Czech Republic

Quick Facts

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Local name

Ceska Republika

Capital

Prague

Government

Parliamentary Democracy

Nationality

Czech

Population

10 381 000^[1]

Languages

Czech

Religions

Christianity (Catholic)

Currency

Czech Koruna (CZK)

Calling Code

+420

Time Zone

CET (UTC+1)

Summer Time

CEST (UTC+2)

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Introduction

Railway station

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Few visitors to the Czech Republic ever venture far beyond Prague - hardly surprising considering the city's remarkable attraction. At the city centre, architectural styles of the last 900 years stand side-by-side, paying tribute to the city's immense cultural and historical heritage. Prague lends itself to romance, with its rich past and thriving music scene, boasting everything from classical to jazz.

But while Prague's lure is great, those few visitors who check out some of the Czech Republic's other highlights will find themselves amply rewarded. At Karlovy Vary, Bohemia's oldest spa, visitors can enjoy any of the 12 hot springs, or simply relax away from the hustle and bustle of Prague. For stunning scenery, the Moravian Karst area boasts some of the republic's most breathtaking scenery, as well as some 400 caves which can be explored in a guided tour. Český Krumlov, 160 km south of Prague is a fascinating medieval town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ideal centre for visiting the many castles that are scattered across southern Bohemia.

The Czech Republic is a small country with excellent public transport, and many interesting places can be visited from Prague. Karlštejn (another wonderful castle), Mělník, Kutná Hora and Pardubice all make for interesting day trips. As a complete contrast, a visit to the former ghetto and prison camp at Terezín will give you a sobering reminder of the darkest days of World War II.

The Czech Republic shares international borders with Germany, Poland, Slovakia and Austria.

Brief History

Geography

Regions

Since 2000, the Czech Republic has been divided into thirteen regions.

• Central Bohemian Region
• South Bohemian Region
• Plzeň Region
• Karlovy Vary Region
• Ústí nad Labem Region
• Liberec Region
• Hradec Králové Region
• Pardubice Region
• Olomouc Region
• Moravian-Silesian Region
• South Moravian Region
• Zlín Region
• Vysočina Region

Cities

• Prague - The nation's capital.
• Brno
• Ostrava
• Plzen
• Olomouc
• Liberec
• Karlovy Vary
• Cesky Krumlov
• Ceske Budejovic

Sights and Activities

Prague Castle

Prague Castle Illuminated

© All Rights Reserved yyztrvlr

Prague Castle is the castle that has been the home to Czech Kings, Holy Roman Emperors, presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic. To this day the crown jewels of the Bohemian Kingdom are kept within its walls. It is also one of the largest castles in the world at 570 meters in length and an average of 130 meters wide. The castle was originally built in the 9th century but has seen major changes over the last thousand years. Today it is the current seat of government and very impressive building. Remember to visit Saint Vitus's Cathedral, which is an excellent example of gothic architecture, has great tombs and is in center of the castle.

Karlštejn

Karlštejn is a very large gothic castle that was founded in 1348 by the Holy Roman Emperor of Charles the IV. It was originally built to house the Empire coronation jewels, holy relics and many other royal treasures. The castle went under a number of remoldings with the last in the in the late 19th century giving the building its current look. Today Karlštejn is one of the Czech Republics most popular castles and is a good day trip from Prague.

Mount Sněžka

Mount Sněžka is the highest mountain in the Czech Republic at 1,603 m (5,260 ft). Bordering Poland this mountain is stunning and beautiful. On the Czech side there is a small lodge and a run down chair lift. There is talk of updating the facilities, including a new observation tower. The mountain is a nice hike and offers great views from the top.

Other Sights and Activities

• Vitus's Cathedral - Is one of the most stunning churches in the Czech Republic.
• Mount Tabor - Visit the famous mountain where the transfiguration of Christ supposedly took place.
• City Squares - Enjoy the beautiful city squares of towns like Tábor.
• Krkonoše National Park - Go hiking and get a breath of fresh air in the mountains at this wonderful national park on the border with Poland.
• Beer - Drink down some of the best beer in the world at bargain basement prices.

Events and Festivals

Weather

The Czech Republic has a moderate continental climate with warm summers and relatively cold winters. Average temperatures are around 23 to 25 degrees Celcius from June to August, while winters (December to February) have temperatures between -5 and zero degrees Celsius. Temperatures up to 35 in summer or below -20 in winter are possible though. Precipitation is heaviest during the summer period, and winters can have signficant snowfall, especially in the higher hilly or mountainous areas, such as the area near the border with Poland.
The east of the country is a bit warmer in summer and slightly colder in winter, but differences are small.

Getting There

By Plane

Ruzyně International Airport (PRG) is the main international airport in the Czech Republic, serving Prague. It services flights to destinations in Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Czech Airlines, the national flag carrier, has its main hub here.

Smaller airports are found at Pardubice, Ostrava, Karlovy Vary and Brno. This serve a limited number of international flights, depending on the season.

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Getting Around

By Plane

Czech Airlines has a number of domestic flights. Destinations include Prague to Ostrava, Karlovy Vary and Brno.

By Train

Czech Railways operates the rail network in the Czech Republic. Most trains originate and terminiate in Prague and serve most cities and bigger towns.

By Car

Czech Republic has an extensive and well maintained network of motorways and other primary roads and also the secondary roads are generally in a good condition, even after more severe winters. You need a vignette for using the motorways, available at borders or petrol shops and included when you rent a car from one of many international and local companies on airports and downtown in most cities.
You need a national driver's licence with a photo ID, otherwise an international permit will do. Be sure to have valid insurance (green card) and turn your headlights on at all times!

By Bus

There are dozens of buslines in the country with even the smaller places having at least a daily connection, but often more. Check the timetable for more information (also train timetables by the way).

By Boat

Few regular passenger services are of use to travellers, if at all they exist. A leisurely cruise on the main rivers is always a nice way to experience the country of course and most boats will leave from Prague.

Red Tape

Main article: Schengen Visa

If you are a European Union (EU) citizen, you may enter without any restriction as per your EU citizenship rights. If you are not an EU citizen and Czech Republic is the first stop on your visit or your main destination, you will need to obtain a Schengen Visa from the Embassy of Czech Republic. This visa is valid for any country in the Schengen zone.

• See http://www.mzv.cz/jnp/cz/informace_pro_cizince/visa_form/index.html for more (official) information on czech visa and immigration policy (information is minimal; best contact your local Czech consulate directly)

Money

See also: Money Matters

The Czech Koruna (CZK) is the official currency. One Koruna ("crown" in English) equals to 100 haléřů (singular: haléř, nominative plural: haléře). The Koruna is abbreviated as "Kč" while the haléřů with just a "h". Banknotes are in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 Kč. Coins in use are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Kč. The 50 h coin, which is rarely used, will cease to be legal tender as of 31 August 2008.

Work

Study

Language

Eat

In Prague everything is very geared towards tourists and you will pay western prices in many places. Head for the backstreets where you can get a very good three course meal for under 10 euros. If on a tight budget there are many other eateries if you venture away from the tourist hotspots.
Food is generally Goulash either with dumplings or in a hollowed out loaf of bread, roast pork or duck with red cabbage, snitzel etc.
On Winceslas Square you can choose from a delicious array of sausages in a bread roll and wash it down with a beaker of hot wine. Perfect on a cold winters day.
There are also many Italian restaurants, Pizzarias plus of course McDonalds and Kentucky Fried Chicken!
You can also visit website www.best-restaurants-prague.com to find good restaurants.

Sleep

Drink

Health

Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

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