Top 5 Day Trips From Prague

Prague is such a beautiful city that you may wonder why you would want to travel outside of the city limits at all.

But there’s a huge amount of things to to see and do just outside Prague, so check out the list below for the best options.

1. Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary is a beautiful spa city situated in Western Bohemia. Founded in 1370 by Emperor Charles IV, this beautiful city is a popular tourist destination, and is especially popular with celebrities. You may recognize some of the city already from the latest James Bond film, Casino Royal, part of which was filmed right here in the impressive settings.

2. Kutna Hora

Kutna Hora is a city in Central Bohemia, and from the 13th to the 16th century it was considered of the same level of importance to the country as Prague. Made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, the many sites include the Gothic St. Barbara Church dating to 1368, the Italian Court from the end of the 13th century and the Gothic Stone Haus, which has been a museum since 1902. Situated 70km from Prague, it makes for an easy and enjoyable day trip.

3. Cesky Krumlov

Maybe more suitable as an overnight visit, Cesky Krumlov is a charming medieval town in the south of the country, known locally as the ‘Pearl of Bohemia’. Its historic center was made a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site in 1992, and when you see it you will realize why. Don’t miss the spectacular castle, the second largest in Prague and filled with period furniture and weapons, or the Gothic church of St. Vitus. Situated 170km from Prague, it can be reached by a train ride to ?eské Bud?jovice, which takes about 4-5 hours, followed by a 30 minute bus ride.

4. Krivoklat Castle

Krivoklat Castle was founded in the 12th century in the time of P?emysl Otakar II. It was later rebuilt a number of times and even burnt down almost entirely in a fire in 1826. It has now been made into a museum, and also puts on a variety of theatrical performances, as well as being packed full of Gothic paintings and books. It is situated 50km from Prague, making it a highly accessible day trip.

5. Karlštejn Castle

Founded in 1348 by Charles IV, Karlštejn Castle has been used to house a huge number of royal treasures over the years. It too has undergone many reconstructions since its foundation, but it is an impressive piece of architecture, with the Great Tower, at 60 meters high, dominating the surrounding landscape. The biggest attraction is the Chapel of the Holy Rood, which holds 130 Gothic paintings dating from 1360. It is situated 40km from Prague.

Photo of Cesky Krumlov by Jon France

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About the author

Jon has travelled widely across Europe, and is always keen to share the hidden gems he has discovered whilst on the road. He is a freelance writer specialising in travel writing, and his dream destination is Madagasgar.