Exciting Highlights: Discover Our Strengths and Escape the Mundane!
The day when goodness and kindness were set to spread all over the world was announced during the World Kindness Movement conference held in Singapore in the year 2000. This occasion aims to motivate us to be more compassionate, helping us to move beyond the barriers of our cultures, races, and religions, and to unite nations for a brighter future. Do these ambitions sound too lofty for just one small holiday? If so, begin with yourself; kindness can take many forms. We shouldn’t just show kindness to the people we love; it’s important to be kind to ourselves, our bodies, our homes, nature, and the environment as well. Share smiles with those around you, perform little acts of kindness, use “please” and “thank you” more frequently, lend a helping hand to others, and search for the good in your daily life. Additionally, consider going on a journey inspired by the seven virtues. Why not visit Kuksu to see the incredible statues by Matthias Bernard Braun? Kindness might not be one of these virtues, but others certainly connect with it, like Faith, Hope, Love, Patience, and Generosity.
The world is not a dark and evil place. Even when faced with issues like high inflation, increasing energy costs, and shortages of raw materials from every direction, there are still bright spots and sunny moments waiting to be discovered. Our guide to some of the oldest and most breathtaking locations across the Czech Republic may not have you leaping out of your seat and dancing the day away, yet they might help you view the world in a more positive light. It could be more enjoyable and kinder if you infuse your life with a little more optimism and hope.
1. Miss Prehistoric and the Smartest Girls
Everyone knows Czech girls, and the entire world is aware of them. The Venus of Věstonice, an ancient figure that’s only eleven centimeters tall but a staggering 30,000 years old, has become a global icon. This remarkable statue was unearthed in 1925 in Dolní Věstonice, and it now resides in the Moravian Museum in Brno at the Anthropos Institute.
Many other artworks from our prehistoric ancestors have survived, such as the Landek Venus, discovered in 1953 at Landek Hill in Ostrava, and the world’s oldest figure, the Venus of Swabia, carved from mammoth bone. However, the Venus of Věstonice stands out as it is famous for exemplifying the earliest known use of baked clay, making it the oldest ceramic artwork in the world.
2. Land of Beautiful Castles and Chateaus
Not France, Germany, or England, but Czech Republic: According to the US Traveltips website, we are a nation of castles. You can probably guess the most popular destinations: the fairytale castles of Hluboká nad Vltavou, Bouzov, and Pernštejn, the renowned Castle of Charles IV, Karlštejn, or the romantic Sychrov Castle, plus the castles of Dobříš and Veltrusy. The former boasts an exquisite French garden, while the latter features an extensive natural landscape park. If you’re unsure where to take a delightful stroll filled with amazing surprises, Veltrusy guarantees an unforgettable experience.
3. The Most Visited Places in the Czech Republic: UNESCO Monuments
What are the must-see locations that draw visitors from around the globe? UNESCO heritage sites, of course! And how many do we have? Count them: 17 tangible UNESCO monuments, with the latest being Žatec and its hop-growing landscape, added in September 2023, along with eight intangible ones. If you’ve counted up to 25, it shows you not only know how to count but also how beautifully diverse our country is. In fact, there are more, as the Great Baths of Europe cover three of our spa towns – Mariánské Lázně, Karlovy Vary, and Františkovy Lázně. Which site or tradition will become the 26th? Let’s wait and see; there are plenty of potential candidates!
4. Prague, the Most Beautiful City in the World
No matter what various international surveys say, we all agree that Prague is the most beautiful city in the world. Why is it among the most desired travel spots in Europe? The streets show the passage of time – with every step you take, the majestic mix of different architectural styles unfolds before your amazed eyes. The streets, squares, and riversides of Prague, including the famous Royal Route, present an impressive tapestry of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, and Art Nouveau designs. Did you know that Prague Castle is recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest ancient castle in the world, measuring about 570 meters in length and 128 meters in width? Walk with Charles IV across Charles Bridge, stop by the Prague Astronomical Clock, and let yourself be swept away by the enchanting atmosphere of the old Jewish quarter.
In 2024, famous travel guide Lonely Planet declared Prague one of the top tourist spots. Prague secured the eighth position on the list of ten most desirable cities in the world, with Kenya’s capital of Nairobi taking the top spot.
5. The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets
We have a deep fondness for traditional Czech Christmas celebrations, especially those illustrated by Josef Lada, with picturesque images of snow-covered Hrusice or scenes from the animated short “Lada’s Bethlehem.” Savor the delightful aromas and festive lights at the Christmas markets in Old Town Square, where the charm and ambiance consistently earn a top spot on the list of the world’s most beautiful Christmas markets.
6. Charles IV, the Most Famous Czech King
The most beloved Czech monarch and a winner of the title “The Biggest Czech” is Charles IV (1316-1378). As the King of Bohemia and Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, he chose to make his home in the stunning city of Prague, and his remarkable contributions continue to captivate us centuries later. In 1344, he laid the foundation stone for St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle alongside Father John of Luxembourg. When Charles IV became king in 1346, he commissioned the creation of the Coronation Crown of St. Wenceslas. Two years later, he established Prague University, known today as Charles University, and also initiated the development of a significant new section of Prague, known as New Town. He built Charles Bridge, as well as the castles of Karlštejn, Kašperk, and Radyně, and created a multitude of churches and monasteries. Charles IV is also a central figure in the legend surrounding the origin of the Karlovy Vary Spa, and a touching tale ties him to the Hunger Wall at Petřín, while beautiful gardens in Loučín Castle honor the Father of the Fatherland with a grand maze and labyrinth collection.The Royal Labyrinth of King Charles IV.
7. Klementinum, the Most Beautiful Library in the World
When the Jesuits established the Baroque library in Prague’s Clementinum during the 18th century, they could hardly have envisioned that it would mostly remain unchanged even centuries later, and that it would be frequently dubbed the most beautiful library in the world. This architectural gem was created by master Baroque architect Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer, and aside from its impressive collection of books, it is noteworthy for its collection of historical globes, which include astronomical clocks. The Jesuits had a keen focus on education, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s survey states that the Czech Republic has the most extensive library network in the world. There are more libraries here than primary schools, featuring truly remarkable historical artifacts. So, let’s read!
8. The Most Beautiful and Well-Known Czech Music
The Czech Republic holds a significant place in the music world as well. Get ready for the sounds! You know, 2024 is declared Year of Czech Music! Just think of great composers like Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Dvořák, Leoš Janáček, and Bohuslav Martinů, who are part of the classic quartet of the most performed Czech composers, both at home and abroad. Czech musical instruments, from Petrof pianos to accordions and heligonics from Hořovice, as well as wind and string instruments from places like Kraslice and Strunal, are also gaining international recognition. It’s also vital to mention the organ: did you know that the largest organ in the Czech Republic and all of Central Europe can be heard at St. Moritz Cathedral in Olomouc?
And what about the most iconic Czech song? It could be Dvořák’s New World Symphony that accompanied the first steps of American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the Moon’s surface. But actually, the most famous Czech song is the Polka Škoda lásky by the Zbraslav bandleader Jaromír Vejvoda (1902-1988), which was translated into numerous languages during World War II and even made it to space when it was used as a wake-up call by the crew of the space shuttle Discovery in 1995. Once Elon Musk journeys to Mars, perhaps he will play Karel Svoboda’s second most popular Czech song, Lady Carneval, or even a hit by Karel Gott?
9. Czech Glass and Famous Traditions
Whether old or modern, from tiny pieces to huge glass installations, Czech glass comes in many sizes and forms. You can explore this traditional craft in glass and jewellery workshops, museums, and at the factories where beautiful Christmas ornaments, recognized as UNESCO heritage, are created. Travel through the Crystal Valley, check out glassworks, look at buildings adorned with glass walls and roofs, and discover how glass is also miraculously used in making altars and statues.
10. Czech Spas, Wellness, and the Best Rest
Relax in a spa while enjoying beneficial wellness programs, saunas, and massages! Experience years of natural healing resources and contemporary spa treatments available across the Czech Republic. The most famous spa towns, which wear the UNESCO label, include Mariánské Lázně, Karlovy Vary, and Františkovy Lázně. Other lesser-known spas have intriguing histories, with some being the youngest and oldest, offering the hottest and coldest springs.
11. The Best Czech Beer
Beer is our national drink! In the Czech lands, brewing has been a tradition for over a thousand years. In 2010, beer was included in a national poll of the Seven Wonders of the Czech Republic. Brewing used to occur almost in every town, and today there are nearly 500 microbreweries and various large breweries. Additionally, there are plenty of exciting beer attractions like brewery museums and charming brewery restaurants, beer trails, and more. Know that Pilsen is the heart of beer; a tour of the Pilsner Urquell brewery and the Brewery Museum will give you deep insight into the history of brewing Pilsner Urquell.
12. Stories of the Most Famous Czech Brands
The portal Kudy z boret regularly brings stories about beloved Czech brands. For instance, do you know the original name of the famous Czech beverage Kofola? Or that Technical University of Liberec is a hub for nanotechnology and nanofibers? Have you heard about the past of the antivirus company Avast? Curious about how the name of the cosmetics brand Ryor came to be? Where are the most renowned hats made? What led to the famous Thonette chairs being tossed from the Eiffel Tower? Find out about the type of glass created at the Rückl glassworks, the origin of the global shoe brand Bata, which began in a modest shoemaker’s workshop, or how the Škoda plant in Mladá Boleslav was the dream made real by the visionary pioneers Laurin & Klement.
13. The Most Famous Heroes
In the Prague-Libeň district, at a quiet intersection near the Na Bulovce hospital, on May 27, 1942, Operation Anthropoid reached its climax with the successful assassination of the notorious Czech executioner and Reich Protector Reinhard Heydrich. He succumbed to his wounds on June 4, 1942, but the brave parachutists Jozef Gabčík, Jan Kubiš, Adolf Opálka, Josef Valčík, Josef Bublík, Jan Hrubý, and Jaroslav Švarc paid the ultimate price for their deed with their lives. The punishment for this act included the horrific destruction of the village of Lidice on June 10, 1942, which cost many innocent lives. There are also other events from the war that deserve remembering: at Prague’s Main Station, a statue of Nicholas Winton showcases two children ‘awaiting a train’. Sir Nicholas George Winton organized the rescue of 669 mostly Jewish children in 1939, getting them to safety in England. Spielberg’s film Schindler’s List was inspired by the life of Oskar Schindler, who saved over a thousand souls from imminent death in concentration camps.
14. The Best Network of Tourist Signs in the World
Simple yet brilliantly designed, the Czech hiking signs have been in place for over 130 years and are known as the best in the world for their efficiency and quality. The first trail marked by the Czech Tourist Club (KČT) in 1889 ran from Štěchovice to Svatojeany streams. Nowadays, over 43,000 kilometers of hiking paths cross the Czech Republic, with 67,000 signposts and more than 38,000 kilometers of cycling routes. Thanks to the Czech Tourist Club, the trails are clearly marked, well-maintained, and consistently updated – and with Kudy z boredy, you have a top manual for both long and short hiking trips, nature trails, and thousands of other tourist attractions.
15. The Most Visited Lookout Towers in the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is home to almost 500 observation towers. Which one will you visit? From favorite lookout towers and treetop walks to less noticeable elevated platforms, there’s something for everyone. On the Kudy z boredy portal, we offer suggestions for all kinds of travelers: for those heading out by car, for adventure seekers, and for fans of unique spots. So come explore the lookout towers waiting for you!
16. Czechs and Nobel Prizes
When asked to list Czech Nobel Prize laureates in a Czech language test, students often think of Kafka, Mácha, or Neruda. Then there’s Jaroslav Heyrovský, who received the award for Chemistry. But just how many Nobel Prizes have been awarded to individuals from the Czech Republic? The poet Jaroslav Seifert was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature six times before winning on his seventh attempt in 1984. Karel Čapek didn’t share the same fortune, despite being nominated seven times. The first woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, Berta von Suttner, was raised in Prague and was honored in 1905. Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk and Václav Havel were nominated for Nobel Peace Prizes but didn’t win. Interestingly, Otto Wichterle, who invented contact lenses, did not earn a Nobel Prize either.
17. Unique Stories and Records of Czech Railways
Are you a fan of trains? We sure are at Kudy z boredy! Railways form an integral part of traveling, and with around 9,500 kilometers of track along with about 2,800 railway stations and stops, they offer a wealth of captivating spots to discover. Here, you can trace the routes of the oldest continental railway, established in 1832, the horse-drawn railway from České Budějovice to Linz, take a scenic ride along the steepest line in the Czech Republic that has a gradient of 57 ‰, which runs from Tanvald to Harrachov, or visit our highest railway stations. Alternatively, you can stay home and browse through fun literature meant for railway enthusiasts!
18. Jára Cimrman, the Greatest Czech
Are you a fan of Jára Cimrman? A question that doesn’t need asking, as the immense popularity of The Greatest Bohemian has led to the establishment of numerous tourist sites and monuments. Thanks to their renown among travelers, we thoroughly and attentively map them on the Kudy z boredy portal, so let us provide you with reliable guidance during your Cimrman outings! For example, we can show you the Kaproun railway station on the narrow-gauge route from Jindřichův Hradec to Nová Bystřice – at the spot where Cimrman was famously thrown off the train, there stands one of the many extraordinary statues dedicated to the greatest Czech, playwright, poet, musician, teacher, traveler, philosopher, inventor, criminal, athlete, and pioneer of dead ends.
19. Prague Zoo: One of the Best Zoos in the World
Annually, the world-renowned travel site TripAdvisor.com compiles a list of the most popular zoos around the globe. Alongside favorites like the San Diego Zoo, St. Louis Zoo, Tenerife’s Loro Parque, and the zoo in Singapore, Prague Zoo consistently earns high ratings. It is particularly known for breeding Przewalski’s horses and has been essential in their return to their natural habitat for decades. As the only zoo worldwide, it has also collaborated with the Czech Army on projects involving the transportation of the last wild horses back to the Mongolian steppes.
20. The Most Beautiful Dam in the Czech Republic
The dam, which looks like a castle for a princess from afar, is not only stunning but also impressive in size. This 218-meter-long and 41-meter-high dam is located just outside Dvůr Králové nad Labem. Made from local sandstone, it features quaint architectural elements. The elegant, curved dam has a stone surface, complete with two gates and decorative turrets, and nearby structures include sluice towers for managing water flow and a house for the dam keeper. It truly resembles a fairy-tale castle, making it an ideal spot for any outing, no matter the weather conditions.
21. The Most Beautiful Natural Wonders: Caves, Rock Gates, and Chasms
Does it have a bottom? We’re not sure yet: the Boundary Chasm, which is known as the deepest abyss in the Czech Republic, is yet to be precisely measured. The last confirmed measurement stood at 519.5 meters, yet experts believe it could reach an astonishing depth of 800 meters. Still, this is just one tiny piece of the rich and diverse natural beauty in the Czech Republic. Explore the rock gates and bridges led by the Pravčická brána, as well as the mysterious caves, national parks, protected areas, majestic mountains, botanical gardens, rivers, lakes, and enchanting waterfalls!
22. Popular Czech Hobbies: Mushroom Foraging and Cottage Gardening
Mushrooms are quite the passion in the Czech Republic! Rich in flavor and variety, Czechs proudly confirm that mushroom picking is a cherished national pastime, with more than seventy percent of the population reportedly going mushroom hunting at least once a year. A third of us own a cottage or vacation property. Mushroom picking and cottage gardening can go hand in hand; however, some mycologists claim we are becoming prone to risky behavior. Many Czechs collect any kind of mushroom that remotely resembles edible ones, often without knowing the basic varieties children learn in school, and unfortunately, we’re sometimes led to poisonings involving mushrooms that are actually edible if prepared correctly.
