Czech Republic: 20 Best Places for Your Holiday

Sometimes I ask myself: Why travel hundreds of kilometers to the sea when it’s so beautiful at home? When you think about it, the Czech Republic truly offers countless wonderful places worth visiting. From mountains, through blossoming valleys, to historic towns.

Whether you’re looking for an active holiday full of hiking, cycling, and water sports, or you long for a relaxing stay with wellness services, the Czech Republic has something to offer everyone. Let’s take a look together at the Czech Republic: 20 Best Places for Your Holiday.

TL;DR

• Beskydy – beautiful mountains with tradition and excellent opportunities for hiking
• South Moravia – a wine paradise with cycling paths and cultural monuments
• Šumava – untouched nature with glacial lakes and peat bogs
• South Bohemia – romantic castles, ponds, and beautiful towns
• Jeseníky – mountains with healing springs and thermal spas
• Krkonoše – the highest Czech mountain range with renowned hiking trails
• Vysočina – a landscape of ponds, forests, and hills ideal for cycling tourism
• Luhačovice – the largest Moravian spa with unique architecture
• Prague – the capital city full of history, culture, and modern entertainment
• Central Bohemia – castles, chateaux, and natural beauty around Prague
• Lipno – “the South Bohemian Sea” with water sports and a treetop walk
• Ore Mountains – peace without crowds, Klínovec observation tower, trail park, mining traces, and family trips with a stroller
• Slavkovský les – “Czech Iceland” with mineral springs, peat bogs, and the most beautiful observation tower in the Czech Republic in Krásno
• Bohemian Switzerland – more peace after the 2022 fire, Pravčice Gate, Jetřichovice viewpoints, and Wild Gorge
• Kokořínsko – Máchovo Lake for swimming, Bezděz Castle, Devil’s Heads near Želízy, and romantic gorges
• Křivoklátsko – not only a castle with cultural events, but also Skryje Lakes and a view from Devil’s Rock
• Bohemian Paradise – Prachov Rocks, Hrubá Skála Rock Town, Trosky Castle ruins, and the quiet Příhrazy Rocks
• Jizera Mountains – perfect trails for hiking and cycling, views from Jizera, and Černá Desná waterfall
• Orlík Dam – a 70 km long dam with campsites, groomed beaches, boat transport, and Orlík Castle
• Moravian Karst – an underground world with the Macocha Abyss, Punkva Caves, and a boat trip on the Punkva River

Czech Republic: 20 Best Places for Your Holiday

We have compiled a list of the best 20 tips for your holiday in the Czech Republic.

Beskydy

The Beskydy Mountains are a place where you can truly clear your head. Rounded peaks, deep forests, and mountain meadows create an inimitable atmosphere that transports you to another world. Compared to the crowded Krkonoše, you’ll find more peace and traditional Wallachian culture here.

A typical hike you shouldn’t miss is the ascent to Lysá hora, the highest peak of the Beskydy Mountains. Whether you set off from Ostravice, Malenovice, or Krásná, the climb can be challenging, but the panoramic views from the summit are definitely worth the effort. For a truly unforgettable experience, you can even spend the night on Lysá hora and enjoy the morning sunrise over the Beskydy landscape.

Another great trip is a visit to Pustevny – a mountain saddle with beautiful wooden buildings Maměnka and Libušín. From there, you can embark on an easy ridge hike to Radhošť, where the famous statue of the pagan god Radegast and the Chapel of Saints Cyril and Methodius stand. On the way back, stop at one of the traditional kolibas, where you can taste local specialties and sweet frgál.

For lovers of history and traditional crafts, the Wallachian Open-Air Museum in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm is a must-visit. With children, you can then enjoy swimming at the aquapark in Frenštát pod Radhoštěm or an adrenaline experience at the rope park.

Accommodation tip: Hotel Horal

South Moravia

South Moravia is a region of winemakers, sunshine, and a wonderful atmosphere. When you arrive here, you’ll immediately feel life slow down and stress recede into the background. It’s no wonder – the local landscape with its white limestone rocks, vineyards, warm climate, and views of Nové Mlýny feels completely different from the rest of the country.

Here you’ll find Pálava, a ridge of several limestone hills that once formed a natural border with Austria. The highest point is Děvín, from which you’ll get a breathtaking view of the reservoir and surrounding vineyards. The route via Děvičky and Sirotčí hrádek is one of the most beautiful. It’s easy, offers amazing views, and is manageable even for families with children.

A picturesque Mikulov, with its beautiful castle, vineyards, and Jewish Quarter, can be your starting point for excursions. Be sure to make time for a climb up Svatý kopeček (Holy Hill), from where you can watch the sunset over the vineyards. In the nearby village of Pavlov, visit the archaeopark dedicated to prehistory.

And if you long for true cultural treasures, head to the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape. It’s just a few minutes by car, and you’ll find castles, alleys, and park structures listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

South Moravia is not just about monuments and wine. For hot summer days, the Nové Mlýny reservoir is perfect, where you can swim, rent a pedal boat, or cycle along the bike path around the reservoir. For families with children, a visit to Aqualand Moravia with its pools, water slides, and wellness zone is ideal.

Where to stay: Penzion na Náměstí (Mikulov)

Šumava

Šumava is one of the largest protected areas in Central Europe and one of the places where, even in high season, you can find quiet corners where you’ll meet almost no one. Forests, peat bogs, quiet car-free roads, glacial lakes, and viewpoints create a perfect environment for relaxation in the heart of nature.

Among the most famous destinations you shouldn’t miss when visiting Šumava are the Source of the Vltava, a symbolic place where our longest river begins its journey. Another unforgettable experience is a trip to Plešné Lake, where you can enjoy the crystal-clear glacial water and a magnificent view of the surrounding Šumava forests.

If you’re visiting Šumava for the first time, we recommend choosing the area around Modrava as your base. From there, you can head to Březník, Javoří pila, or the Vchynice-Tetov Canal. Železná Ruda or Volary are also excellent starting points for your trips.

Šumava is also an ideal destination for families with children – many trails are easy, with good surfaces for strollers and balance bikes. A great tip is the educational trail to Chalupská slať, a circuit around Povydří, or the wolf enclosure in Srní, where you can observe wolves in their natural habitat.

Recommended accommodation: Apartmány u Sjezdovky

South Bohemia

South Bohemia has long been one of the most popular domestic destinations, and it’s no wonder. You’ll fall in love at first sight with countless ponds, charming historic towns, and impressive castles. A multitude of ponds awaits you here, spread mainly around Třeboň.

Třeboň will charm you not only with its ponds but also with its spa character and picturesque castle. Among the South Bohemian castles, however, you definitely shouldn’t miss Český Krumlov, a town with a Renaissance spirit, where you can enjoy plenty of specialties in local restaurants and pubs or take a raft ride on the Vltava River. For fairy tale lovers, a visit to Hluboká nad Vltavou Castle is perfect, as if it stepped right out of the pages of a fairy tale book.

In addition to historical sites, South Bohemia also offers many opportunities for an active holiday. The landscape is mostly flat, which cyclists and families with children will especially appreciate. You can cycle routes around the Třeboň ponds, visit Červená Lhota Castle, or head along the Vltava River to Zvíkov and Orlík.

If you long for swimming, you can swim directly in the ponds, which have a pleasant temperature in summer, or use one of the local swimming pools. Třeboň Spa then offers renowned peat treatments that help with back and joint pain.

Accommodation tips: Pension Adalbert (Český Krumlov) or Apartmány Šupina (Třeboň)

Jeseníky

The Jeseníky Mountains are a place you visit once and then want to keep coming back to. Not only because of Praděd, the highest mountain in Moravia, but mainly because of the trails, which are among the most beautiful in the Czech Republic. You’ll find everything here: ridge hikes with views, educational trails along mountain streams, and routes where you’ll barely meet anyone all day.

One of the greatest experiences is the Bílá Opava educational trail, which leads from the spa town of Karlova Studánka towards Barborka chalet and further to Praděd. The mountain stream winds through the forests here, forming smaller waterfalls and cascades, and the path leads over footbridges and stairs.

Other wonderful routes lead to Šerák, Keprník, or Vřesová studánka, from where breathtaking views of the undulating mountain landscape open up. Lovers of technical attractions shouldn’t miss Dlouhé stráně, a pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant with an upper reservoir, which is truly interesting.

The Jeseníky Mountains are also a great destination for families with children. A beautiful and easy walk leads to the Moss Lake near Rejvíz, which is located in a nature reserve surrounded by peat bogs. The path here is comfortable and leads along boardwalks. In the nearby Zlatorudné Open-Air Museum, children can try gold panning and see how mining was done in the past.

Recommended accommodation: Hotel Kamzík

Krkonoše

The Krkonoše Mountains are not only the highest mountain range in the Czech Republic, but they are also mountains that most of us visited on a school trip, our first hike, or a skiing course. And yet we return here again and again. For the views, mountain chalets, blossoming meadows, and gurgling streams that flow from glacial cirques.

Sněžka is certainly a magnet for crowds, but if you get up early or choose a less-known route, for example from Pec via Luční bouda, you’ll experience the Krkonoše Mountains in silence and with bated breath from what unfolds before you. I also recommend walking to Labský Waterfall or Pančavský Waterfall. And definitely don’t miss Sněžné jámy.

But the Krkonoše Mountains are not just about high-altitude hiking. You’ll enjoy a beautiful walk along the ridges from Černá hora towards Luční bouda and further to Špindlerův Mlýn. Along the way, you’ll encounter classic wooden chalets and grazing cows. And if hunger strikes, stop at one of the mountain chalets that offer traditional Czech cuisine and homemade cakes.

Here you’ll find bobsled tracks in Špindlerův Mlýn and Harrachov, you can visit animals and a playground at the Muchomůrka farm park, or embark on the fun Treetop Walkway in Janské Lázně.

Where to stay: Penzion Slunečnice

Vysočina and Žďárské Vrchy

Vysočina may not offer the highest peaks in the Czech Republic, but it will charm you with its peaceful landscape, where forests, ponds, and rounded hills with magnificent views alternate. The most beautiful part of the area lies in the Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area, which is perfect for easy hiking and cycling trips.

The most famous peak in the area is Devět skal (Nine Rocks), the highest point of the entire Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. The climb is not difficult, and from the top, you’ll get a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Nearby, you can also visit Malinská skála or Drátenická skála, which offer similarly impressive views.

Towards Litomyšl lies Toulovcovy maštale, a sandstone area with narrow passages, forest trails, and interesting rock formations. This place is also popular among families with children, as it offers adventure and easy terrain at the same time.

When visiting Vysočina, you definitely shouldn’t miss Žďár nad Sázavou, above which lies the famous pilgrimage church of St. John of Nepomuk at Zelená hora (Green Mountain). This building by architect Santini is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and only a short path leads to it, offering beautiful views. We also recommend visiting the Museum of New Generation, located in the castle directly below the church.

On hot summer days, you can cool off at Velké Dářko, the largest pond in the region. You’ll find several campsites and accommodations here, making it a good starting point for cycling trips and longer stays. An educational trail also leads to the northwest of the pond, guiding you through the local landscape resembling the northern taiga.

Accommodation tips: Resort Líšenský Dvůr

Luhačovice

Luhačovice is one of those places where you can enjoy a holiday in any weather and any season. The largest Moravian spa will charm you with its unique architecture, healing springs, and an atmosphere that truly allows you to slow down and relax.

Upon arrival, you’ll be captivated by the spa town with Dušan Jurkovič’s characteristic architecture. His colorful buildings, inspired by folk art, create the unmistakable character of Luhačovice. Stroll along the colonnade, taste the water from the healing springs, including the famous Vincentka, and let the atmosphere of the place wash over you.

But Luhačovice is not just about walks and drinking mineral waters. Here you can indulge in a wide range of therapeutic and relaxation procedures – from mud wraps and pearl baths to massages and body wraps. Many hotels offer their own wellness centers, so you can enjoy pampering even without undergoing a therapeutic stay.

Where to stay in Luhačovice: Hotel Vincent

Prague

Prague is not only the capital of the Czech Republic but also a cultural, historical, and gastronomic center that has something to offer both domestic and foreign visitors. Even if you might know it from a mandatory school excursion, believe us, Prague is worth revisiting at any age.

The highlight of your visit will undoubtedly be Prague Castle, the largest coherent castle complex in the world, where you can admire St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, or the charming Golden Lane. From Hradčany, you can then take a walk through Lesser Town.

Charles Bridge is an iconic structure from which you’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the Vltava River and the city skyline. Across the bridge, you’ll reach the Old Town with its narrow streets that will lead you to Old Town Square with the Astronomical Clock and the Gothic Týn Church. If you like views, climb Petřín Hill or Žižkov Tower, from where you’ll see Prague laid out before you.

Prague is not just about historical monuments. It’s a modern metropolis full of cafes, restaurants, galleries, and shops. You can visit the National Gallery, the National Museum, or some of the smaller museums dedicated to specific themes, such as the Museum of Alchemists, the Karel Zeman Museum, or the Chocolate Museum.

Prague is also a paradise for families with children. You can visit the Prague Zoo, which is among the best in the world, or spend a day at the aquapark in Čestlice. Children will also surely appreciate a cruise on the Vltava River or a funicular ride up Petřín Hill.

Accommodation Tip: Hotel Boho

Central Bohemia

Central Bohemia offers a perfect combination of history, culture, and nature. Their biggest advantage is easy accessibility from Prague; in less than an hour’s drive, you’ll find yourself in a completely different world, where castles, romantic chateaus, and beautiful nature await you.

Among the most famous destinations in Central Bohemia is undoubtedly Karlštejn Castle, built by Charles IV as a place for storing royal treasures and holy relics. Besides the castle tour itself, you can also enjoy the beautiful surroundings. For example, go for a walk in the adjacent forests or a bike trip along the Berounka River.

You should definitely climb up to the Velká Buková or Máminka observation towers, from which a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape will open up to you. Devil’s Rock above the Berounka River is also worth visiting, offering an unforgettable view of the river and the surrounding forests.

When your feet start to ache from hikes and climbs, you can refresh yourself at one of the swimming areas; for example, in Rakovník you’ll find an aquapark, and in Hýskov you can swim by the weir, where there are also pleasant refreshments.

Recommended Accommodation: U Královny Dagmar

Lipno

Lipno is the largest dam in the Czech Republic, and it’s not for nothing that it’s nicknamed the “South Bohemian Sea”. Lipno is a great place for a holiday in the Czech Republic, offering a perfect combination of relaxation by the water, active holidays, and fun for the whole family.

The tourist center of the area is Lipno nad Vltavou, where you’ll find everything under one roof – from accommodation and restaurants to popular attractions like the Treetop Walkway, bobsled track, or the Forest Kingdom, a large forest playground that children don’t want to leave even after hours of fun. The Treetop Walkway leads up to a height of 40 meters, ends with a slide inside the observation tower, and is completely barrier-free.

Lipno is divided into two parts: the left bank of the dam (towards Lipno nad Vltavou) is busier, with well-maintained beaches, campsites, restaurants, and cultural facilities. The right bank, for example, around Frymburk, is quieter and ideal for those looking for smaller beaches, natural nooks, and a bit more space for themselves.

You can rent a pedal boat, paddleboard, or sailboat here and explore the water surface. For cyclists, many marked trails of varying difficulty are available, and if you don’t feel like going uphill, you can rent an e-bike, which will make your journey easier. You will surely appreciate the hike to Vítkův Kámen with the ruins of Vítkův Hrádek, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the dam and Šumava.

Where to stay near Lipno: Hotel Element

Ore Mountains

While most tourists head to the Giant Mountains or Šumava, the Ore Mountains remain an undeservedly overlooked destination. This mountain range on the Czech-German border offers something you’ll hardly find elsewhere – peace without tourist crowds.

Instead of peaks, kilometers of hiking and cycling trails await you, leading through vast peat bogs and a landscape marked by historical mining.

For a first visit, Boží Dar is ideal. Definitely don’t miss the climb to Klínovec observation tower, a descent on the longest trail park in Europe, or the mysterious Wolf Pits, craters formed by the collapse of old tin mines.

Or head to the Valley of Mills in Jáchymov, the rope park near Plešivec, or Ježíšek’s Trail in Boží Dar.

Recommended Accommodation: Apartmány Engadin

Slavkov Forest

Between Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně lies an area nicknamed “Czech Iceland”. Slavkov Forest offers a completely different type of relaxation than bustling tourist centers. It is completely without crowds, large hotels, or cable cars. Only deep forests, peat bogs, mineral springs, and traces of ancient volcanic activity await you here.

You’ll also discover observation towers with views into endless forests, freely accessible springs, and forgotten mining sites testifying to the rich past of the region. Don’t forget to bring a cup for tasting mineral springs; in Slavkov Forest, you’ll find several sour springs, including the well-known Magnesia.

Explore the vast peat bogs in Kladská lined with traditional Alpine houses, or climb up to the Krásno observation tower, which won the title of the most beautiful observation tower in the Czech Republic. And if you crave culture, visit nearby Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, or the romantic Loket Castle above the Ohře River.

Recommended Accommodation: Penzion Nový Svět

Bohemian Switzerland

After the large fire in 2022, this once overcrowded area has calmed down considerably, which paradoxically means more space for undisturbed exploration and a peaceful holiday. The popular circuit via the Jetřichovice viewpoints, Mary’s Viewpoint, Wilhelmina’s Wall, or Rudolf’s Stone still offers breathtaking panoramic views.

For less demanding hikers, the ruins of Falkenštejn Castle are ideal, offering a magnificent view of the valley and the surrounding sandstone formations. Besides the classic Pravčická Gate, the largest natural rock arch in Europe, the Kamenice Gorges are worth visiting. This year, only the Wild Gorge is open, but even that is an unforgettable experience.

Accommodation Tip: Aparthotel Lípa

Kokořínsko

The area that inspired Karel Hynek Mácha will charm you too. Sandstone rocks, romantic gorges, impressive castles, and the possibility of swimming. Everyone will find something for themselves in Kokořínsko.

The most famous is Mácha’s Lake, with well-maintained beaches, pedal boat rentals, and complete facilities for a family holiday. Nearby stands Bezděz Castle, accessible via a short but steep path with a view that is worth the effort.

To the south lies the mysterious Kokořín Valley with sandstone rocks along the Pšovka stream. The center of the area is Kokořín Castle, but there are many more attractions here. Definitely visit Devil’s Heads near Želízy – giant rock reliefs carved into sandstone, or the Mšeno and Jestřebice “lids” with their peculiar “caps” of harder sandstone. Less known, but also beautiful, is the Apatyka Gorge.

Recommended Accommodation: Penzion Diana

Křivoklátsko

Křivoklát is primarily known for its castle, but the entire surrounding area is one of the largest protected landscape areas in the Czech Republic.

Křivoklát Castle, with frequent cultural events, forms the heart of the entire area. After the tour, you can sit in the courtyard; we just recommend arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon due to the narrow streets and tourist crowds.

However, the area offers much more, for example, the Skryje Lakes hidden among the rocks with a small waterfall, where a beautiful forest path leads, which is ideal for trips with children. Or enjoy the views from Devil’s Rock above the Berounka River, which are truly breathtaking.

Accommodation Tip: Apartmán Roztoky

Bohemian Paradise

Whoever saw the film “How to Get Dad into a Reformatory” might already guess what beauties await you here in Bohemian Paradise. Get ready for narrow rock passages, interesting sandstone formations, and endless discovery of something new.

The Prachov Rocks and Hrubá Skála Rock Town are each different and both are worth visiting. Don’t forget the view from the symbolic Trosky Castle and from Vranov Castle in the Malá Skála region. For those who prefer peace, the Příhrazy Rocks are ideal, often without a single tourist.

Recommended Accommodation: Na Sýpce

Jizera Mountains

The Jizera Mountains never disappoint. Peaceful forests, views revealing themselves only after kilometers of walking, and an extensive network of marked trails form a paradise for all lovers of hiking and cycling.

The views from Frýdlant Battlements, Jizera, or Paličník are like something out of a postcard. While thousands of people come here in winter for the Jizera Fifty, in summer you’ll find equally perfectly maintained trails in relative peace.

As a starting point, we recommend Bedřichov, from where you can easily reach the romantic Bedřichov Dam, Královka, or the impressive Černá Desná waterfall. In bad weather, visit nearby Liberec with Aquapark Babylon, the iQLANDIA center, or the botanical garden. Jablonec nad Nisou is also interesting, with its Museum of Glass and Jewelry hosting children’s workshops.

Accommodation Tip: Apartmány Pod Kostelem

Orlík Dam

Orlík Dam is our number one tip if you want a holiday with swimming and beautiful Czech nature. With a length of almost 70 kilometers, it stretches from Kamýk to the Orlík dam wall – the largest concrete dam wall in the Czech Republic.

Around the water, you’ll find campsites, well-maintained beaches, and rocky coves. For swimming, we recommend Popelíky, Trhovky, Radava, Velký Vír, or the cove near Bukovany. In summer, regular boat transport also operates, so you can take a trip on the water.

Among the surrounding attractions worth visiting is the educational trail between Orlík and Zvíkov, leading through beautiful forest and along the water, which anyone can manage. Technical attractions include a tour of the hydroelectric power plant near the dam (advance reservation required). Your itinerary must also include a visit to Orlík Castle towering above the dam and a trip to Zvíkov Castle.

Accommodation Recommendation: Apartmán Orlík nad Vltavou

Moravian Karst

The Moravian Karst north of Brno is one of the most famous karst areas in the Czech Republic.

The area is famous for the Macocha Abyss and Punkva Caves, where you can descend to the bottom and continue with a romantic boat ride on the underground Punkva River. In summer, we strongly recommend advance booking – interest is huge, and without a ticket, you might wait for hours.

The surroundings offer other fascinating caves: Kateřinská Cave with its impressive high dome, Balcarka Cave with its distinctive stalactite formations, or the vast Sloup-Šošůvka Caves, which are among the largest cave systems in the Czech Republic.

For a change, visit nearby Boskovice with its extensive castle ruins offering beautiful views, or Lysice Chateau with its well-maintained park and columned colonnade.

Accommodation Tip: Penzion Macocha

Frequently Asked Questions