21 Czech Landmarks You Can’t Miss: The Secret Behind #15 Will Surprise You!

The Czech Republic is a fascinating European country to visit. Many tourists flock to its capital city, Prague, however, the country has so much more to offer tourists. There are more than 2000 castles, consisting of ruins and those in immaculate condition, to explore, unique churches to get lost in, and spectacular natural landscapes. It’s the perfect starting point for a central Europe adventure thanks to its central location and connectivity to other major European cities such as Vienna and Berlin. The Czech Republic was home to Franz Kafka, considered a master of literary magical realism. He spent his whole life in Prague, and tourists can retrace the author’s footsteps across the city through walking tours, visiting his museum or spending time relaxing by the bronze statue depicting him.

With a long tradition of brewing beer stretching back to the late 10th century, it comes as no surprise that the country is home to the worlds first pilsner, Pilsner Urquell, and numerous beer festivals, some of which last for more than two weeks! Prague makes for a cheaper city break than other capital cities in Europe, with affordable, comfortable and well-designed hotels and 24-hour transport tickets available for less than €5.

Another drawcard is its vast natural landscapes. Bohemian Paradise, or Bohemian Switzerland as it is sometimes known, is a spectacular national park filled with rock labyrinths, lakes, thick forest, and hiking trails. Whether it is historical attractions or natural beauty that draws you to visit the Czech Republic, there’s lots to enjoy in this beautiful country. Here are natural and historical landmarks in the Czech Republic that you won’t want to miss.

21 Czech Republic Landmarks

1- Punkva Caves

The Punkva Caves are an incredible network of caves and underground rivers part of the Amaterska Cave, the longest cave system in the country.

The caves stretch for more than 30 km (19 miles) and possibly further as there may be many more undiscovered caves within the system.

The Punkva River, which flows through the caves, is accessible on guided tours via motorboat, making for a truly unique travel experience.

The tour ends with the boat pulling into the Masaryk Dome, an incredible domed and open cave.

Punkva Caves is at 679 13 Varinec.

2- Resov Waterfalls

Resov Waterfalls is one of the most beautiful Czech landmarks.

The waterfall lies in the depths of the Lower Jesenik Mountains and forms part of the River Huntava.

The falls cascade overstepped mossy rocks and through lush greenery.

The area surrounding the falls has been a protected area since the 1960s.

Timber steps allow visitors to get closer to the falls and protect the plant and animal life.

Resov Waterfalls is at Horni Mesto.

3- Hruboskalsko

Hruboskalsko is a staggering natural rock formation nestled within Bohemian Paradise Geopark.

The rock formation features steep and deep canyons and 55m (180ft) towers stretching above the trees below.

Wind and rain have eroded and moulded the soft sandstone rocks into unique shapes.

The rocks are a popular location for rock climbers and free climbers, thanks to their uneven and unique structure.

Hruboskalsko is at 511 01 Karlovice.

4- Macocha Abyss

One of the most magical natural locations is Macocha Abyss, which according to a local legend about a stepmother and stepson is known as the ‘Stepmother Abyss’.

The mother remarried and had a child of her own but did not want the boys to compete, so she led the stepson deep into the forest.

She lured him to the gorge and asked him to search for berries, where she pushed him into the abyss.

Fortunately for the boy, he survived and was rescued by locals.

News travelled fast, and the stepmother was soon captured and thrown into the abyss herself.

Aside from the grizzly legend, the abyss is a rather beautiful location.

It stretches for three km (1.86 miles) and is formed from a sinkhole covered in lush green plants and rare wildflowers.

There is a walkway right through the length of the abyss.

Macocha Abyss is at 678 25 Blansko, Vilemovice.

5- Snezka Mountain

Snezka Mountain is the highest mountain in Czech, reaching 1602m (5256ft) at its peak and offering views over both the Czech Republic and Poland, thanks to its border location.

The first documented climb to the mountain’s summit was in 1456 by a merchant searching for precious stones.

Unlike other mountains that are desolate at the summit, Snezka has many buildings at its peak.

These include a meteorological station, a chapel and a post office.

Snezka Mountain is at Pec pod Snezkou.

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6- Bohemian Switzerland

Bohemian Switzerland is a truly staggering natural landmark.

The landscape covers 700 square kilometres (270 square miles), making it one of Europe’s largest national parks and wildernesses.

The park was founded in 2000 and aims to preserve the natural sandstone rock formations dotted across the landscape and the rare flora and fauna growing there.

Many species are being reintroduced to the area, including silver ferns, peregrine falcons and salmon.

Walk along the Kamenice Riverbank to take in some of the most beautiful sights within the park.

Boat rides along the river are also available during the warmer months.

Bohemian Switzerland is at Jetrichovice.

7- Pravcicka Brana

Pravcicka Brana is the largest natural arch formation in Europe.

This incredible natural landmark is within the beautiful Bohemian Switzerland landscape.

The name Pravcicka Bravia comes from German origins meaning ‘the Prebisch Gate’. Prebisch was a hermit who had lived in the area.

The arch is 8m (26ft) wide at its largest and 3m (9.8ft) thick.

The arch is surrounded by a forest, and next to the arch is a picturesque chateau.

The Clary-Aldringens family build the house in 1881, and today it serves as a restaurant and gallery.

Pravcicka Brana is at Hrensko 82, 407 17 Hrensko.

8- Krkonose

Krkonose, or Giant Mountains, is a mountain range north of the Czech Republic within the country’s oldest national park.

The mountains are surrounded by national parks and offer many hiking and climbing routes to the summit.

The highest peak within the range is Snezka.

According to local legend, the Krkonose mountains are home to Rubezahl, a mischievous yet friendly goblin.

Krkonose is at 543 51 Spindleruv Mlyn.

9- Adrspassko-Teplicke Skaly

Adrspassko-Teplicke Skaly is a series of rock formations of sandstone within Bohemian Switzerland.

The rocks are a protected nature reserve, with many hiking trails and climbing areas specifically marked out to preserve the delicate sandstone structures.

The rocks are significant in the conservation of peregrine falcons. Amongst the rocks live the largest population of breeding peregrine falcons.

Adrspassko-Teplicke Skaly is at 549 57 Adrspach.

10- Vltava River

The Vltava is the Czech Republic’s longest river.

It begins in two separate locations, Bohemian Forest and Bavarian Forest, before merging.

Water flows through valleys with locks and due to its narrow formation, there are many restrictions in place should boats want to use its waterways.

The river widens as it enters Prague, where many bridges cross it.

Boat tours are very popular within the city, offering tourists a relaxed way to travel through the city and experience the waters up close.

The river runs along the southeastern edge of the Bohemian Forest through Prague and merges with the River Elbe at Melnik.

Historical Landmarks in the Czech Republic

11- Prague Castle

The Czech Republic is a magical land of castles, and there’s none more famous than Prague Castle.

Its origins are debated, however, it is believed that the castle was founded in 800 and visiting the castle is one of the top things to do in Prague.

Prince Borivoj built the it during this time, covering 70,000 sqm (753,474 sq ft).

It’s one of the famous sites listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest complete castle complex in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage gem.

The architecture is Romanesque style with some Gothic features which were added during the 14th century.

Prague Castle is at Hradcany, 119 08 Prague 1.

12- Cathedral of St Peter and Paul

The 1170 Cathedral of St Peter and Paul was designed in the Gothic style, however, it has since undergone many renovations and rebuilds.

The church was burnt down during the Thirty Years War but was rebuilt during 1651 and 1746.

Despite a tumultuous history, the cathedral today celebrates its role within the community and features a treasury room filled with religious articles.

You can enter the crypt to see the foundations of the original church and climb the steeple for views over the surrounding city of Brno.

Cathedral of St Peter and Paul is at Petrov 9, 602 00 Brno 2.

13- Karlstejn Castle

Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor, built Karlstein Castle during the mid-1300s.

It was constructed to protect the Crown Jewels, other treasures and to keep people out.

The main building is protected behind two walls, secured with two gates and surrounded by a moat.

The castle is richly decorated with many paintings, stained glass windows and even gold reliefs dotted with gems.

Book on a guided tour to fully explore and learn about the many works of art within the castle’s walls.

Karlštejn Castle is at 267 18 Karlstejn.

14- Vysehrad

Vysehrad is a National Cultural Monument within Prague built during the 10th century on a hill that today offers panoramic views.

Visit the gardens of Vysehrad Church for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

While exploring the church gardens, be sure to stop in the cemetery where many famous people from the countries’ rich history are buried.

The castle houses many exhibitions, including the permanent ‘Vysehrad as Part of the History of Prague’s Fortifications’ collection.

Vysehrad is at V Pevnosti 159/5b, 128 00 Praha 2- Vysehrad.

15- Bone Church of Kutna Hora

Sedlec Ossuary, or the Bone Church, is a rather unique and unusual landmark that cannot be missed when visiting The Czech Republic.

The church is decorated with more than 40,000 human skeletons.

These bones were artistically arranged into chandeliers, garlands, a coat of arms, and other intricate designs by a 19th-century woodcarver, František Rint.

The unusual décor serves as both a memento mori (reminder of mortality) and a symbol of the Christian belief in resurrection, making it one of the most unique chapels in the world.

Some features of the bone church include a chandelier consisting of nearly all the bones in the human skeleton and six huge bone pyramids.

Frantisek Rint, a woodcarver, was tasked to arrange the bones during the 1870s.

He designed the chandelier, as well as other notable works such as the Schwarzenberg coat of arms.

Bone Church of Kutna Hora is at Zamecka, 284 03 Kutna Hora.

16- Kromeriz Castle and Pleasure Gardens

Kromeriz Castle was built during the 13th century before being transformed into a chateau during the 16th century.

The castle was burnt by fire in 1752 and rebuilt only to suffer damage during WWII following German grenade strikes.

Within the castle, visit the Pink Salon, a room filled with paintings dating to the 16th century, a grand Venetian mirror and many examples of Czech glasswork.

The 64ha gardens are a must-visit and include stone obelisks, Italian terraces and a silver pavilion.

Kromeriz Castle and Pleasure Gardens is at Snemovni nam. 1, 767 01 Kromeriz.

17- Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape

Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape was created when the Dukes of Liechtenstein decided to group their land and castles into a large park.

The creation of the cultural landscape spanned the 17th to 20th centuries.

The landscape features two castles, enormous gardens and a 7 km (4.35 miles) lime tree avenue.

Both castles – Lednice and Valtice – are open to the public.

Dotted around the landscape are sculptures, follies, vineyards, quiet and peaceful corners and water features.

Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape is at 691 44 Lednice.

18- Konopiste Castle

Another of The Czech Republic’s many castles is Konopiste Castle.

The 13th-century castle has been home to many of the countries’ most prominent figures and figures from other European countries.

The last owner of the castle was Archduke Franz Ferdinand d’Este, whose assassination sparked WWI.

The castle features cylindrical towers, fortified watchtowers and medieval touches.

It became a Baroque residence during the 18th century.

Within the grounds is the Rose Garden, built in the former baroque garden during the archduke’s time at the castle.

The archduke also instilled an impressive collection of artworks within the castle.

Konopiste Castle is at 256 01 Benesov.

19- Bouzov Castle

One of The Czech Republic’s more fairytale castles is Bouzov Castle, a famous Czech landmark built in the early 13th century.

The castle belonged to the Order of the Teutonic Knights from the 17th century until WWI.

It has been restored to its early 20th-century appearance, inspired by both Gothic style and Renaissance architecture.

Within the castle are many sculptures, carvings and unusual works of art.

One of the most distinctive works of art is a chandelier in Eugene Habsburgs private apartments constructed from antlers and carved human figures.

Bouzov Castle is at Bouzov 8, 783 25 Bouzov.

20- Budweiser Budvar Brewery

No visit would be complete without exploring its centuries-long connection and passion for beer, making the Budweiser Budvar Brewery a famous and must-visit historical landmark in the Czech Republic.

The brewery was founded in 1895, where brewers began creating beer made from Saaz hops, Moravian barley and artesian water.

Despite the brewery being just over 126 years old, beer has been brewed since 1265.

The brewery offers tours that will take tourists through a museum, an in-depth look at the brewing process, beer tasting and a glimpse at the production line.

Budweiser Budvar Brewery is at 4, Karoliny Svetle, 512, Ceske Budejovice 3, 370 04 Ceske Budejovice.

21- Charles Bridge

The Charles Bridge in Prague is an iconic landmark built in 1357 under the reign of King Charles IV.

The historic bridge spans the Vltava, connecting the Old Town with Prague Castle.

A gem of Czech history adorned with 30 baroque statues of saints, it offers stunning views of the city’s skyline.

A bustling hub for pedestrians, street performers, and artists, Charles Bridge embodies the charm and rich history of Prague, making it a must-visit destination for travellers.

22- Prague Astronomical Clock and Old Town Hall

The Prague Astronomical Clock, or Orloj, is a medieval masterpiece located on the Old Town Hall in Prague.

First installed in 1410, it is the world’s oldest working astronomical clock.

The clock displays the time, zodiac positions, the sun and moon’s movement, and even a calendar dial.

Every hour, the “Walk of the Apostles” captivates onlookers as mechanical figures come to life. A blend of art, science, and history, the Orloj is a symbol of Prague’s enduring medieval legacy.

The Old Town Hall is a historic landmark located in the heart of the Old Town Square. Established in 1338, it was originally a collection of medieval houses unified into a single structure to serve as the city’s administrative centre.