Prague takes 80% of tourists. Meanwhile, the real treasures of the Czech Republic lie in small cities and unique natural places. Here are 10 places you won't hear about in mainstream guides.
1. Adršpašsko-teplické skály — sandstone labyrinth
Nature reserve in northeastern Bohemia:1200 hectares of sandstone columns up to 100 m high. The route walks (7 km, 3 hours) through natural gates, a lake of smugglers, a waterfall flowing from the rock. Known for the film “The Tales of Narnia”. Introduction 130 Kč. Visit weekly — weekends = crowds.
2. Kutná Hora — Kostna Chapel in Sedlc
Cemetery chapel decoratedhuman bones 40,000 people— victims from the 14th century and the Hussic Wars. The composition of 1870 was made by a snycer František Rint with his family — his signature also from bones. The chandelier contains every bone in the human skeleton. Introduction 160 Kč. Not for the vulnerable.
3. Moravský kras — Punkevní jeskyně and Macocha
The largest Czech cave system:1100 caves in the complex. Route 60-minute: 720 m on foot (infiltration, calcites) +underground boat river Punkva(450 m). Ends at the bottom of a 138-metre gapStepmother. Admission 250 Kč, online booking mandatory.
4. Krom
The Baroque Geometric Garden (1665–1675) UNESCO, the only one so well preserved in Central Europe. 65 m rotunda in the center, symmetrical ground floor, grab maze. Free admission, payable only to the Museum at the Bishop's Palace.
5. Telč — Renaissance on the Water
Town on 3 ponds, UNESCO.Market 300 m longwith 60 colored Renaissance houses with arcades — untouched since the 16th century. Castle with Golden Hall (16 carved ceilings). The entrance to the castle 260 Kč. 2 hours is enough for a quiet walk.
6. Litomyšl — Renaissance + Smetana
Pernštejn Castle of 1568, whole facade coveredsgraffito (8000 elements of rhombs, each other). Authentic 18th-century castle theatre. The home site of Bedřich Smetana — the composer's museum. UNESCO since 1999.
7. Karlštejn — not only the main route
They're all visiting Route I. Definitely recommend:Route II“The Chapel of the Holy Cross, which is visited in a group of only 15 people, is a weekly reservation. The price of 500 Kč, but it is the only place in the world with 129 original images of Master Teodoryk (XIV century).
8. Rovná Šraně (Skálky) — the smallest campsite
Virgin sandstone in Českém Švýcarsk, outside the tourist trails. It requires a map and orientation. Climbing the 60-meter towers. Without civilization — full of wild character.
9. Židovská čtvrť in Třebíči (UNESCO)
The largest surviving Jewish district outside Israel— 120 houses, 2 synagogues (Zadní of 1669 and Přední of 1861), cemetery with 3,000 gravestones. St Prokop's Basilica (1240) — French Cistercian-burger Gothic, the only one in Central Europe. Comprehensive tour 320 Kč.
10. Rešov Falls — the highest in Moravia
Hidden in the Níský Jesenice, 10 m drop in water. Route 5 km from Rýmařov (yellow trail). In winter, spectacularfrozen ice-spades— ideal for photographers. Free admission.
Bonus: several less famous cities
- Loket: medieval town in the meandra of the river Ohře, Gothic-Renaissance, castle on the rock (film location of the "Casino Royale")
- Slavonice: Renaissance graffiti on the whole old town (200 houses), on the border with Austria
- Nový Jičín: Baroque markets in Moravia, hat museum (production since 1799)
- Chrudim: “Museum of Marionet” with 60,000 dolls, the largest in the world
How to plan it
Many of the above places lie beyond the main routes — neededcar or patience with trains/buses. Suggested 5-day route:
- Day 1: Kutná Hora + Sedlec (from Prague)
- Day 2: Telč + Třebíč (night Telč)
- Day 3: Litomyšl → Adršpach (night Adršpach)
- Day 4: Adršpach trekking + evening Náchod
- Day 5: Moravský kras (Punkevní jeskyně) → Prague