The Czech Republic’s jewel, its capital city Prague, is not the only area worth discovering in the country. Historic townships, imposing chateaus and traditional culture can be found in the outer regions, often without the crowds.
Ceský Krumlov
A fairytale town, set around the curved Vltava River, Ceský Krumlov’s orange, pointed roofs, story-book streets and quaint inns enchant visitors year-round.
Although sometimes bursting at the seams with people, Ceský Krumlov radiates old-world charm, with colourful Krumlov chateau looming high above the town.
Couples stroll arm in arm over foot-bridges and lounge on the grassy banks of the river, while families explore Inner Town gems such as the Marionette Museum and the Museum of Torture.
Ceský Krumlov is three hours by bus from Prague and can be a tantalising day-trip, or, preferably, a weekend jaunt.
Accommodation options include the Castle View Apartments, with four poster beds and writing tables that face windows with views to the chateau, and U Maleho Vitka, with all rooms designed around wooden features and attic ceilings.
Mikulov in Southern Moravia
Southern Moravia is known for its wine regions and countless resident artists. With a thriving folk culture, historic towns and imposing chateaus, it’s off the beaten track, but loaded with interesting areas to explore.
Mikulov sits prettily on the back of a rocky hillside and, despite hosting various festivals throughout the year, still feels like a place undiscovered by tourists. With baroque and Renaissance facades, the town’s main square leads to cafes beneath crumbling archways and hilly streets full of old-fashioned shops.
An instructive trail, with English plaques, runs through the remains of the town’s Jewish quarter. The baroque chateau, burned down by the German’s in 1945, has been lovingly restored and includes a museum exhibiting winemaking and folk traditions.
Lednice
Just fifteen minutes by bus from Mikulov is the tiny town of Lednice, with a population of under three thousand people.
The drawcard is a magnificent chateau, its Neo-Gothic structure often used as a backdrop for movies and the endless queue of tourists waiting to see its ostentatious rooms and sprawling, sculptured gardens. Visiting in the summer months ensures pleasant walks through the exotic greenhouse and around green-circled lakes.
A marked trail south from Lednice leads keen bike-riders or hikers to little known castles and temples and the flat area surrounding the town makes it easy to explore, for all ages.
The Czech Republic countryside is a treasure-trove of historic towns, artistic residents and traditional culture, waiting to be discovered as it sits in Prague's shadow.
 |
