Thanks to its long and rich history and the diversity of its natural environment, the Czech Republic is a great attraction for the millions of guests who visit it every year. The jewel in the Czech crown is Prague with its gorgeous and rich architectural styles but the country is also dotted with numerous historical city centers, castles and chateaux. Outside the urban areas, deep woods, rock formations and limestone caves are among the many interesting sites the Czech Republic has to offer.
Since the Czech lands lie exactly on the border of Eastern and Western Europe, the country has come under the influence of several different cultures throughout the course of history. Each of these influences indelibly marked the face of the country with architectural or artistic monuments. This accounts for the uniquely rich cultural heritage of this relatively small country. In addition, the Czech lands are extraordinary in Europe due to the fact that they are practically untouched by the large-scale destruction of war.

Towns

KutnaHora
This town competed in richness and architectural beauty with Prague during the Middle Ages when silver was mined here. It has a very long history chronicled properly from the 13th Century. Many buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Barbora, the Jesuit College, Hradek, the Italian Court, the Stone House, the Stone Fountain, the Ursuline convent, the Cistercian monastery at Sedlec and Kostnice (one of the most attractive sightseeing in the town) which still captivate with their beauty and stateliness could be built thanks to the wealth of silver mines. More detailed information about Kutná Hora in English:
	Accommodation and travel service,		Official Kutna Hora pages

Cesky Krumlov
This beautiful city is dominated by its castle, which is located at the top of a sheer granite cliff. The castle is almost comparable in size with the one in Prague and the entire city has been included on the UNESCO list of protected cities.The city town is very attractive for tourist because of the unspoiled and well kept historical center. More detailed information about Cesky Krumlov in English:
	Cesky Krumlov	Picture Gallery

Telc
Telc was built on a cross section of important trade routs already in 13 th Century. A Renaissance chateau and a collection of Renaissance and Baroque houses constitute this city of European importance. In 1992 the historical part of Telč entered the list of world culture heritage - UNESCO. More detailed information about Telc in English:
	Official Telc page

Olomouc
The metropolis of Hana region known also as the "Pearl on a Green Cushion", is right after Prague the oldest urban reservation in the Czech republic. By its secluded romantic spots, imposing religious edifices, palaces, fountains or extensive parklands, it is remarked to win the heart of its visitors. More detailed information about Olomouc in English:
	Official Olomouc page,	Olomouc, Virtual Olomouc Tour, Virtual Olomouc

Links to the WWW about towns in the Czech Republic (in English):
Valasske Mezirici	Zabreh	Trinec	Sumperk	Ostrava	Opava	Jesenik
Frydek Mistek	Karvina	Brno	Prostejov	Strakonice	Pisek	Decin
Zdar nad Sazavou	Most	Pribram	Havlickuv Brod	Jicin	Litomysl	Zamberk
Jindrichuv Hradec	Vysoke Myto	Domazlice	Marianske Lazne	Plzen	Cheb	Frantiskovy Lazne

Castles and Chateaux

Kings and influential nobility built dozens of castles in order to protect their lands, important trade routes, and regional frontiers. Over time many of them fell into ruin, while others were rebuilt as chateaux or used for business purposes. Nevertheless, many castles still dominate the Czech landscape today.
The biggest or the most important of these are the architecturally beautiful Zvikov castle known as "the king of Czech castles," the 15th century Gothic castle Krivoklat, Karlstejn built by Charles IV to protect the coronation jewels, and the Gothic castle Bouzov which looks like something out of a fairy tale.
During the l6th century the nobility started to leave the uncomfortable castles and to build new, more comfortable residences. Among them are the Romantic Konopiste chateau which houses a large collection of hunting trophies, the Baroque Kuks chateau which houses a unique collection of statues by M.B. Braun illustrating the Virtues and Vices, the Romantic chateau Lednice containing the highest minaret outside Islamic countries and the most romantic chateau in the country, the Cervena Lhota which is built on a rock in the middle of a lake.

Castles in the Czech Republic, Spas,

Folk Architecture and Traditions

Many monuments of folk architecture have been preserved in the Czech Republic - dwellings of stone and brick (more than 5,000 of them). In addition, technical monuments have been preserved - smithy forges, mills and so on. Other attractions include uniquely preserved open-air folk museums in Moravia, picturesque, traditional villages in Southern Bohemia preserved in their original appearance and colorful folk festivals.

The custom of wearing local folk costumes has survived in Moravia as well as in the Chodsko and Blata regions of Bohemia.

Natural Heritage

for more detailed information: Country and People

Southern Bohemia

This is the least industrialized part of the Czech lands. A characteristic feature of South Bohemia is its large amount of lakes, moors, meadows and mixed woods. It offers countless possibilities for recreation near water and many historical monuments.

Cesky Raj (Bohemian Paradise)

Here are vast granite rock cities, deep-cut valleys and river canyons, which are located near Turnov, Jicin and Mnichovo Hradiste.

Moravsky kras (Moravian Karst)

This rather small limestone territory northeast of Brno contains dozens of kilometers of caves with rich stalactite decoration. An extraordinary experience awaits tourists who take a boat ride on the underground river Punkva. The famous Macocha Abyss came into existence after the collapse of several cave floors. It is 138,4 meters deep, and at the upper part 174 meters long and 76 meters wide.

Sport Tourism

Skiing, Snowboarding

Particularly outstanding terrain and slopes for downhill and cross-country skiing as well as for snowboarding are located in the Krkonose ski areas (Pec pod Snezkou, Spindleruv Mlyn, Harachov), and in the Sumava, the Jizera, the Jeseniky, and the Krusne (Ore) Mountains.

Mountain Climbing

Unique granite rocks offering varying degrees of scaling difficulty ( more than l,000 separate rocky towers) are situated in the Cesky raj, near Decin, and near Adrspach at Broumov.

Mountain Biking

The terrain of the Czech Republic offers many beautiful paths for bikes with wonderful views on unspoiled nature and historical monuments.

Golf

Despite 4O years of communist government, golf associations in Prague and Marienbad are operating and organizing famous and large tournaments.
The largest new golf course is under construction near Karlstejn castle, approximately 13 miles from Prague

Horseback riding in the countryside is offered by many riding schools.

Long boat rides on the Vltava, Luznice or Sazava rivers offer unusual views of the Czech landscape.

Ideal conditions for sailing and windsurfing exist on the Lipenska and Orlicka Dams in Southern Bohemia or on the Vranovska Dam (Southern Moravia)

Practical Information for Foreign Visitors

TRANSPORT IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

It is easy, safe and cheap to travel in the Czech Republic. The country has one of the most dense railroad system in Europe. Detailed timetables, prices and services are on the official server of the Czech Railways.
The Czech Republic airport provides international passenger transport, Czech Airlines operate with one of the youngest fleets in the world, ensuring passengers safety and comfort.
The major cities such as Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Plzen are interconnected with highways. Tourists can rent a car using one of the world or local car rent offices.

CURRENCY

• The basic monetary unit is 1 Kc (Czech crown) = 100 hal. (hellers).
• Creditcards : American Express, Visa, Master Cards, Euro Change, Eurocard are accepted in a number of hotels, in many restaurants and in some stores.
• Traveler's checks are accepted by banks and exchange offices.

STATE HOLIDAYS

At the present time 10 days a year are recognized as state holidays or religious holidays acknowledged by the state.

TIME

The Czech Republic is located in the Central European Time zone. In line with neighbouring countries it uses the so-called summer time from the last Sunday in March until the last Saturday in September ( summer time means a 1 hour shift of time ahead from normal Central European Time).

FOOD IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

The Czech cuisine is rich in meat, most usually served with dumplings or potatoes. Among the most common meals are various kinds of goulash, beef with special cream sauce ( svickova ) or other sauces with various flavors (dill, tomato, etc.) The real Czech specialty, dumplings filled with fruit, are not often included on the menus of most restaurants. In the centers of big cities, even the lower grade restaurants serve select meals from international cuisine including fish and poultry meals. Venison is popular, too.

Czech beer is one of the best in the world (Pilsen, Budvar and Velkopopovicke beer are among the finest). Excellent wine is produced in South Moravia and the Bohemian regions around Zernoseky and Roudnice. A rather unique drink is the Czech herb liqueur, Becherovka. In central Moravia, in the area around Vizovice, plum brandy (slivovice) is very popular. It contains up to 90% alcohol.