Prague, with its fairy-tale architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and vibrant cultural scene, is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most captivating cities. However, the Czech Republic offers so much more beyond the capital. From medieval towns to majestic castles and natural wonders, here are the best day trips from Prague that will enrich your visit and offer unforgettable experiences.
1. Kutná Hora: A Journey to the Gothic Era
Travel Time: 1 hour by train or car
Tour Option: Day Trip to Kutná Hora by train from Prague
Kutná Hora, once a thriving silver mining town, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its Gothic architecture and unique attractions. This charming town offers a glimpse into the Czech Republic’s medieval past and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Highlights:
- Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church): This macabre yet fascinating chapel is decorated with the bones of over 40,000 people, arranged in intricate patterns and sculptures.
- St. Barbara’s Church: A stunning Gothic cathedral dedicated to the patron saint of miners, featuring soaring spires, beautiful frescoes, and intricate stained glass windows.
- Italian Court (Vlašský Dvůr): Once the royal mint, this historic building now houses a museum where you can learn about Kutná Hora’s rich mining history.
- Hrádek Mining Museum: Delve into the town’s mining heritage with a guided tour of this museum, which includes a descent into a medieval mine shaft.
- Historic Center: Wander through the well-preserved medieval streets, lined with historic buildings, charming cafés, and local shops.
2. Karlštejn Castle: A Royal Retreat
Travel Time: 40 minutes by train or car
Tour Option: Private Half-Day Trip From Prague to Karlstejn Castle
Perched on a hilltop surrounded by dense forests, Karlštejn Castle is one of the Czech Republic’s most iconic and well-preserved castles. Built in the 14th century by Emperor Charles IV, this Gothic fortress served as a royal treasury and a place of refuge for the crown jewels.
Highlights:
- Castle Tour: Explore the castle’s impressive interiors, including the Imperial Palace, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, and the Great Tower, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Castle Courtyard: Relax in the peaceful courtyard, surrounded by towering walls and lush greenery.
- Czech Crown Jewels: Learn about the history of the Czech Crown Jewels, which were once stored in the castle’s Chapel of the Holy Cross.
- Picturesque Village: Stroll through the charming village of Karlštejn, with its quaint shops, traditional Czech restaurants, and scenic views of the castle.
- Hiking Trails: For the adventurous, several hiking trails lead through the surrounding forests, offering stunning views of the castle and the Berounka River.
3. Český Krumlov: A Fairytale Town
Travel Time: 2.5 hours by car or bus
Tour Option: Český Krumlov Full-Day Tour with Pickup
Nestled in a bend of the Vltava River, Český Krumlov is a UNESCO World Heritage site that looks like it was plucked straight from a storybook. This charming town is known for its beautifully preserved medieval architecture, winding streets, and the stunning Český Krumlov Castle.
Highlights:
- Český Krumlov Castle: Explore this impressive castle complex, which includes the Renaissance-style interiors, the Baroque theatre, and the castle tower with panoramic views of the town.
- Historic Center: Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, lined with colorful houses, artisan shops, and cozy cafés.
- Egon Schiele Art Centrum: Visit this museum dedicated to the Austrian painter Egon Schiele, who lived in Český Krumlov, and explore its extensive collection of modern art.
- Vltava River: Enjoy a leisurely boat ride or a walk along the riverbank, taking in the picturesque views of the town’s red-roofed buildings and the castle towering above.
- Traditional Czech Cuisine: Savor a meal at one of the town’s traditional Czech restaurants, where you can try local specialties like roasted pork with dumplings and sauerkraut.
4. Terezín: A Sobering Historical Experience
Travel Time: 1 hour by car or bus
Tour Option: Terezin Camp & Bohemian Switzerland
Terezín, also known as Theresienstadt, is a former fortress town that was used as a concentration camp during World War II. Today, it serves as a memorial and museum, offering a poignant reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust and the resilience of the human spirit.
Highlights:
- Terezín Memorial: Visit the memorial site, which includes the former concentration camp, the Ghetto Museum, and the Small Fortress, where many prisoners were held.
- Ghetto Museum: Learn about the history of the Terezín Ghetto through powerful exhibits, personal testimonies, and artifacts from the period.
- Small Fortress: Explore this former military fortress, which was used as a Gestapo prison during the war, and hear the stories of those who were imprisoned here.
- Cemetery and Crematorium: Pay your respects at the cemetery and crematorium, where many victims of the camp are buried.
- Art and Resistance: Discover the art and music created by the prisoners of Terezín, which served as a form of resistance and a testament to the enduring human spirit.
5. Karlovy Vary: A Spa Town with Charm
Travel Time: 2 hours by car or train
Tour Option: Karlovy Vary Trip with Watchtower and Funicular
Karlovy Vary, also known as Carlsbad, is a renowned spa town famous for its hot springs, grand architecture, and the annual Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. This elegant town has been a favorite retreat for European aristocracy and artists for centuries.
Highlights:
- Thermal Springs: Experience the healing properties of the town’s hot springs at one of the many spa facilities, or sample the mineral-rich water from the public fountains.
- Mill Colonnade: Stroll through this grand colonnade, which houses five of the town’s mineral springs, and admire the ornate architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
- Diana Observation Tower: Take a funicular ride to this observation tower, offering stunning views of the town and the surrounding forests.
- Moser Glassworks: Visit the Moser Glass Museum and factory to see the exquisite glassware that Karlovy Vary is famous for, and watch skilled artisans at work.
- Grandhotel Pupp: Explore the historic Grandhotel Pupp, a luxurious hotel that has hosted royalty, celebrities, and film stars for over a century.
6. Bohemian Switzerland National Park: A Nature Lover’s Paradise
Travel Time: 2 hours by car or train
Tour Option: Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Park Day Trip from Prague
Bohemian Switzerland National Park, located on the border between the Czech Republic and Germany, is a breathtaking natural wonder known for its dramatic sandstone formations, deep gorges, and lush forests. This park is a haven for hikers, photographers, and anyone who loves the great outdoors.
Highlights:
- Pravčická Brána: Hike to this iconic natural sandstone arch, the largest of its kind in Europe, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Edmund Gorge: Take a boat ride through this picturesque gorge, with towering cliffs on either side and the tranquil Kamenice River flowing below.
- Gabriela’s Trail: Walk this scenic trail that winds through the park’s dense forests, offering stunning views and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
- Saxon Switzerland: Cross the border into Germany and explore the neighboring Saxon Switzerland National Park, with its own unique rock formations and scenic vistas.
- Photography Opportunities: Capture the park’s stunning landscapes, from misty mornings in the valleys to golden sunsets over the sandstone cliffs.
7. Pilsen (Plzeň): The Birthplace of Pilsner Beer
Travel Time: 1.5 hours by car or train
Tour Option: Private Pilsen & Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour Prague
Pilsen, the fourth-largest city in the Czech Republic, is best known as the birthplace of Pilsner beer, which has become a global phenomenon. But this lively city offers more than just beer, with its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and impressive architecture.
Highlights:
- Pilsner Urquell Brewery: Take a tour of the famous Pilsner Urquell Brewery, where the world’s first pale lager was brewed in 1842, and enjoy a tasting of the freshly brewed beer.
- St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral: Visit this stunning Gothic cathedral, with its soaring spire offering panoramic views of the city.
- Great Synagogue: Explore the Great Synagogue, the third-largest synagogue in the world, with its beautiful Moorish-Romanesque architecture.
- Pilsen Historical Underground: Discover the city’s hidden history with a guided tour of the underground tunnels, which date back to the 14th century.
- Brewery Museum: Learn more about the history of brewing and beer in the Czech Republic at this fascinating museum, located in a historic brewing house.
These day trips from Prague offer a wide range of experiences, from exploring medieval towns and majestic castles to relaxing in spa towns and hiking through stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re seeking history, adventure, or relaxation, there’s a perfect day trip from Prague waiting for you. So grab your day bag, hop on a train or drive, and set out to discover the treasures of the Czech Republic!
