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Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary may be the newest tourist attraction of the Czech
Republic, but it is still fairly undiscovered. The area provides
beautiful views as well as twelve natural springs that range
in temperature from 100F (42C) to 160F (72C) and have drawn
famous figures such as Beethoven and Kafka for
decades.
Karlovy Vary, which lies in a valley surrounded by extensive
wooded hillsides, is the most famous of the spa towns in Western
Bohemia and is a peaceful getaway for those who are looking
for a breath of fresh air in a beautiful, medieval town. You
can sip the water that is supposed to aid various ailments
from a special cup with a long spout, or wander through its
streets and alleys or on some of the 80 miles of paths in
the area.
Tourists can also enjoy the outdoor public swimming pool
at the Hotel Thermal which is naturally heated by the
160F (72°C) waters of the Sprudel or relax on the upper
terrace which provides a spectacular view of the town with
a backdrop of snowcapped hills in the winter. Another view
that will require a bit more effort is the Diana Lookout
Tower behind the Grandhotel Pupp. After a five
story climb, hikers are rewarded with a fantastic view of
the town.
Marianske Lazne
Marianske Lazne is the second largest spa town in the Czech
Republic and is best known for its beautiful setting and its
classical music festivals. The most famous festival is the
Chopin Festival which takes place every August. The
forty natural springs in Marianske Laze are all cool and are
known for their medicinal and therapeutic value.
Cesky Krumlov
Along the winding river of the Vltava in Southern
Bohemia sits the village of Cesky Krumlov. With its orange-tiled
rooftops, bridges, and a lovely castle, it is known to be
one of the most picturesque towns in Europe and is an UNESCO
World Heritage site. The town is certainly worth a stop on
your tour, and is great place to just walk around and enjoy
the cafes, architecture, and authentic charm of the area.
Northern and Eastern Bohemia
These regions offer spectacular national beauty and opportunities
for hiking. The Czech Switzerland National Park, located
on the way from Prague to Dresden, is a scenic area with miles
of hiking trails, green forests, caves, and spectacular sandstone
formations that are popular with mountain climbers as well
as those who are content to just walk across the massive sandstone
bridge. The Krkonose Mountains in Eastern Bohemia are
the Czech Republic's highest mountains and although they are
not actually very high, they provide a peaceful setting for
campers and hikers who are not looking for the Alps.
Moravia
Although tourists often bypass the province of Moravia, it
is a beautiful area filled with natural wonders and historic
towns that are worth a look. In Southern Morovia, there are
villages that will take you back in time such as the charming
town of Telc and Kromeriz with its chateau and
beautiful gardens. The Moravsky Kras, a limestone karst
region with caves, is one of Morovia's main tourist attractions.
Northern Morovia offers the Jeseniky Mountains for
skiing and hiking in the summer and the town of Olomouc,
the most attractive town in the region filled with the most
historic sites after Prague. |
