Czechia is in Central Europe, bordering Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Poland. Czechia is known for its well-preserved medieval old towns like Prague and Český Krumlov, historic castles and chateaux, famous beer brewing tradition and storied musical history with composers like Dvořák and Smetana. Culturally, the Czechs have a strong literature, arts, theater and film tradition. Czechia celebrates 14 public holidays each calendar year. Major holidays include New Year's Day, Easter, May Day, Christmas and St. Stephen's Day on December 26. Other notable Czech holidays honor patron saints, commemorate Czech history events and celebrate labor rights, freedom and democracy. Many holidays in Czechia are intertwined with Christianity, harvest festivals and national identity.
What are the holiday dates in Czechia?
Czechia has several types of holidays, each significant and impacting daily life. These are Nationwide Public Holidays, National Holidays, Bank Holidays, School Holidays, Commercial Holidays and Government Holidays. Firstly, nationwide public holidays celebrated across Czechia are recognized and celebrated nationwide and often have cultural, historical or religious significance. Nationwide public holidays in Czechia are days like Christmas (December 25th), Eastern Monday (April 1) and New Year's (January 1st), when most businesses and public services close across the country to allow people to observe important cultural, historical or religious events. The purpose is to provide a shared day of national significance for commemoration, celebration or remembrance. Secondly, national holidays in Czechia refer to the same nationwide public holidays. These are days recognized nationwide when most businesses close and people have the day off work or school. The purpose is to mark events or people of major significance in Czech history and culture. Thirdly, bank holidays in Czechia are days when banks and some other financial institutions close for business, even when some other companies or stores remain open. The purpose is to allow bank employees a day off to observe certain holidays. Fourthly, school holidays refer to extended vacation periods in Czechia when schools close for one to two weeks to give students and educational staff an extended break from studies and teaching. The purpose is to allow time for rest, travel or other activities outside regular classes. Fifthly, commercial holidays seem to be unofficial holidays created mainly for commercial activity rather than historical reasons. These holidays include Valentine's Day (February 14th), which aims to stimulate economic activity around romance and love. Commercial holidays are when businesses close on public holidays, with some exceptions like gas stations, pharmacies, hospitals, airports, train stations and small grocery stores. Lastly, government holidays are days when government offices and public services are closed to allow civil servants to observe certain important public holidays. The purpose is to give public sector workers days off for commemoration or celebration. The government holiday schedule aligns with the list of nationwide public holidays of celebration.
What are the dates of the national holidays in Czechia for 2024?
Listed below are the national holiday dates in Czechia for 2024.
| DATE | HOLIDAY |
| January 1 | New Year's Day |
| March 29 | Good Friday |
| April 1 | Eastern Monday |
| May 1 | May Day (Labor Day) |
| May 8 | Liberation Day |
| July 5 | Saints Cyril and Methodius Day |
| July 6 | Jan Hus Day |
| September 28 | St. Wenceslas Day |
| October 28 | Independent Czechoslovak State Day |
| November 17 | Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
| December 26 | 2nd Day of Christmas |
How are the nationwide public holidays in Czechia celebrated?
Listed below are how the nationwide public holidays in Czechia are celebrated.
- New Year's Day. Czechs often welcome the New Year (January 1st) with fireworks displays, house parties and family gatherings to celebrate a fresh start. Many Czechs participate in traditional New Year's Day swims in cold rivers or organize hikes up local mountains and hills to begin the year with an outdoor activity.
- Good Friday. Good Friday (March 29th) is observed very solemnly across the predominantly Christian Czech nation, with Czechs attending church and Passion Play reenactments of Jesus' crucifixion being held in villages, towns and cities nationwide. On this day, Czech families also prepare traditional Easter foods and decorate eggs as they reflect on the sacrifices of Jesus Christ.
- Eastern Monday. Easter Monday (April 1st) provides a more festive atmosphere than Good Friday, as Czech families enjoy the traditional Easter foods and exchange colorfully decorated eggs they had prepared over the weekend. It is a solemn remembrance of Christ's Passion and many Czechs celebrate Easter Monday with a sense of joy and hope in the Resurrection.
- May Day (Labor Day). Major cities like Prague host large parades led by unions and political parties to celebrate May Day or Labor Day (May 1st) and workers' rights, followed by concerts and festivals nationwide. Czech workers unite to push for better rights and foster camaraderie among the labor force with good music, food and entertainment on this national holiday.
- Liberation Day. Liberation Day (May 8th) events across Czechia honor the 1945 liberation from Nazi occupation, with Czechs gathering for ceremonies at war memorials while veterans march or share stories at remembrance events about the sacrifices of those who fought in World War II to free the nation from the Nazis. It is a solemn day when Czechs reflect on the horrors of the occupation during the war and show immense gratitude to the Allied forces who liberated them.
- Saints Cyril and Methodius Day. The Saints Cyril and Methodius Day (July 5th) holiday honors the two 9th-century missionaries who brought Christianity and literacy in Old Church Slavonic to the Czech lands. Czechs attend special church services and cultural events about the legacy of the two brothers. Cyril and Methodius helped establish the Czech literary tradition. They pioneered the use of the Slavic language in Christian liturgy, leaving an immense impact on Czech culture that is commemorated today. The holiday also emphasizes Slavic solidarity, with celebrations promoting unity among Slavic nations.
- Jan Hus Day. Jan Hus Day (July 6th) commemorates the 15th-century Czech religious reformer Jan Hus, who was burned at the stake for heresy against Catholic dogma, with Czechs marking the occasion by attending church memorials, historical reenactments of Hus's life and events honoring his fight for reforming a corrupt clergy. Hus's brave defiance of Church authority at the cost of his life is seen as paving the way for future reformists like Martin Luther. July 6th recognizes his martyrdom as a key predecessor of the Protestant Reformation.
- St. Wenceslas Day. Wenceslas Day (September 28th) honors the pious 10th-century Duke of Bohemia, who was assassinated by his brother, with religious services, ceremonies at the statue of St. Wenceslas, concerts and historical reenactments held to mark the nobility and bravery of the revered patron saint of the Czech lands. The holiday promotes Czech unity and nationalism by celebrating a formative figure in Czech history who came to represent goodness and morality to generations of Czechs.
- Independent Czechoslovak State Day. Independent Czechoslovak State Day (October 28th) commemorates the 1918 establishment of independent Czechoslovakia after over 300 years of Austrian rule, with Czechs marking the occasion with celebrations including ceremonies at the National Museum where independence was declared and remembrances of key figures like President T.G. Masaryk who helped found the First Czechoslovak Republic. The holiday honors Czechoslovakia's brief pre-WWII democratic experience and the dream of Czech sovereignty finally achieved in 1918 after centuries of foreign domination.
- Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day. Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day (November 17th) sees Czechs gathering for memorial events honoring the 1939 and 1989 student protests against totalitarianism, reminding Czechs of the struggles past generations endured to bring freedom to the nation. It commemorates milestones like the 1989 Velvet Revolution ending communist rule with celebrations of the power of protest and the Czechs' resolve to keep fighting for democracy even in the face of state oppression. The holiday promotes the value Czechs place on human rights and anti-authoritarianism.
- Christmas Day. Christmas Day (December 25th) is celebrated by Czech families gathering for Christmas dinner. Families attend midnight mass, singing carols and exchanging gifts in the traditional celebration of Jesus' birth. Czech Christmas customs also includes girls tossing shoes over their shoulders to predict when they'll marry and carp and potato salad meals representing wealth for the coming year.
- 2nd Day of Christmas. The 2nd Day of Christmas (December 26th) gives Czech families a second day for Christmas traditions like visiting relatives they didn't see on the 25th, taking Christmas walks to enjoy holiday decorations before they're put away, recovering from the previous day's feasting and further celebrations of peace, love and goodwill stemming from the meaning of Jesus' birth for Christians. The two-day holiday allows everyone to partake in merriment and the Christmas-like atmosphere.
What are the dates of the governmental holidays in Czechia for 2024?
Listed below are the governmental holiday dates in Czechia for 2024.
| DATE | HOLIDAY |
| January 1 | New Year's Day |
| March 29 | Good Friday |
| April 1 | Eastern Monday |
| May 1 | May Day (Labor Day) |
| May 8 | Liberation Day |
| July 5 | Saints Cyril and Methodius Day |
| July 6 | Jan Hus Day |
| September 28 | St. Wenceslas Day |
| October 28 | Independent Czechoslovak State Day |
| November 17 | Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
| December 26 | 2nd Day of Christmas |
How are the governmental holidays in Czechia celebrated?
Listed below are how the governmental holidays in Czechia are celebrated.
- New Year's Day. Czechs welcome the New Year (January 1st) with fireworks, house parties, family gatherings and fireworks lighting up the night skies above cities like Prague. It is seen as a fresh start to a new year with hope and excitement for the 12 months ahead. Many Czechs also uphold beloved traditions like taking a brisk “New Year's swim” in the waters of rivers and lakes or embarking on invigorating hikes to local mountains and hills to begin the year with physical exertion surrounded by the glory of the natural landscape.
- Good Friday. Good Friday (March 29th) hosts solemn church services to mark the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, with Passion Plays also performed in villages, towns and cities, reenacting the final hours of his life. It is also a time when Czech families prepare the traditional Easter foods and intricately decorate eggs to place on green branches or give as gifts over the Easter weekend as they contemplate Christ's sacrifice on the cross and the meaning of Easter.
- Eastern Monday. Easter Monday (April 1) brings a more festive family atmosphere than the mournful remembrance of Good Friday. Czech families gathered to spend time together on this holiday, enjoying feasts showcasing the traditional Easter foods and exchanging colorfully decorated eggs they had meticulously prepared over the weekend to symbolize new life and rebirth with the Resurrection of Jesus after his crucifixion and death.
- May Day (Labor Day). Major Czech cities like Prague host large parades on May Day or Labor Day (May 1st) led by unions, workers' associations and left-wing political parties to energetically push for labor rights and workers' solidarity. The celebration involves speeches, banners and music filling the streets as workers come together in unity and celebration, followed by concerts, festivals and lively revelry continuing late into the night across the country.
- Liberation Day. On Liberation Day (May 8th), ceremonies are held at war memorials across the country while veterans march together in parades to honor the 1945 liberation from Nazi occupation that finally ended the immense suffering of Czechs under the brutal occupation of WWII. It is a day when Czechs reflect on the horrific atrocities that occurred and show immense gratitude to the Allied forces who sacrificed to free Czechoslovakia.
- Saints Cyril and Methodius Day. The Saints Cyril and Methodius Day (July 5th) commemorates the two revered 9th-century Byzantine missionary brothers and sees proud Czechs attending special church services, numerous cultural events and educational activities honoring Cyril and Methodius' immense legacy in developing Slavic literacy and laying the foundations of Christianity amongst the peoples of Great Moravia. Their pivotal role in establishing the foundations of the Czech written language and Christian identity still shapes Czech culture.
- Jan Hus Day. Jan Hus Day (July 6th) involves Czechs gathering by the thousands for church memorial services, large-scale historical reenactments of the life and brave deeds of the 15th-century religious reformer Jan Hus in towns and cities across the country and numerous cultural events honoring Hus' fight against corruption in the Catholic clergy – remembering how his brave defiance of Church authority at the cost of his life paved the way for future epoch-making reformists like Martin Luther. Hus is revered as a Czech national hero for resisting institutional corruption.
- St. Wenceslas Day. St. Wenceslas Day (September 28th) sees Czechs attending church services and ceremonies at the statue of St. Wenceslas to honor this revered 10th-century patron saint of Bohemia. Historical reenactments and processions are also held in Prague and other cities to commemorate key moments in St. Wenceslas's life, such as his pious resistance to his mother's and brother's paganism. Concerts of traditional music are also common events on this national holiday, celebrating the nobility and bravery of St. Wenceslas in defending Christianity in Bohemia during his short life and rule as duke.
- Independent Czechoslovak State Day. Independent Czechoslovak State Day on (October 28th) sees major celebrations and events across Czechia commemorating the 1918 declaration of independence from Austria after over 300 years of Habsburg rule. Czechs gather for speeches, marches and ceremonies at sites like the National Museum in Prague, where independence was symbolically declared in 1918 by Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. There are also historical reenactments of the founding of the First Czechoslovak Republic, honoring key figures like President Masaryk and Milan Rastislav Štefánik, who helped achieve Czech sovereignty in 1918, as well as events emphasizing national pride in Czech statehood and democracy after centuries of foreign domination.
- Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day. Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day (November 17th) commemorates anti-Nazi and anti-communist protests, with Czechs gathering for memorial events and concerts honoring milestones like the 1939 and 1989 student demonstrations against totalitarian regimes that paved the way for democracy. It is a day when Czechs reflect on those who sacrificed for liberty, often laying flowers at sites like Národní třída where the 1989 Velvet Revolution protests took place.
- Christmas Day. Christmas Day (December 25th), Czech families attend midnight Catholic mass before gathering for a traditional Christmas dinner feast featuring fried carp, potato salad and sweet bread, as well as the exchange of presents around the decorated Christmas tree and visits from ‘Ježíšek' (the Czech Santa figure) during this peak holiday period. Many Czech towns have Christmas markets where people drink mulled wine and shop for handmade gifts and decorations.
- 2nd Day of Christmas. The 2nd Day of Christmas (December 26th) continues Yuletide celebrations with more family gatherings, meals and gift exchanges, often involving traditions like fortune telling, along with more public festivities like concerts and nativity scenes as Czechs make the most of the Christmas spirit during this national holiday period. It also honors St. Stephen's martyrdom and people can attend church services for this saint.
What are the holiday dates in Czechia that locals work?
Listed below are the holiday dates in Czechia that locals work.
- Valentine's Day. Czech couples exchange cards on Valentine’s Day (February 14th) with chocolates, flowers and other gifts to celebrate their relationships while more devout Czechs attend Ash Wednesday church services to receive ashes on their forehead to mark the beginning of the 40-day Lenten fast. Some restaurants may offer special Valentine's Day menus for romantic dinners.
- International Women's Day. International Women's Day (March 8th) sees women's rights organizations, government agencies focused on gender equality, universities and other civic groups organizing conferences, rallies, awards ceremonies and cultural events across Czechia to discuss women's achievements, ongoing gender inequity issues and promoting solidarity amongst women locally and globally. It is recognized by a range of government departments and civic institutions.
- Spring Equinox. The astronomical start of Spring Equinox (March 20th) often passes with fanfare across the country. The change of seasons may be celebrated by Czechs spending recreational time hiking in nature, planting gardens or holding folk traditions like burning the Morana effigy to symbolize the end of winter. Any public celebrations are generally small-scale local community events rather than major national observances.
- Ascension Day. Ascension Day (May 9th)sees some secular Czechs taking a day off to go on family trips or gatherings to enjoy the spring weather, but it is still a regular working day for most Czechs, with businesses and government offices staying open as usual since it is mainly a Christian holiday marked only by church services. Ascension Day is recognized by the Czech Catholic Church and other Christian denominations but does not warrant a nationwide public holiday.
- Mother's Day. Mother's Day (May 12th) is an observance recognized across Czech society rather than officially by the government, with families often gathering to treat mothers and mother figures to meals out at restaurants, small gifts of flowers or chocolates and spending quality time together to show their appreciation. Schools may have small classroom celebrations for students to make cards for their mothers, but businesses and government offices continue working as usual.
- Children's Day. Children's Day (June 1st) is an observance where most Czechs have to work as usual, some families celebrate unofficially by spending recreational time with their children, organizing small parties or fun outings to the park, zoo or playground to acknowledge and celebrate the children in their lives. It is locally marked by families without warranting official public holiday status or celebrations organized by the government.
- Father's Day. Father's Day (June 16th) is honored across Czech society rather than officially by the government, with families celebrating father figures by treating them to gifts, cards, restaurant meals out and quality time together. Businesses and offices stay open as usual since it is not a public holiday. As an observance recognized widely in society but not legally mandating any closures or celebrations, Father's Day allows Czech families to show appreciation for fathers without time off work.
- Summer Solstice. The Summer Solstice (June 20th) often passes as a regular working day for most Czechs focused on their jobs, but some celebrate the advent of astronomical summer by organizing small gatherings like bonfires, picnics or recreational trips to enjoy the outdoors and the year's longest day. Any festivities are minor community or private celebrations rather than major public events sponsored by the state or calling for business/office closures. The solstice frequently goes unmarked officially, though it still holds cultural significance for some Czechs.
- Fall Equinox. The autumnal equinox (September 22nd) is a regular working day when most Czechs are focused on their jobs rather than marking the astronomical event, but some rural communities hold small harvest festivals giving thanks for a successful crop yield with traditions like baking sweet bread shaped like the harvest moon. As an ancient solar occurrence, the equinox passes unofficially with any gatherings organized at a local level rather than with state endorsements or legal public holiday status requiring closures.
- Winter Solstice. The Winter Solstice (December 21st) frequently goes uncelebrated across Czechia as locals work and children attend school as usual, though regional pagan associations may organize candle-lighting ceremonies or bonfires representing the return of sunlight after the year's longest night. These spiritual gatherings tapping into old folk traditions are minor cultural events rather than official holidays warranting time off work approved by the government. The solstice solar events hold significance for those who follow pagan rites but pass unmarked in wider Czech society, which is focused on daily work and education rather than the ancient astronomical alignments.
What are the Czechia school holidays in 2024?
Listed below are the Czechia school holidays in 2024.
- Semester Holiday. The Semester Holiday (February 1st) is a single day off for schools. This one-day break halfway through the academic year allows students to rest during the spring semester. It splits up the school terms, providing a small pause after the first half of the year is complete.
- Easter Holidays. Schools close for this important religious holiday weekend in the spring, right before the Easter celebrations (March 28th to April 1st). It allows students and staff to fully observe the Passion of Christ and his resurrection without worrying about school responsibilities. Many families attend church services and gather for meals during this 4-day break. Easter also marks the beginning of spring, a season of renewal and new life.
- Summer Holidays. This is the longest break of the school year, spanning the summer months of (June 29th to September 1st) when schools are closed for vacation. Students get over 2 months off to relax, travel, pursue hobbies and activities or take summer courses. Many families take trips or holidays abroad during this time to enjoy the good weather. Teachers and other school staff also use this extended time off to recharge and prepare lesson plans for the next academic year.
- Autumn Holidays. The Autumn Holidays (October 29th to 30th) are a 2-day break during mid-semester holidays that provide students a brief respite from classes in the fall semester. Schools close for two days to allow students and teachers a short rest before returning for the end of the first term.
- Christmas Holidays. The Christmas Holidays (December 23 to January 3rd, 2025) are an extended winter break that encompasses the Christmas and New Year's holidays when schools close for about two weeks. Students and staff get to relax and celebrate the festive season with their families and friends.
What is the Daylight savings time?
Listed below are the daylight savings time.
- March 31st- October 27th. Daylight Saving Time in Czechia will begin at 1 am on Sunday, March 31st, 2024, when clocks will move forward one hour to 2 am, marking the start of DST and causing Czechs to lose an hour of sleep but gain extra evening daylight. DST 2024 will end in Czechia at 1 am on Sunday, October 27th, 2024, when clocks move back one hour to midnight, allowing Czechs to gain back the lost hour of sleep but have less light in the evening.
What are the astronomical events in Czechia in 2024?
Listed below are the astronomical events in Czechia in 2024.
- Penumbral Lunar Eclipse. The astronomical events in Czechia in 2024 offer captivating celestial occurrences for lovers and stargazers. The subtle Penumbral Lunar Eclipse on (March 25th) will provide a unique opportunity for individuals in Portugal to observe the Moon passing through Earth, leading to a slight darkening of the Moon. This event is part of the 2024 Astronomy Calendar and is expected to be a captivating experience for those interested in celestial phenomena.
- Total Solar Eclipse. The Solar Eclipse will be visible as the moon completely blocks the Sun (April 8th). The path of totality will stretch across parts of the United States and Canada and a partial eclipse may be visible in Czechia. This highly anticipated event will attract worldwide attention from the astronomical community.
- Perseids Meteor Shower. The Perseid Meteor Shower, known as the Perseids, is an annual event from mid-July to late August, peaking around the night of (August 12 and before dawn on August 13). The moon will be 50% illuminated at the Perseids' peak and set around midnight, providing dark skies until dawn, perfect for meteor hunting. The Perseids are caused by Earth passing through debris with bits of ice and rock left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle, which last passed close to Earth in 1992.
- Partial Lunar Eclipse. A Partial Lunar Eclipse will occur when part of the Moon passes through the darkest part of Earth's shadow on (September 18th). This eclipse will be visible from the Americas, Europe and Africa. The Moon may take on a dimmed reddish hue during the eclipse in Czechia. This event will allow astronomical experts in Czechia to observe a captivating celestial occurrence.
- Leonid Meteor Shower. The Leonid Meteor Shower is an annual event on (November 17th to 18th) that results from the Earth passing through the debris of the comet Tempel-Tuttle. The Leonids are known for their fast and bright meteors and they are best viewed after midnight when the radiant point is high in the sky. The Leonids are a popular meteor shower among stargazers and astronomy experts, making it a highly anticipated event in the astronomical calendar.
What are the best things to do in Czechia during the holidays?
Czechia offers the five best things to do during the holidays. These are Prague Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Pilsner Urquell Brewery and Kutná Hora Bone Church. Firstly, Prague Old Town Square, dating back to the 12th century, features beautifully framed Baroque buildings like the Gothic Church of Our Lady Before Týn. It hosts concerts, festivals and Christmas markets with the Old Town Hall's medieval Astronomical Clock as a backdrop. Strolling and visiting the Prague Old Town is one of the things to do in Prague for any visitors. Secondly, Charles Bridge, spanning 16 arches, links Prague’s Old Town to Lesser Town across the Vltava River. Its construction began in 1357 under King Charles IV. The sandstone bridge is lined with impressive Baroque statues of saints and kings that have overlooked picture-perfect views of Prague Castle for centuries. Thirdly, Český Krumlov enchants visitors as a real-life fairy tale town, with its red-roofed Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings encircling the Vltava River beneath the Český Krumlov Castle complex. This remarkably well-preserved medieval town earned a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Fourthly, Pilsner Urquell Brewery is the home of the world-famous Pilsner Urquell Brewery. The brewery revolutionized modern lager production. Visitors can tour the facilities and sample the signature golden pilsner and unpasteurized beer straight from oak barrels in the cellar. Lastly, Kutná Hora Bone Church decorated artistically with over 40,000 human bones exhumed from the town's medieval ossuary, attracting the curious for centuries.
Who are the most famous people in Czechia?
Czechia features the five most famous Czechs. These are Franz Kafka, Antonín Dvořák, Milada Horáková, Václav Havel and Bedřich Smetana. Firstly, Franz Kafka was a well-known writer and one of the most important figures in modern literature. Kafka's works, such as “The Trial” and “The Metamorphosis”, explored alienation, bureaucracy and existential dread themes. Secondly, Antonín Dvořák was a celebrated composer and one of the most prominent figures in Czech music history. Dvořák's compositions, including his “New World Symphony” and opera “Rusalka”, drew inspiration from Czech folk music and helped to establish a distinct Czech musical identity. Thirdly, Milada Horáková was a prominent Czech politician and human rights activist. Horáková played a crucial role in the Czech resistance against Nazi occupation during World War II. After the war, she became a member of parliament but was later unjustly accused of conspiracy against the communist regime and executed. Fourthly, Václav Havel (1936-2011) was a prominent Czech playwright, dissident and statesman. Havel was a leading figure in the Velvet Revolution, which peacefully overthrew the communist regime in Czechoslovakia. He went on to serve as the last president of Czechoslovakia and the first president of the Czech Republic, playing a significant role in shaping the country's post-communist era and advocating for human rights and democracy. Lastly, Bedřich Smetana composed eight symphonic poems that make up the cycle Má vlast (My Homeland), which depicts Czech legends, history and landscapes through music. It includes his most popular work, “Vltava” (The Moldau). His opera The Bartered Bride is considered the foundation of Czech opera and is the most performed worldwide.
What are the most interesting facts about Czechia?
There are five most interesting facts about Czechia. Firstly, beer is a big deal in the Czech Republic. Czechs have the highest beer consumption per capita in the world. Pilsen is home to the first Pale Lager, Pilsner Urquell. Beer is deeply ingrained in Czech culture. Czechs have the highest beer consumption per capita globally, drinking 161 liters per person per year on average. Secondly, a man-made mining crater at the site of the Velka Amerika Quarry has become a sought-after place of beauty after deep blue water was allowed to fill the gorge. The area is referred to as the “Czech Grand Canyon.” Divers can explore this flooded mining crater that has become an unexpected natural wonder. Thirdly, Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world at 570m long and 128m wide which is bigger than seven football fields combined. This sprawling castle is a top attraction with its imposing architecture and beautiful St. Vitus Cathedral. Fourthly, the Czech Republic has more castles than any other European country, with over 2000. Portugal is a castle lover's paradise, from medieval strongholds like Karlštejn Castle to grand aristocratic estates. Lastly, the Czech Republic ranked 10th out of 163 countries in the 2023 Global Peace Index (GPI), making it Europe's 8th most peaceful country. According to the Global Peace Index analysis, the country remains one of the most peaceful and safest countries globally. Its high quality of life, security, stability and prosperity make it an attractive destination for expats and travelers.
What are the best places to visit in Czechia?
There are four best places to visit in Czechia. These are Prague, Český Krumlov, Karlovy Vary and Brno. Firstly, Prague is the capital and largest city of Czechia. It has a long history dating back over 1,100 years, when founded as a castle in the 9th century. It is a popular tourist destination for historic architectural styles and attractions like Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, the Jewish Quarter, Petřín Hill and Wenceslas Square. Prague is also one of the best places to visit in Czechia. Secondly, Český Krumlov is an old town in the South Bohemian Region, on the Vltava River, with origins back to the 13th-century castle. It has well-preserved medieval architecture and a historic town center, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. The main attractions are the Český Krumlov Castle complex with castle gardens, a tower, a museum and the atmospheric old town. It also has several good museums and river activities. Thirdly, Karlovy Vary, known by its German name Karlsbad, is a spa town famous for its hot springs discovered in the 14th century and used since 1522 for their healing properties. It has many colonnades and bathhouses for “taking the waters”. The city also has lots of Belle Époque architecture from when it was popular with European aristocracy and elites in the 19th century. Karlovy Vary is restored today as a top spa destination and World Heritage Site. Lastly, Brno is Czechia's second-largest city in the southeast. It has various architectural styles such as Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, including sights like Špilberk Castle and the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul. Brno has been settled since the 3rd century BC and grew into a center for trade and crafts in the Middle Ages as the capital of Moravia. The top attractions of Brno are the castle, cathedral, Capuchin Monastery, Villa Tugendhat and museums.
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