The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country has borders with Poland to the north, Germany to the northwest and west, Austria to the south, and Slovakia to the east. Historic Prague, a major tourist attraction, is its capital and largest city. Other major cities include Brno, Ostrava, Zlín, Plzen, Pardubice, Hradec Králové, Ceské Budejovice, Liberec, Olomouc, and Ústí nad Labem.
Part of Czechoslovakia until the 'velvet divorce' in January 1993, the Czech Republic has a rich cultural heritage represented by classical composers such as Dvorak and writers like Kafka. Tourism in the Czech Republic really dates from the 1989 'velvet revolution' when the communists were ousted out and a democratic government was installed with Vaclav Havel as President.
Tourism has largely focused on Prague (near the middle of Bohemia), with its great museums, galleries, concerts and other attractions.
Transportation in Czech Republic
By Car: Traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are 31mph (50kph) in built-up areas, 55mph (90kph) outside built-up areas and 80mph (130kph) on motorways. Motorways run from Prague to Plzen, Podebrady to Bratislava (Slovak Republic) via Brno. Users of the Czech motorways have to buy a vignette (season ticket), which costs approximately Kc800 for each year. A 10-day vignette is now available at approximately Kc100.
By Bus/Coach: The extensive bus network mostly covers areas not accessible by rail and is efficient and comfortable. Buses are mostly run by the State Bus Company. There is an international bus network covering most European cities. There are connections to Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Munich, Vienna and other main cities from the Florenc and Zelivskeho Bus Terminals. Kingscourt Express runs services Monday to Saturday between London Victoria to Prague and Brno. Eurolines also operate services between Prague and other European cities.
By Rail: The rail network is operated by Czech Railways. There are several daily express trains between Prague and main cities and resorts. Reservations should be made in advance on major routes. Fares are low, but supplements are payable for travel by express trains.
By Air: The national airline is Czech Airlines. There are also several small airlines. Other airlines include British Airways and EasyJet. Ryanair also offers a connection between London and Brno. Approximate flight times
From Prague to London is two hours 15 minutes; to New York is eight hours 10 minutes.
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated on the Vltava river in central Bohemia, it is home to approximately 1.2 million people and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Prague is a traditional cultural centre of Europe, hosting many cultural events. There are hundreds of concert halls, galleries, cinemas and music clubs in the city. Prague also hosts Film Festivals, Music Festivals, a Writers Festival, hundreds of Vernissages and Fashion Shows.
Brno is located in the southeast part of the country, at the confluence of the Svitava and Svratka rivers. The city is a political and a cultural hub of the South Moravian Region. At the same time, it represents the centre of the province of Moravia, one of the historic lands of the Czech Crown.
Main Attractions
Charles Bridge
The construction of Prague’s most famous and most photographed location was begun in 1357, as part of Charles IV’s monumental building programme that included the Castle.
Prague Castle
The Castle, perched on the ridge in Hradcany, dominates the skyline of Prague.
Villa Tugendhat
Villa Tugendhat, a unique example of modern functionalistic architecture, designed by Mies van der Rohe and built in the late 1920s close to the centre of the city of Brno.
Folk Museum
The excellent open-air Folk Museum at Roznov pod Radhostem, begun in 1925 and is the largest in the country.
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