Last updated: 09:00 AM ET, Sat March 04 2023
Scenic summer aerial view of the Old Town pier architecture and Charles Bridge over Vltava river in Prague, Czech Republic (Photo via scanrai / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Czech Republic

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Old Street in Prague at the morning, downtown, Czech Republic, European travel (Photo via  a_Taiga / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Old Street in Prague at the morning, downtown, Czech Republic, European travel (Photo via a_Taiga / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

This landlocked country in the heart of Europe is surrounded by Poland, Germany, Austria and Slovakia. Mountain ranges which border the country on almost all sides, have historically served as a natural border. Czech culture has deep roots and a modern vibe. The capital Prague, called the city of 100 towers, is the main attraction.

Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world, and the city’s Old Town was established in the 13th century. Beyond Prague, Cesky Krumlov has been preserved as a typical medieval town, Telc has a Renaissance castle and Roznov pod Radhostem boasts the largest open-air museum in central Europe focusing on regional folk architecture of the 17th to 19th centuries.

In contrast, the verdant Czech countryside combines mountains, meadows, forests, ponds and lakes, a lovely backdrop for hiking, canoeing, trekking, horseback riding and cycling. Mineral hot springs have a long tradition here and there are 36 spas scattered around the country. Visitors can also tour the manufacturing plants where they make souvenirs such as decorative glass, porcelain and glass bijouterie.