticket you can enter both churches.
Punkva Cave
The next stop was the cave not far from Brno. There are several in the area, but this is one of the most popular, thanks to the boat ride at the end.
From Blansko settlement, a car road leads to a large parking lot, from where you can reach the cave on foot or by small train. Tickets must be bought online: places sell out quickly, you can only get them on site with luck. You have to pay separately for parking and the small train. We went there by small train, walked back. The latter is about a 15-minute easy walk on an asphalt road.
The tickets are for specific times, this is when the tour starts from the central building at the cave entrance. The first part is an „average” cave with beautiful stalactites. There’s a large hall where there’s a small lake, this reflects everything, a very beautiful sight. The first, less average thing is that we come out to an open section, I haven’t been in such a cave before.
At the end comes the most beautiful part: we return to the starting point about 500 meters by electric boat. The passage narrows quite well in places, those sitting on the sides have to lean inward to avoid head bumps. Incredibly beautiful and a great experience!
Brno
About half an hour from the cave was the 2nd largest Czech city. I’ve been this way several times when going to Prague, but I’ve never been here. Now I could finally see why many people love it.
Our accommodation was right next to the city center, so we could explore it on foot. After a mug of beer, the first place was the castle rising on the hill. We can walk freely on the castle walls, the view is very good on all sides.
From here we walked down to the old town area. The Germanic style was already visible at the beginning, which is no wonder, since many Germans lived here until World War II. The city center is very atmospheric, clean and beautiful. On one square there was a mini-concert full of young people, in a courtyard a more rock performance, and on another square a DJ entertained the people. Lounge chairs were set up here, with a beer in hand we also sat down and enjoyed the music.
It was getting dark, the second-to-last thing was to see the cathedral. It’s visible from quite many places, a monumental and wonderful church. Last, we sat down in a local small restaurant, where alongside a (usual) beer we ate incredibly good food.
Summary
Most people usually „only” go to Prague when it comes to Czech Republic. But it’s worth exploring more places, because similarly to us, the countryside also hides countless great sights. And how much we had to leave out too!
But I have to highlight one thing: wherever you go in the country, seek out and enjoy the beer and good food. Pork knuckle and dumplings are basic, but wherever we went, we never had to be disappointed! Alongside beer, the good food that belongs to the Czech lifestyle.