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Prague’s fairytale charm draws millions of visitors each year, but there is so much more to Czechia than its capital city. As a travel writer based in Prague, I have had the chance to explore this small but diverse country from top to bottom. Join me on a journey through Czechia’s regions, each with its own unique flavours, sights and stories.

Bohemia: The Heart of the Country

Let’s start in Central Bohemia, the region surrounding Prague. Here, you will find castles straight out of storybooks, like Karlstejn and Krivoklat. The town of Kutna Hora is a must-visit, with its eerie Bone Church and stunning Gothic cathedral. Moving west, we enter West Bohemia. The spa town of Karlovy Vary is famous for its hot springs and annual film festival. Nearby, Pilsen (Plzen) is a beer lover’s paradise, home to the original Pilsner Urquale brewery.

South Bohemia is a land of peaceful countryside and Renaissance towns. Ceske Budejovice, the regional capital, boasts a beautiful square and is the birthplace of Budweiser beer (though it’s quite different from the American version). Do not miss the fairytale town of Cesky Krumlov, with its winding streets and castle perched high above the Vltava River.

In North Bohemia, nature takes center stage. The bizarre rock formations of Bohemian Switzerland National Park look like something from another planet. The Krkonose Mountains offer hiking in summer and skiing in winter.

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Moravia: The Eastern Gem

Crossing into the eastern half of the country, we enter Moravia. South Moravia is Czech wine country, with rolling hills covered in vineyards. The city of Brno, Czechia’s second-largest, is a vibrant hub of students, cafes and modernist architecture.

Central Moravia is home to Olomouc, a charming university town with a UNESCO-listed plague column in its main square. The region is also known for its caves and underground rivers.

Up in North Moravia and Silesia, industrial heritage meets natural beauty. The city of Ostrava has transformed its old ironworks into a fascinating cultural center. Nearby, the Jeseniky Mountains offer pristine forests and spa towns.

Off the Beaten Path

For those willing to venture even further, Czechia has some hidden gems:

– The Bohemian Paradise (Cesky raj) is a wonderland of rock formations, castles, and folk architecture.

– Telc, in the Vysocina region, boasts a perfectly preserved Renaissance square.

– The Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape in South Moravia is like a massive royal garden, complete with palaces and follies.

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Tastes of Czechia

Every region has its own culinary specialties:

– In Prague, try svickova (roast beef in cream sauce) or smazeny syr (fried cheese).

– South Bohemia is known for its freshwater fish, especially carp.

– Moravia offers burcak, a partially fermented wine available only in autumn.

– Do not leave without trying some Czech beer – each region has its own local brews.

Getting Around

Czechia has an excellent public transport system. Trains and buses connect all major towns, and even small villages are usually accessible. Renting a car gives you more flexibility, especially in rural areas.

When to Go

Each season in Czechia has its charms:

– Spring brings blooming gardens and Easter markets.

– Summer is perfect for hiking, festivals and enjoying beer gardens.

– Fall offers beautiful foliage and wine harvest celebrations.

– Winter transforms castle towns into snowy wonderlands, and Christmas markets light up the squares.

Final Thoughts

While Prague is undoubtedly magical, the real heart of Czechia beats in its diverse regions. From mountaintop castles to underground caves, from world-class beer to little-known wines, there is a lifetime of exploration waiting in this small country in the heart of Europe.

As you plan a trip to Czechia, consider venturing beyond Prague. You might just discover your own favourite corner of this beautiful land. Who knows? Like me, you might even find yourself staying longer than you planned, drawn in by the warmth of the people and the endless discoveries waiting around every corner.