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Bohemia

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View of old town Cesky Krumlov

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Overview

Beyond the serried apartment blocks of Prague's outer suburbs, the city gives way to the surprisingly green hinterland of Bohemia, a land of rolling hills, rich farmland and thick forests dotted with castles, chateaux and picturesque towns. Rural and rustic, yet mostly within two to three hours' drive of the capital, the Czech Republic's western province has for centuries provided an escape for generations of city-dwellers.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Konopiště Chateau

    Konopiště Chateau

    Bohemia

    Archduke Franz Ferdinand d’Este, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, is famous for being dead – it was his assassination in Sarajevo in 1914 that sparked…

  • Czech Republic - Central Bohemia - Kutna Hora. Sedlec Cemetery near Kutna Hora.

    Sedlec Ossuary

    Kutná Hora

    When the Schwarzenbergs purchased Sedlec monastery (2.5km northeast of the town centre) in 1870 they allowed local woodcarver František Rint to get…

  • View of Cesky Krumlov Castle seen across town's rooftops, Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

    Český Krumlov State Castle

    Český Krumlov

    Český Krumlov's striking Renaissance castle, occupying a promontory high above the town, began life in the 13th century. It acquired its present…

  • Karlštejn Castle

    Karlštejn Castle

    Bohemia

    Karlštejn Castle, 30km southwest of Prague, started life in 1348 as a hideaway for the crown jewels of Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. After falling into…

  • Plzensky Prazdroj Brewery, home of the Pilsner Urquell Beer. Plzen. West Bohemia. Czech Republic

    Pilsner Urquell Brewery

    Plzeň

    Plzeň's most popular attraction is the tour of the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, in operation since 1842 and arguably home to the world's best beer. Entry is…

  • Hluboká Chateau

    Hluboká Chateau

    Bohemia

    Hluboká Chateau was built by Přemysl rulers in the 13th century and the building changed ownership several times until it landed in the hands of the…

  • Techmania Science Centre

    Techmania Science Centre

    Plzeň

    Kids will have a ball at this high-tech, interactive science centre where they can play with infrared cameras, magnets and many other instructive and fun…

  • Cathedral of St Barbara

    Cathedral of St Barbara

    Kutná Hora

    Kutná Hora’s greatest monument is the Gothic Cathedral of St Barbara. Rivalling Prague’s St Vitus in size and magnificence, its soaring nave culminates in…

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