Active Czech Adventure: Castles & Countryside in Prague, Cesky Krumlov & Bohemia

Cross the river dividing Prague's most historic neighborhoods, and experience one of Europe's most iconic landmarks.

Bridge construction began in 1357 under King Charles IV (hence the name), and it was the only bridge across the Vltava River until 1841. 30 baroque statues of saints line the bridge, and it is filled with street artists and entertainers. Not to be missed.

See a historic wall that has been covered in John Lennon-inspired graffiti since Communist days.

The wall has been covered in graffiti since the 1960s, and during Communism anti-regime sentiment was common. John Lennon's assassination inspired grafitti reflecting his song, Imagine, which earned the wall its current moniker. It is now a favorite gathering place for tourists, and musicians sometimes congregate there as well. Just around the corner is the Maltese Square, which is one of Prague's more quaint and relaxed public spaces, despite being just off the main tourist route.

Prague Castle is one of the main attractions in Prague and is also the largest castle complex in the world.

The Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world with structures dating back to the 9th century. The St Vitus Cathedral and Basilica of St George can be found within the castle walls. The Prague Castle also includes several gardens, palaces, and a monastery. This castle was the seat of power for the Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, and presidents of former Czechoslovakia. Prague Castle is a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the most visited places in the country. 

Cross the river dividing Prague's most historic neighborhoods, and experience one of Europe's most iconic landmarks.

Bridge construction began in 1357 under King Charles IV (hence the name), and it was the only bridge across the Vltava River until 1841. 30 baroque statues of saints line the bridge, and it is filled with street artists and entertainers. Not to be missed.

Wander in a graveyard where many prominent Czechs are buried, such as famed composers Dvořák & Smětana.

The cemetery is filled with many tombs which are works of art in themselves, including several arcades with beautiful art-nouveau frescoes. The monumental Slavin tomb is a sort of pantheon of the Czech people, with over 55 prominent persons buried within it. Dvořák and Smětana have their own more modest graves.

Enjoy stunning city views from atop the fortress walls.

Prague Castle and most of the city can be seen from above the cavernous Gorlice Hall. A walk along the fortress walls is a delightful experience, as you will enjoy numerous excellent vantage points on all sides of the fortress, enjoying Prague from a different perspective without all the crowds.

Venture within the fortress's massive 17th-century walls and gates.

A tour through the Brick Gate on the fortress's north side will take you through the narrow underground passageways and casemates of the fortress. You will see a historical exhibit on Vyšehrad as well as the underground Gorlice Hall, where the original statues from the Charles Bridge are stored for safe-keeping (many of the statues on the bridge are copies). 

Wander in a graveyard where many prominent Czechs are buried, such as famed composers Dvořák & Smětana.

The cemetery is filled with many tombs which are works of art in themselves, including several arcades with beautiful art-nouveau frescoes. The monumental Slavin tomb is a sort of pantheon of the Czech people, with over 55 prominent persons buried within it. Dvořák and Smětana have their own more modest graves.

Confront your own mortality in the crypt of a small Gothic church decorated with garlands of human skulls, plus a bone chandelier & chalices.

As macabre as it might appear, one cannot help but admire the imaginative ways in which thousands of human bones have been put to decorative use. There's everything from huge pyramids of skulls, to a chandelier to an aristocratic coat of arms composed of the remains of those who sought their final resting place in Sedlec. It’s a breath-taking reminder of the medieval practice of reflecting on mortality, summed up in the Latin expression ‘Memento mori’ or ‘remember you must die’.

Confront your own mortality in the crypt of a small Gothic church decorated with garlands of human skulls, plus a bone chandelier & chalices.

As macabre as it might appear, one cannot help but admire the imaginative ways in which thousands of human bones have been put to decorative use. There's everything from huge pyramids of skulls, to a chandelier to an aristocratic coat of arms composed of the remains of those who sought their final resting place in Sedlec. It’s a breath-taking reminder of the medieval practice of reflecting on mortality, summed up in the Latin expression ‘Memento mori’ or ‘remember you must die’.

Confront your own mortality in the crypt of a small Gothic church decorated with garlands of human skulls, plus a bone chandelier & chalices.

As macabre as it might appear, one cannot help but admire the imaginative ways in which thousands of human bones have been put to decorative use. There's everything from huge pyramids of skulls, to a chandelier to an aristocratic coat of arms composed of the remains of those who sought their final resting place in Sedlec. It’s a breath-taking reminder of the medieval practice of reflecting on mortality, summed up in the Latin expression ‘Memento mori’ or ‘remember you must die’.

Confront your own mortality in the crypt of a small Gothic church decorated with garlands of human skulls, plus a bone chandelier & chalices.

As macabre as it might appear, one cannot help but admire the imaginative ways in which thousands of human bones have been put to decorative use. There's everything from huge pyramids of skulls, to a chandelier to an aristocratic coat of arms composed of the remains of those who sought their final resting place in Sedlec. It’s a breath-taking reminder of the medieval practice of reflecting on mortality, summed up in the Latin expression ‘Memento mori’ or ‘remember you must die’.

Relax in a beautiful park inspired by the Italian Renaissance.

The park offers a beautiful panorama of the city overlooking a small vineyard. You'll find fountains and water cascades, lakes, pavilions, statues and a charming grotto. The Vineyard Gazebo and Grébovka Pavilion café are surrounded by large vineyards. Its unique replica of the original historic bowling alley from the 1870s is a pleasant place to sit.

Spend an evening relaxing in one of Prague's most popular and largest beer gardens.

The beer garden features benches and long tables shaded beneath trees. It is popular with locals, expats, and tourists. It is located in Riegrovy Gardens, a classic English garden of the 19th century. The park has great views of the city on its western side. 

Relax in a beautiful park inspired by the Italian Renaissance.

The park offers a beautiful panorama of the city overlooking a small vineyard. You'll find fountains and water cascades, lakes, pavilions, statues and a charming grotto. The Vineyard Gazebo and Grébovka Pavilion café are surrounded by large vineyards. Its unique replica of the original historic bowling alley from the 1870s is a pleasant place to sit.

Spend an evening relaxing in one of Prague's most popular and largest beer gardens.

The beer garden features benches and long tables shaded beneath trees. It is popular with locals, expats, and tourists. It is located in Riegrovy Gardens, a classic English garden of the 19th century. The park has great views of the city on its western side. 

Experience the historic charm of Cesky Krumlov's golden gem, the Castle Theater, one of Europe's oldest Baroque theaters.

Cesky Krumlov's Castle Theater, dating back to the 17th century, is a Baroque architectural wonder. It's among the few theatres worldwide preserving original stage machinery, scenery, and costumes. Offering guided tours, except on Mondays, it invites visitors to delve into its rich theatrical heritage. The experience is a journey through time, showcasing well-preserved artifacts of Baroque stagecraft.

Stroll through the sprawling serene beauty of Cesky Krumlov's Castle Gardens, showcasing a splendid Baroque fountain and panoramic town views.

Cesky Krumlov's Castle Gardens offer a peaceful retreat with their meticulously designed landscape. The centerpiece is a majestic Baroque terraced fountain, complemented by formal garden arrangements. Visitors can enjoy a scenic walk that offers captivating views of the town, leading to a tranquil forested area and a serene pond at the park's rear, providing a perfect blend of art and nature.

Experience the historic charm of Cesky Krumlov's golden gem, the Castle Theater, one of Europe's oldest Baroque theaters.

Cesky Krumlov's Castle Theater, dating back to the 17th century, is a Baroque architectural wonder. It's among the few theatres worldwide preserving original stage machinery, scenery, and costumes. Offering guided tours, except on Mondays, it invites visitors to delve into its rich theatrical heritage. The experience is a journey through time, showcasing well-preserved artifacts of Baroque stagecraft.

Stroll through the sprawling serene beauty of Cesky Krumlov's Castle Gardens, showcasing a splendid Baroque fountain and panoramic town views.

Cesky Krumlov's Castle Gardens offer a peaceful retreat with their meticulously designed landscape. The centerpiece is a majestic Baroque terraced fountain, complemented by formal garden arrangements. Visitors can enjoy a scenic walk that offers captivating views of the town, leading to a tranquil forested area and a serene pond at the park's rear, providing a perfect blend of art and nature.