What if you could plan a road trip where centuries-old castles, world-class beer towns, and rolling countryside are just a single drive apart? That's Czech Republic. Prague, the capital, is filled with spired churches and bridges that stretch across the Vltava River. Old town squares are full of life while medieval towers and colorful baroque buildings rise above quiet streets. Outside the capital, towns like Český Krumlov and Kutná Hora reveal fairy-tale streets, Gothic architecture and centuries of memories carved into stone.
Beyond the cities, the country is full of rolling hills, dense forests and sparkling rivers. The Bohemian and Moravian regions offer castles perched on cliffs, vineyards producing rich wines and hiking trails that wind through peaceful landscapes. Lakes, sandstone formations and caves provide escapes from the towns and cities.
Cafes pour dark coffee and serve pastries while breweries produce world-famous lagers. Classical music drifts from concert halls, folk festivals celebrate traditions and every region has its own local flavors to taste. The Czech Republic gives you more surprises and moments to remember than they could ever plan for.
Czech Republic in a nutshell
- Population 10.9 million people (2025)
- Capital Prague
- Citizens are Czech
- Native language is Czech
- Local currency Euro
The Big Four
Fun Facts
- Kings of Beer The Czech Republic produces more beer per person than any other country. The city of Plzeň invented Pilsner lager in 1842. Today, beer is a key part of Czech culture, with hundreds of breweries and traditional beer halls.
- World’s Oldest Astronomical Clock Prague’s Astronomical Clock, built in 1410, is the oldest functioning medieval clock in the world. Each hour, mechanical figures of the Apostles and other characters perform a small show.
- Mushroom Hunting Mushroom picking is a unique tradition in the Czech Republic, especially during autumn. On St. Wenceslas Day, many locals head to the forests to hunt for mushrooms, making it a unique cultural experience.
- Invented contact lenses Do you wear contact lenses? Thank the Czech for the fact that you don't have to wear eye glasses anymore. The Czech chemist Otto Wichterle invented modern contact lenses in 1959, revolutionizing eye care worldwide.
Explore the regions
Czech's history
Slavic tribes had established communities that would become the foundation of Bohemia and Moravia by the 9th century. In 870, Great Moravia emerged as the first significant state in the region, where the Cyrillic script and Christian missions helped shape culture and literacy.
By the 10th century, the Přemyslid dynasty had united the Czech lands and Prague began to grow as a political and cultural center. The 14th century brought the reign of Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor, who transformed Prague into one of Europe’s most important cities, building the Charles Bridge, St. Vitus Cathedral and founding Charles University in 1348. It became the first university in Central Europe.
The Hussite Wars in the 15th century marked a time of religious and political upset. The 19th century saw a national revival with Czech language, literature and culture flourishing under the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
After World War I, the Czech lands joined with Slovakia to form Czechoslovakia in 1918. Following the turmoil of World War II and decades under communist rule, the Velvet Revolution of 1989 brought peaceful democratic change. In 1993, the country split peacefully from Slovakia, forming the modern Czech Republic.