Does your idea of a perfect holiday include activities amid unspoiled nature? Would you like to do something for your physical condition? Here as well, the Czech Republic offers ideal conditions. The Czech lands are crossed with a full 40,157 km of hiking trails and 28,282 km of cycling routes. Thanks to relatively moderate climactic conditions, it is possible to enjoy a hike year-round.
Rock formations
Set off for an unforgettable hike to one of the Czech cliff formations, a striking geological rarity unique in Europe. The Bohemian Paradise, Czech Switzerland and the Adršpach-Teplice Cliffs are certain to enchant.
The Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj)
Romantic valleys with towering cliffs give way to meadows, half-timbered cottages and farmsteads, and cliff-top lookouts offering a captivating view of the surroundings. The Bohemian Paradise is also exceptionally rich in historic monuments, such as the well-known ruins of Trosky Castle or the Renaissance chateau of Hrubá Skála. Attesting to the importance of the Bohemian Paradise is the fact that in 2005 it was declared a European UNESCO Geopark.
Tips for the visitor
If you visit the Bohemian Paradise, do not forget to take a particular look at one of its great specialties – the semi-precious, blood-red Czech garnets. Information about this gemstone’s history, working and use in jewellery is available at the Museum of the Bohemian Paradise in Turnov (www.muzeum-turnov.cz)
Czech Switzerland (České Švýcarsko)
The region known as Czech Switzerland (www.ceskesvycarsko.cz) lies in the northwest part of the Czech Republic, adjoining the “Saxon Switzerland” directly across the German border. Among the most frequently viewed geological formations in the national park is the “Pravčická brána”(www.pbrana.cz), a natural bridge of sandstone, the largest in all of Europe.
Adršpach
The “rock town” of Adršpach (www.skalyadrspach.cz) lies to the northeast, very close to the border with Poland. A series of trails leads through this captivating grouping of stone outcroppings that often form unusual figural shapes.
Tips for the visitor:
An additional highlight of a visit is a truly fantastic tour by boat on the lake with its waterfall.
Golf in the Czech Republic
If you are a devoted fan of golf, you will certainly be delighted to learn that the Czech Republic has around 70 international-standard golf courses.
Golf and spa visits
Close to the most famous Czech spa town of Karlovy Vary golfers may choose to swing a club on a full 4 eight-hole courses (www.golfresort.cz, www.golfml.cz, www.gr-fl.cz, www.agc-cihelny.cz). A golf course can also be found in the spa town of Poděbrady (www.golfpodebrady.cz).
Golf near castles and palaces
Among the most beautiful golf links anywhere are the courses near the medieval castle of Karlštejn (www.karlstejn-golf.cz), the Habsburg palace of Konopiště (www.gcko.cz) or the chateau of Šilheřovice (www.golf-ostrava.cz).
Golf and horse riding
Prosper Golf Club Čeladná (www.prosper-golf.cz) in the lovely natural setting of the Beskydy Mountains of North Moravia offers 2 eight-hole courses of the highest quality, as well as ideal conditions for horse riding.
Points of interest
Golf in the Czech Republic is generally played from late March to mid-November. Outside of the season, it is possible to enjoy indoor golf, which the Czech Republic offers to a much greater extent than nearly any other European country. In Prague alone, there are two large indoor golf centres with full service, and many of the larger Czech towns have indoor centres where golf can be played on simulators during the winter months.
