7 Surprising Secrets About Stunning Destinations with a Bad Reputation
1. The Ore Mountains: once bleak, now thriving
The Erzgebirge, once neglected and devastated, has experienced a harsh history. For many years, extensive mining of minerals and coal, along with vast open-pit mines and poorly controlled coal-fired power plants, caused severe ecological damage, including acid rain and destruction of the forested areas on the mountain ridges. By the mid-1990s, these mountains were pretty much lifeless, attracting mostly rock enthusiasts.
However, the Erzgebirge is now undergoing a remarkable revival in numerous aspects. This area boasts stunning natural beauty, featuring lush mountain meadows and a variety of rare plant species. The relationship between Czech and German communities has been renewed, leading to shared cultural experiences and exploration. Hikers and cyclists have uncovered hills, unique peat bogs, valleys, plateaus, and remnants of once-thriving villages. The region is also home to incredible mining heritage; UNESCO has recognized many of these mining monuments through a collaborative Czech-German initiative called the Mining Landscape of the Erzgebirge. Additionally, the Ore Mountains offer enchanting stories of legendary figures like Marzebille, famed radon spas, and the historical Jáchymov tolars, which are celebrated as some of the first silver coins, paving the way for the US dollar.
You’ll find charming historic mining towns, and one of the highlights is God’s Dar, where you can connect with Santa Claus—even visiting the Santa Claus post office. Fans of engineering marvels can explore sites like the Fláje Dam or the Blatenský trench. In short, there are so many captivating spots to see that one lifetime, let alone just a holiday or extended weekend, won’t be nearly enough to fully appreciate this remarkable region.
2. Ostrava: the devil’s playground in every direction
Songwriter Jarek Nohavica sings of Ostrava, and while many still refer to it as a “black city” and the steel heart of the nation, shrouded in smog, this notion is outdated. The industrial district of Dolní Vítkovice has transformed into one of the top attractions in the Czech Republic, with the former slaughterhouse now serving as the lively Plato Gallery, which hosts diverse events that continue to emerge in these revitalized spaces previously burdened by heavy industry. With urban greenery covering about one-fifth of its area, Ostrava stands as one of the greenest cities in our nation. The city has cleverly turned its past challenges into opportunities for tourism, so have you explored the Mining Museum in Landek, sought out unique industrial heritage in the Technotrasy, or hiked up the Ema heap? Ostrava’s negative reputation is simply a memory now.
3. The Transformation of Prague Karlín
The Prague website aptly describes Karlín as a district that has evolved from being overlooked to becoming a model of redevelopment. This comparison is fitting, especially considering that the devastating floods of 2002 struck Karlín, causing extensive damage. As destroyed buildings were restored, neglected industrial sites were also repurposed, transforming Karlín into a vibrant, modern part of the city filled with offices, shops, art studios, and popular venues offering fresh and exciting dining experiences, including farmers’ markets. While the Old Quarter retains its architectural and historical treasures, such as the Neo-Romanesque Basilica of Sts. Cyril and Methodius and art nouveau buildings, the former factory spaces have now become cultural hotspots, with other intriguing attractions emerging along the previously neglected riverbanks. Take Port 18600, where you’ll find a playground along with a seasonal bar designed for relaxation, gatherings, and cultural experiences.
4. Ústí nad Labem and the Lake Landscape of Podkrušnohoří
In a travel journal from the 17th century, Bohuslav Balbín referred to the Ore Mountains as the wealthiest landscape in Bohemia. However, with the advent of coal mining, Podkrušnohoří suffered immense devastation, as expansive lakes and wetlands were supplanted by open-pit mines. Today, reclamation efforts have resulted in the creation of a stunning lake district, perfect for summer swimming, hiking, cycling, and sightseeing throughout the foothills. One of the most prominent modern lakes is Lake Milada, formed by flooding a coal pit near Ústí nad Labem and officially inaugurated in 2017. Truly massive lakes are continually being developed, including Most near the town of Most and Lake Medard in the Sokolov region.
5. Brno Bronx
Brno’s Bronx area had an equally negative reputation as Prague’s Karlín. Unlike Karlín, which was simply likened to New York’s crime-ridden borough, the distressed area along the borders of two districts in Brno has been known by that name for many decades. However, places like Cejl, Francouzská, and Bratislavská streets are gradually improving. The Museum of Romani Culture on Bratislavská Street aims to enhance perceptions of the Bronx, while local artist Kateřina Šedá has transformed the old railway bridge on Vlhká Street into a stunning black and white artwork, complete with creative seating made from concrete ‘ears’ and a published Brnox guide. Recently, the Bronx has welcomed a new Municipal Gallery, featuring large-scale paintings on the gabled walls of tenement houses, transforming the area into a captivating Mural Art destination. You can find these artworks either by yourself using listings on Mapy.com or by joining guided tours led by the project’s creator, Martin Reiner.
6. Plzeňský Plac or the Ghetto
Plzeň has its own well-known ghetto: within the block of houses nestled between Plachého and Korandova streets adjacent to the Škoda factory, numerous residents facing significant life challenges were concentrated, creating an area often referred to as Plac. Just a short distance away, the Techmania Science Center shines as a beacon of positivity, and the fastest route to the historic city center skirts around Plac.
In Pilsen, this previously overlooked area with a tarnished image has been undergoing a steady positive transformation for several years now. Renovations of residential buildings have started, as well as the addition of housing specifically for young families and seniors. Moreover, new facilities are appearing, such as a children’s playground, leisure and sports areas for both children and adults, a green community zone, and a multifunctional sports field with an artificial surface for team games being constructed in the inner courtyard.
7. The Mysterious Branis Forest?
When discussing the most haunted places in the Czech Republic, one cannot overlook the Bor Forest, situated on the outskirts of České Budějovice, close to the Máj housing estate. This forest is surrounded by mysterious tales and legends, featuring tales of a floating black figure, a tree where people have hanged, portals to other realms, hazy ghostly figures appearing in photographs, and fallen soldiers who perished in extraordinary confrontations. It’s likely that the local residents perceive the pine forest as just an ordinary woodland where they’ve not experienced anything unusual. They visit for walks with their dogs, collect mushrooms, and organize children’s events. There’s really no reason to fear—a visit to this forest is no different than going to any other, though it may just have a reputation for being a bit more intriguing.
