Famous Landmarks in Czech Republic
The Czech Republic, located in Central Europe, is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its medieval towns, majestic castles, and vibrant capital city, Prague, the Czech Republic has become one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. With its well-preserved architecture, from Gothic and Baroque to Renaissance and Art Nouveau, the country offers a journey through time for those who appreciate history and art. The Czech Republic is also famous for its thermal spas, rolling hills, dense forests, and a vibrant cultural scene that includes music, festivals, and traditional cuisine.
Tourism in the Czech Republic is largely centered around Prague, but many visitors venture beyond the capital to explore the country’s charming smaller towns, such as Český Krumlov, Karlovy Vary, and Kutná Hora. The country’s castles, monasteries, and national parks are also popular attractions. The Czech Republic’s location at the crossroads of Europe makes it easily accessible, and its welcoming hospitality ensures a pleasant experience for all visitors.
The country’s well-developed infrastructure, including its extensive railway network, allows tourists to easily travel to different regions, making it a top choice for both city breaks and countryside adventures. With a combination of historical landmarks, natural wonders, and cultural events, the Czech Republic is an ideal destination for travelers of all interests.
Top 10 Famous Landmarks in the Czech Republic
1. Prague Castle
Landmark Overview
Prague Castle is one of the largest and oldest castles in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the most iconic landmark of the Czech Republic. Founded in the 9th century, the castle has been the seat of Czech kings, emperors, and presidents. The sprawling complex includes Gothic-style St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and the colorful houses of Golden Lane. It offers a panoramic view of the city of Prague and is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the Czech capital.
Location
Prague Castle is located in Hradčany, Prague, on a hill overlooking the Vltava River.
Ticket Price
Tickets range from $10 to $16 USD, depending on the type of tour (basic or extended). Certain areas, such as St. Vitus Cathedral, may have separate fees.
Nearby Airports
- Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG): Located about 15 km from Prague Castle, a 25-minute drive.
Railway Stations
- Prague Main Railway Station (Hlavní nádraží): Located about 4 km from the castle, accessible by tram or metro.
Special Attention
- The castle grounds are large, so plan to spend several hours exploring. Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
- The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place daily at noon in the first courtyard.
- Be aware that St. Vitus Cathedral may have long queues, especially during peak tourist seasons.
2. Charles Bridge
Landmark Overview
Charles Bridge, connecting the Old Town and Lesser Town of Prague, is one of the most famous and oldest stone bridges in Europe. Commissioned by King Charles IV in the 14th century, this iconic structure is adorned with 30 Baroque statues and is known for its stunning views of Prague. Charles Bridge is a pedestrian-only bridge and serves as a bustling thoroughfare for locals and tourists alike. Street performers, artists, and vendors contribute to the lively atmosphere, while the view of Prague Castle in the distance makes it a photographer’s paradise.
Location
Charles Bridge is located in central Prague, spanning the Vltava River between Old Town and Lesser Town.
Ticket Price
Charles Bridge is free to access.
Nearby Airports
- Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG): About 12 km from Charles Bridge, approximately a 20-minute drive.
Railway Stations
- Prague Main Railway Station (Hlavní nádraží): Located about 2 km from the bridge, accessible by tram or walking.
Special Attention
- Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid large crowds and experience the bridge in a quieter setting.
- Street performers and artists may approach visitors for donations or to sell artwork.
- Be cautious of pickpockets, as the area can get crowded during peak hours.
3. Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock
Landmark Overview
Old Town Square is the heart of Prague’s historical center and one of the most popular gathering spots in the city. Surrounded by colorful Baroque buildings, Gothic churches, and historical monuments, the square is home to the famous Astronomical Clock. Installed in 1410, it is the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest still in operation. Every hour, crowds gather to watch the clock’s animated figures, which include the Twelve Apostles. The square is also a venue for public events, seasonal markets, and festivals throughout the year.
Location
Old Town Square is located in Prague’s Old Town district.
Ticket Price
Access to Old Town Square is free. To climb the tower housing the Astronomical Clock, tickets are around $10 USD.
Nearby Airports
- Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG): About 12 km from Old Town Square, a 25-minute drive.
Railway Stations
- Prague Main Railway Station (Hlavní nádraží): Located about 1.5 km from the square, within walking distance or a short tram ride.
Special Attention
- The square can get very busy, particularly around noon when the Astronomical Clock strikes the hour.
- During Christmas and Easter, the square hosts large markets with festive decorations, food stalls, and handcrafted goods.
- Watch your belongings closely, as pickpockets are known to target crowded areas.
4. Český Krumlov Castle
Landmark Overview
The picturesque town of Český Krumlov, located in southern Bohemia, is dominated by the grand Český Krumlov Castle. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the largest castles in Central Europe and features a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles. The castle complex includes a stunning 17th-century Baroque theater, a unique rotating auditorium, and beautiful gardens. Český Krumlov’s winding streets, medieval charm, and the Vltava River make it one of the most visited towns in the Czech Republic.
Location
Český Krumlov Castle is located in Český Krumlov, about 170 km south of Prague.
Ticket Price
Tickets range from $5 to $10 USD, depending on the specific parts of the castle you wish to visit. Special tours, such as the Baroque theater, may cost extra.
Nearby Airports
- Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG): About 180 km from Český Krumlov, a 2.5-hour drive.
Railway Stations
- Český Krumlov Railway Station: About 1.5 km from the town center and castle.
Special Attention
- During the summer months, the town can become quite busy with tourists, so consider visiting early or during the off-season for a quieter experience.
- Be prepared for uphill walks, as the castle is situated on a hill above the town.
- Guided tours of the Baroque theater are highly recommended for a unique experience.
5. Kutná Hora and Sedlec Ossuary
Landmark Overview
Kutná Hora, once a medieval silver mining town, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its impressive Gothic architecture and historic sites. The most famous attraction in Kutná Hora is the Sedlec Ossuary, also known as the “Bone Church.” The ossuary is decorated with the bones of over 40,000 people, arranged in artistic patterns, including a chandelier made entirely of human bones. The town also boasts the stunning St. Barbara’s Church, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Central Europe.
Location
Kutná Hora is located about 80 km east of Prague.
Ticket Price
Entrance to Sedlec Ossuary is around $4 USD. St. Barbara’s Church costs approximately $5 USD to visit.
Nearby Airports
- Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG): About 90 km from Kutná Hora, a 1.5-hour drive.
Railway Stations
- Kutná Hora Main Railway Station: About 3 km from the town center, with local buses and taxis available.
Special Attention
- Sedlec Ossuary is a small space and can feel crowded, especially during peak tourist hours. Arrive early to avoid the rush.
- Photography is allowed inside the ossuary, but visitors are encouraged to be respectful due to the solemn nature of the site.
- The town of Kutná Hora has many steep streets, so wear comfortable shoes for walking.
6. Karlštejn Castle
Landmark Overview
Karlštejn Castle is one of the most famous castles in the Czech Republic, built in the 14th century by Emperor Charles IV as a place to safeguard the crown jewels and holy relics. The Gothic castle, perched on a hill in the countryside outside Prague, offers visitors the chance to step back in time and explore the opulent chambers, chapels, and defensive walls of this medieval fortress. The nearby town of Karlštejn is a charming village with restaurants, souvenir shops, and hiking trails.
Location
Karlštejn Castle is located about 30 km southwest of Prague.
Ticket Price
Tickets range from $12 to $15 USD, depending on the type of tour selected (basic or full).
Nearby Airports
- Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG): About 35 km from Karlštejn Castle, a 45-minute drive.
Railway Stations
- Karlštejn Railway Station: Located about 2 km from the castle, accessible via a scenic walk through the town.
Special Attention
- The walk up to the castle is steep, so be prepared for a hike. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Guided tours are highly recommended to fully appreciate the castle’s history and architecture.
- The castle can be busy during peak season, so booking tickets in advance is advised.
7. Karlovy Vary
Landmark Overview
Karlovy Vary, also known as Carlsbad, is a world-famous spa town located in the western Czech Republic. The town is known for its hot springs, beautiful colonnades, and vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can stroll along the elegant streets lined with 19th-century buildings, drink from the mineral springs, or relax in one of the many thermal baths. Karlovy Vary is also home to the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in Europe.
Location
Karlovy Vary is located about 130 km west of Prague.
Ticket Price
There is no fee to explore the town’s colonnades or drink from the mineral springs, but entry to spa treatments varies by location.
Nearby Airports
- Karlovy Vary International Airport (KLV): About 7 km from the town center.
Railway Stations
- Karlovy Vary Railway Station: Located about 2 km from the main colonnades.
Special Attention
- Bring a cup to sample the mineral waters from the town’s famous hot springs, or purchase a souvenir spa cup.
- The town is especially beautiful during the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, but be prepared for higher prices and larger crowds during this event.
- Many of the town’s streets are pedestrian-only, so be ready to explore on foot.
8. Terezín Memorial
Landmark Overview
The Terezín Memorial, located in the town of Terezín, is a former concentration camp and Jewish ghetto used by the Nazis during World War II. The site has been preserved as a memorial and museum to honor the victims of the Holocaust. Visitors can explore the Small Fortress, the Jewish Ghetto Museum, and the cemetery, learning about the tragic history of the camp and the thousands of lives lost there. Terezín offers a solemn and educational experience, providing insight into the atrocities of the Holocaust.
Location
Terezín is located about 60 km north of Prague.
Ticket Price
Entrance fees to the memorial and museum are around $10 USD.
Nearby Airports
- Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG): About 70 km from Terezín, a 1-hour drive.
Railway Stations
- Lovosice Railway Station: Located about 5 km from Terezín, with buses and taxis available to the memorial.
Special Attention
- Terezín Memorial is a deeply emotional and reflective site. Visitors should be respectful of the historical significance of the area.
- Guided tours are available and recommended for a deeper understanding of the camp’s history.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the site involves a fair amount of walking.
9. Vyšehrad
Landmark Overview
Vyšehrad is an ancient fortress located on a hill overlooking the Vltava River in Prague. According to legend, Vyšehrad is the oldest seat of Czech kings. Today, the area is home to the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, the Vyšehrad Cemetery (where many famous Czech figures are buried), and beautiful parklands offering panoramic views of Prague. Vyšehrad is less crowded than some of Prague’s more famous landmarks and provides a peaceful retreat from the bustling city center.
Location
Vyšehrad is located in the southern part of Prague, along the Vltava River.
Ticket Price
The grounds of Vyšehrad are free to explore. Entrance to the basilica and other specific sites costs around $5 USD.
Nearby Airports
- Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG): About 15 km from Vyšehrad, a 25-minute drive.
Railway Stations
- Vyšehrad Metro Station: Located about 1 km from the entrance to the fortress.
Special Attention
- Vyšehrad is a quieter alternative to some of Prague’s busier tourist spots. It’s a great place for a relaxing stroll and offers scenic views of the city.
- The area is somewhat hilly, so wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore on foot.
- The cemetery is the final resting place of famous Czech artists, writers, and politicians, making it a historically significant spot.
10. Bohemian Switzerland National Park
Landmark Overview
Bohemian Switzerland National Park is a stunning natural area located on the border between the Czech Republic and Germany. Known for its dramatic sandstone rock formations, deep forests, and the iconic Pravčická Gate (the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe), the park is a haven for hikers and nature lovers. Bohemian Switzerland offers a variety of trails for all skill levels, as well as opportunities for rock climbing, river rafting, and photography.
Location
Bohemian Switzerland National Park is located about 120 km north of Prague, near the town of Hřensko.
Ticket Price
There is no entrance fee for the park itself, though guided tours and certain attractions may have fees.
Nearby Airports
- Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG): About 140 km from Bohemian Switzerland, a 2-hour drive.
Railway Stations
- Děčín Railway Station: About 20 km from the park, with buses available to the park’s main entrance.
Special Attention
- The Pravčická Gate can be reached via a moderate hike, so wear appropriate footwear and bring water for the journey.
- The park is popular with tourists during the summer months, so consider visiting during the spring or fall for a quieter experience.
- Several guided hiking and climbing tours are available, offering insights into the park’s unique geology and wildlife.
