The most beautiful places of Central Bohemia
The best of Central Bohemia
Central Bohemia, a huge ring around Prague, is not just a suburban towns, but you will find here plenty of beautiful monuments and natural beauties. There are several interesting towns to visit. No wonder, but part of the Bohemian Paradise, the Kokořín region and the Bohemian Karst also fall into Central Bohemia. Let's have a look at the most beautiful places that Central Bohemia has to offer
Karlštejn Castle
The most important Czech castle
Karlštejn Castle located in the heart of picturesque Czech Karst is considered to be the most important Czech castle. Because it is just a short distance from the capital city of Prague, a great number of tourists come here every year. It was built by the Roman Emperor and Czech King – Charles IV as a repository for Christian relics and imperial crown jewels. The most interesting part of the castle is beautifully decorated Chapel of the Holy Cross. The castle is really impressive continue reading
Kutná Hora
Silver city
The district city, now with about twenty thousand inhabitans, Kutná Hora, was the second most important city of the Czech kingdom, right after Prague. The significance of the city was directly proportional to the incredible wealth of silver which are mined. Today it is popular with tourists, not only because the local monument reserve is protected by Unesco. continue reading
Prospect May
The most famous Czech viewpoint on the river
The most famous and most beautiful view of the Vltava is offered by the Máj viewpoint, from where you can see the beautiful meander of the river in the former Svatojan streams. It is surprising that there is no marked tourist trail, only a footpath. If you would like to stay in the vicinity of the viewpoint and go here for sunrise or sunset, one of the options is nearby Rabyně continue reading
Kolín
Beautiful city on the river Elbe
At the eastern end of Central Bohemia there is nice city Kolín. The town is picturesquely laid on both sides of the river Elbe. The town boasts with a beautiful Charles Square with its exhibition hall and the cathedral of Bartholomew. Thanks to the nearby and more famous Kutna Hora, however, it is unfortunately little overlooked by foreign tourists. continue reading
Mnichovo Hradiště Castle
The most beautiful chateau of Bohemian Paradise
At the very end of Mnichovo Hradiště there is a beautiful Baroque castle, owned by the Waldstein family for many years. The castle also includes a pretty garden and a Capuchin monastery. The chateau is considered the most beautiful in the region of Bohemian Paradise continue reading
Quarry Velká Amerika
Beautiful quarry in Bohemia
Quarry Velká Amerika („Great America“) attracts still more and more tourists because of its beautiful blue lake on its bottom. Most people are satisfied with the view from the outlook points on the edge of the 80 meter deep quarry. The adventurous ones, dare to climb down and take a bath in the lake although it is prohibited. Except for Velká Amerika, you will find here a wide range of other but smaller quaries such as Mexico, Canada and Malá Amerika („Little America“). continue reading
Svatojánská rock wall
The best viewpoint of the Czech Karst
In the picturesque village of sv. Jan pod Skalou is not just a Benedictine monastery. A great attraction is the mighty Svatojánská rock wall rising over 200 meters above the surrounding terrain. It is probably the best view of the entire Czech Karst. continue reading
Mělník
The town at the confluence of the Elbe and the Vltava River
Mělník, situated in Central Bohemia, is famous not only for wine and wine festivals but also for picturesque location on the promontory just a short distance from the confluence of the largest Czech rivers of Vltava and Elbe. Besides the picturesque square of Peace and the castle, you can also find the beautiful convent tower of the Church of St. Peter and Paul continue reading
Kokořín Castle
A castle hidden in Kokorinsko
The picturesque Kokořín Castle is hidden in the woods right in the center of the Kokořínsko protected landscape area. After the Hussite Wars, the castle was sacked and became a ruin. Fortunately, it was reconstructed at the beginning of the 20th century. continue reading
Solenická podkova
The second most famous view of the Vltava River
Solenice Horseshoe is a beautiful meander just below the Orlik dam. The famous lookout is on a small rocky promontory directly above the river. From here you can see all this natural beauty at your fingertips continue reading
Koněprusy Caves
The longest cave system in Bohemia
Koněprusy Caves are located in the PLA Český kras south of the district town of Beroun. They are a protected cultural monument of the Czech Republic. It is the longest cave system in Bohemia and is situated in three elevation floors in Devonian limestones. continue reading
Poděbrady
A spa town with a castle
Poděbrady is a royal town on the river Elbe, renowned for its mineral springs. The center of the town is the square of Jiří z Podebrad, dominated by its large riding sculpture. Then you can visit the castle and walk in the extensive spa colonnade. There is also a cycle path along the Elbe. continue reading
Drábské světničky
The most famous rock castle
Drábské světničky („Beadles dwellings“) are the biggest attraction of the southwestern tip of the Bohemian Paradise – Příhrazské rocks. Sandstone rock towers perched high above the river Jizera connected by wooden bridges have been attractive since the Middle Ages for its inconqerability. Over the years, several dozens of cliff dwellings have been excavated here, above which were wooden cabins. Nowadays, the individual parts of the massif are linked together by massive iron staircases and bridges. The easiest way to get to Drábské světničky is from the village Dneboh or from the restaurant Krásná vyhlídka. continue reading
Český Šternberk Castle
The most beautiful castle in Posázaví
Directly above the Sázava River, the mighty Gothic castle of Český Šternberk is located. Thanks to several later rebuilds, it now looks more like a palace. continue reading
Svatá hora near Příbram
The most important pilgrimage site in Bohemia
To the southeast of the center of Příbram you will find the most important Marian pilgrimage site in Bohemia – the Holy Mountain. The center of the whole complex is the beautiful Basilica of the Assumption. A big point of interest is the Staircase connecting the center of Příbram with the mountain top continue reading
Dobříš Castle
Former seat of the Reich Protector
Dobris Castle is a beautiful, large building with a large English and French park. The final reconstruction was in Rococo style. During World War II it was the seat of the dreaded Reich Protector continue reading
Okoř Castle Ruins
The famous Castle Ruins Near Prague
Castle ruins Okoř is just outside of Prague and is a frequent destination for hikers as well as cyclists. Just as few Czech castles are not built on a hill, but at a creek. There are often knightly events here. continue reading
Pokličky
The largest Kokorin attraction
In the protected landscape of Kokořínsko you will find very interesting rock formations – Pokličky (lids). They are located here in two places like the Mšenské pokličky and the Jestřebické pokličky. Due to the variety of material and hence the different erosion speeds, these unique natural formations have emerged continue reading
Berchtold Chateau
Rescued Castle
The first mention of the mansion dates back to 1388, when it was owned by Vavřinec of Vidovice. It was rebuilt in 1904. It is now privately owned. The new owners reconstructed, arranged sports facilities, revitalized the park with miniature castles and chateaux. The chateau is named after the Berchtold family, whose coat of arms was found here. continue reading
Nymburk
City with medieval walls
Nymburk is a former royal town situated at the confluence of the Elbe and Mrlina. The most important monument of the city are the famous medieval walls. Another landmark is the Church of St. Giles. Thanks to the Elbe bike path you will meet many cyclists there continue reading
Ruins of Castle Valečov
Symbiosis of the castle and sandstone cl
Ruins of Castle Valečov is a typical example of the ruins in the Boheamian Paradise. Local sandstone rocks on which the castle thrones were perfectly utlilised here. You can enjoy here a walk through the tunnels built directly in the sandstone massif. Except for the castle itself, nearby Valečov are rock rooms, where so called rock-people had been living for a long time before they were forcibly displaced. Valečov Castle is definitely one of the biggest attractions in Příhrazské skály („rocks“). continue reading
Rabyňská prospect
Beautiful view of Slapy damlake
On the eastern bank of Slapy dam, just below the top of Homolka, there is a small road parking lot, offering a beautiful view of the dam and boat dock. continue reading
Velký Blaník
Legendary mountain
Velký Blaník (638 m above sea level) is an important mountain to which is connected the famous legend about the Knights of Blanik. It is the highest peak of the protected landscape area. It is located in the Central Bohemian Region right next to the town of Louňovice pod Blaníkem. The peak itself is wooded, but fortunately there is an observation tower allowing a nice view of Central Bohemia continue reading
