The Czech Republic (officially Czech: Česká republika ), short form in Czech: Česko, IPA: [ʧɛsko]) is a landlocked country in Central Europe and a member state of the European Union. The country has borders with Poland to the north, Germany to the northwest and west, Austria to the south, and Slovakia to the east. The capital and largest city is Prague (Czech: Praha), a major tourist destination. The country is composed of the historic regions of Bohemia and Moravia, as well as parts of Silesia.
The Czech lands were under Habsburg rule from 1526, later becoming part of the Austrian Empire and Austria-Hungary. The independent republic of Czechoslovakia was created in 1918, following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian empire after World War I. After the German occupation of Czechoslovakia, disillusion with the Western response and occupation by the Red Army, the Communist party got a majority in 1946 elections. Czechoslovakia was a Communist state from 1948 until the 1989 Velvet Revolution. On 1 January 1993, the country peacefully split into the Czech and Slovak republics.
The Czech Republic is a pluralist multi-party parliamentary representative democracy. President Václav Klaus is the current head of state. The Prime Minister is the head of government (currently Mirek Topolánek). The Parliament has two chambers — the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. The Czech Republic joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004. It is also a member of the OECD, the Visegrad group and the Council of Europe.

The capital city of the Czech Republic; the political, economical and cultural centre of the country; the seat of the president, of the government and the parliament; the centre of university education, the seat of the Academy of Sciences and numerous sacademic institutions. Characteristics of the region
Prague is a significant cultural centre with a variety of theatres, museums, galleries and exhibition halls. It is an important European transportation hub. Prague is unusually rich in significant architectural monuments of all periods. The historical centre, which covers 866 hectares, has been included in the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage since 1992.
Transport accessibility
Prague is a significant railway and road junction. The modern, expanded international airport Praha-Ruzyně is located here, as well. The city public transportation includes: three lines of underground trains, trams, buses and extensive integrated transport system around Prague in the Central-Bohemian region.

A large recreation area extends south of Prague along the rivers Vltava and Sázava. Many Praguers spend their weekends and holidays in their private weekend houses situated here. This area is also popular with hikers and fans of waters sports, from canoeing and kayaking to windsurfing. The tradition of camps with wooden chalets has still been preserved here.
Two of the most beautiful Bohemian castles – Karlštejn and Křivoklát – attract local tourists as well as foreign visitors. They are located in the centres of the two most significant natural reserves of the central Bohemia, the Protected landscape area Český kras (Bohemian Karst) and Křivoklátsko. The chateaux Konopiště, Dobříš, Český Šternberk (pictured here; click for a larger view) and Hořovice are also located near Prague. The surroundings of Prague are very diverse. The undulating, hilly northern area alternates with the plains to the east, the Brdy range extends in the south-west, the picturesque Posázaví area spreads out in the south-east and the Křivoklát Highlands extend in the west.Transport accessibility
A dense network of highways and high-speed roads of the European system runs in all directions from Prague. The railway network includes high-speed railways as well as regional ones in the directions of: Kolín, Kralupy nad Vltavou, Beroun, Benešov, Kladno, Lysá nad Labem and Posázaví.

ss the region of castles, chateaux and lakes.
The nature of southern Bohemia is very diverse. Besides typical flat areas with numerous artificial lakes and peat-bogs framed with dense forests and extensive meadows, we can find even rougher mountain landscape in this region.
Characteristics of the region
The landscape is nearly untouched by modern civilization. Numerous cultural and historical sights offer a large range of activities to the visitors – such as walking tours, angling, water sports or visits of historical towns, castles, chateaus and monasteries. Český Krumlov (pictured here; click for a larger view) is the jewel among the south-Bohemian towns. Its centre has been included in the UNESCO list of the world cultural and natural heritage, which is also the case of the Holašovice Village with its complex of folk buildings. The chateaux Hluboká nad Vltavou and Červená Lhota, the Zvíkov Castle or the monasteries Vyšší Brod and Zlatá Koruna are the most popular.
Transport accessibility
The dense network of roads of the European system: Praha – Benešov – Tábor – České Budějovice – Linz, Plzeň – Písek – České Budějovice, České Budějovice – Jindřichův Hradec – Pelhřimov. Main railways: Praha – Tábor – České Budějovice – Summerau, Plzeň – Strakonice – České Budějovice – Gmünd, České Budějovice – Veselí nad Lužnicí – Jihlava – Brno.

The tourist region Šumava is extensive, around 120 km long wooded mountain range. It extends along the south-western border of the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria. In 1993 most of its area (the peat-bogs, glacial lakes, remains of primeval forest growths) was proclaimed the National park of Šumava.

Characteristics of the region
The mountains and hills of Šumava, along with its untouched nature, clean air and low population density create ideal conditions for summer tourism and winter stays. In the summer season, visitors can discover deep forests, calm valleys, mountain meadows, streams and lakes, peat-bogs and meads. The Šumava landscape offers beautiful views of mountain ridges and rolling hills. Many well-marked hiking trails are sure to be appreciated by visitors who decide to discover the region on foot.

In winter, Šumava offers mountain resorts with excellent conditions for winter sports. In the surroundings of the centres, such as Železná Ruda, Špičák, Zadov, Churáňov, Nové Hutě or Kvilda, there are several well-kept ski slopes and tracks for cross-country skiing. Valuable historical sights, mainly folk buildings characteristic for this mountain region, picturesque towns and romantic ruins of the former watch castles can be found on the territory of Šumava.

Transport accessibility
A dense network of main roads and the roads of the European system Praha – Plzeň – Nürnberg, Plzeň – Klatovy – Železná Ruda, Praha – Vimperk – Strážný, Plzeň – Písek – České Budějovice. Main railways: Praha – Plzeň – Cheb, Plzeň – Furth im Wald, Plzeň – České Budějovice and extensive network of regional railways in the Pošumaví area.

Plzeňsko is a picturesque region of forests and tourist routes.
Slightly rolling wooded landscape with numerous rivers and artificial lakes, nearly untouched nature, picturesque little villages and numerous castles and chateaux are characteristic for this region. Plzeň (Pilsen) is the centre of the region as well as the economic, cultural and social metropolis of the whole western Bohemia.

Characteristics of the region
The town of  Pilsen (Plzeň, pictured here; click for larger view) became world-famous for the pilsner beer style, which was invented here.  The best-known Czech beer, Pilsner Urquell, is still brewed here to this day. The historical centre, founded in 1295 by King Wenceslas II on the confluence of four rivers, was declared a town conservation reserve thanks to its numerous historical sights. The Church of St. Bartholomew with its 102.6 m tall tower  is the dominant of the town.

An extensive part of the Plzeňsko region is covered by woods; the best known is the Brdské lesy (Brdské woods) in the eastern part. The protected landscape area and the UNESCO biosphere reserve Křivoklátsko is partly located in this region. Some water areas (such as the Hracholusky reservoir on the Mže River, the Bolevecké Lakes on the outskirts of Pilsen, or the lakes of the southern Plzeňsko area).

The whole region is suitable for recreational, family or professional tourism. There are ideal conditions for walking tours, cycling and water sports. Sports fishing, hunting, agro-tourism, horseback-riding and ecotourism are among popular forms of recreation with domestic as well as foreign visitors.

Transport accessibility
European highways: Praha – Plzeň – Rozvadov – Germany. Main railways: Praha – Cheb – Nürnberk, Plzeň – Fürth im Wald.

the region for regeneration and relaxation.
The most westerly tourist region, located along the border with Bavaria and Saxony, became famous thanks to its spas. The number and variety of mineral curative springs is unique in the world. Due to diverse chemical consistency, the local springs have a wide range of curative effects, used for various cures and therapies.

Characteristics of the region
Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad, pictured here; click for larger view), Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad) and Františkovy Lázně (Franzensbad) are world-famous spa towns. The Jáchymov spa town became well-known by its radioactive springs. Kynžvart and Konstantinovy Lázně are less well-known spa resorts. Curative stays in the spas can be combined with visits of the local historical sights (namely numerous well-preserved castles and chateaux), with walks in the extensive parks or walking tours in the environs.  Three 18-hole golf courses are concentrated in the region.

Numerous architectural jewels are worth visiting. The reliquary of St. Moor, the most precious cultural jewel of the Czech Republic after the crown jewels, is exhibited at the castle Bečov nad Teplou. And finally, the mountain resorts of Krušné hory (the Ore Mouuntains), such as Boží Dar, Klínovec, Potůčky and Pernink, offer excellent conditions for winter sports.

Transport accessibility
Dense network of international and main roads: Praha – Karlovy Vary – Cheb – Würzburg, Karlovy Vary – Cheb – Plauen, Cheb – Stříbro, Bochov – Teplá – Tachov. Main railways: Ústí nad Labem – Chomutov – Cheb, Praha – Plzeň – Cheb. Regional transport system is included in the system of Euro Region.

Northern Bohemia is a paradise for skiers, hikers, and lovers of nature.
Characteristics of the region
The protected landscape areas Jizerské hory and Lužické hory and National Park Krkonoše are all situated in this mountainous region. Wooden folk buildings and stone lookout towers have been preserved on many places of the region. Máchovo jezero (Mácha Lake) and the area of Holanské rybníky (Holanské artificial lakes) can be recommended to the fans of water sports. The whole region is crisscrossed with a network of biking trails. One of the most popular resorts for cross-country skiing – Jizerská magistrála – is located in Jizerské hory. Several towns also have a long glass-making tradition.

Transport accessibility
High-speed roads: Praha – Liberec. European roads: Praha – Tanvald – Harrachov – Jelenia Gora (PL), Hradec Králové – Liberec – Zittau – Zgorzelec (Germany), Mladá Boleslav – (Vrchlabí) – Trutnov (Krkonoše), Hradec Králové – Trutnov. Dense network of regional railways: Praha – Turnov – Liberec, Liberec – Podkrkonoší (Krkonoše foothills) – Hradec Králové. Worth visiting is the railway from Tanvald to Kořenov and Harrachov, which is the last rack railway with regular track gauge in Europe.

Some of the most important historical centres in the region can be found in the towns of Kadaň, Litoměřice and Terezín. Then there are the chateaux at Klášterec nad Ohří, Krásný Dvůr and Velké Březno. Important religious sites such as the Franciscan Monastery in Kadaň, the Cistercian Monastery in Osek and the Loreto Chapel in Rumburk lend the history of the area a spiritual dimension.

The region boasts many activities and attractions: a visit to the autodrome and hippodrome in Most, a stroll through the naturally-formed gorges around Hřensko, the so-called ‘sfinxes near Měděnec, winter sports at ski resorts of the Krušné Mountains and water sports at Nechanice or on Kamencové Lake. Kamencové Lake near Chomutov was created as a result of mining activity in the 16th century. Water formed a lake measuring 16 hectares and with a depth of 33m. It has become a popular place of recreation.

Milešovka is the highest mountain in the České středohoří range. It is one of only a handful which can only be accessed on foot - there is no road or track to the top. The difference in height between the base and the peak is 300m. The view from the top was described by one of the greatest travellers of all time, Alexander Humboldt, as the third most beautiful in the world.

A region of dramatic landscape dotted with fanciful rock formations and castles; perfect for hikers.
This remarkable region is located between the towns of Jičín, Sobotka, Mladá Boleslav, Mnichovo Hradiště, Kopanina, Železný Brod, Semily and Lomnice nad Popelkou. In the east the region passes into the Podkrkonoší area, in the north it is surrounded by the mountain ranges of Jizerské hory and Krkonoše.

Characteristics of the region
As early as 1870, a Czech spa guest described Český ráj as one of the most remarkable corners of Bohemia. The monumental sandstone “rock town” Prachovské skály is located nearly in the outskirts of the town Jičín.  The sandstone rock plateau with the basalt hill called Mužský, Drábské světničky and romantic small rock castles rise near Mnichovo Hradiště. In the area of Hrubá Skála (pictured here, with Trosky castle ruin in the background; click for larger view) there are, besides another “rock town”, several castles and chateaux, often admired by poets and writers. The Maloskalsko region (the region around Malá Skála) with its bizarre rock formations and castle ruins above the Jizera River has long been a favorite of artists.

Transport accessibility
High-speed roads: Praha • Mladá Boleslav • Turnov. Main road: Mladá Boleslav • Jičín, Mnichovo Hradiště • Jičín, Turnov • Semily • Jičín. Regional railways: Turnov • Jičín, Mladá Boleslav • Turnov, Mladá Boleslav • Sobotka • Libuň.

 a region of charming lowlands and highland ranges dotted with historic towns, manors and castles.
A wide range of sightseeing and recreation options is sure to satisfy every visitor of East Bohemia. Its beautiful nature and healthy environment combined with its varied landscape make it ideal for active tourism. Its cultural landscape has been shaped by generations of creative people, some famous, some anonymous, but all contributing to its unique character.

Characteristics of the region
Eastern Bohemia abounds in castles and chateaux (one of them, Opočno, is pictured here; click for larger view),  forts and fortifications, town conservation reserves and numerous other attractive sights in the styles of the Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau styles.

Modern architecture from the period between the World Wars can be seen in the region as well, most notably in Hradec Králové, the region's capital. Visitors can also learn about folk and folklore tradition including handicrafts. Among the geniuses whose work is associated with the region are the Baroque sculptor M.B.Braun, the modern architects Kotěra and Gočár, the composers Smetana and Martinů.

The area along the Labe (Elbe) river is mainly flat with a warm climate, which makes it perfect for water sports, walking tours or cycling. The Adršpašsko-teplické cliffs are a unique natural reserve; Orlické mountains and the area of Kralický Sněžník are attractive for winter sports and mountain tourism. Agro-tourism, mainly focused on traditional horse breeding, is traditional across the region.

Transport accessibility
Major roads of the European highway system: Praha – Hradec Králové – Náchod, Hradec Králové – Svitavy – Olomouc (Brno), Hradec Králové – Šumperk – Ostrava. The east-Bohemian integrated transport system between Hradec Králové and Pardubice combines municipal, railway and bus transportation. High-speed railway corridor: Praha – Pardubice – (Brno) – Ostrava. Main railways: Praha – Hradec Králové – Lichkov (Poland).

This mountain region is an ideal place for winter and summer holidays.
Krkonoše (the Giant Mountains) with its highest mountain, Sněžka (1,602 m above sea level; pictured here; click for larger view) is the highest mountain range of the republic. The southern borders of the region and the most popular resorts belong to the zone of the National park.

Characteristics of the region
Krkonoše is attractive all-year-round. The towns Špindlerův Mlýn and Harrachov offer ideal conditions for winter sports. In Harrachov there is a large ski-jump. Also Rokytnice nad Jizerou , Jablonec nad Jizerou, Vysoké nad Jizerou, Vítkovice, Horní Mísečky and Paseky are spots offering excellent conditions for downhill skiing. Planiny attracts cross-country skiers.
In the summer, lovers of walking tours will appreciate the system of marked hiking trails, which lead along the mountain ridges as well as glacial valleys with waterfalls. The main Krkonoše resorts (Špindlerův Mlýn, Pec pod Sněžkou, Rokytnice nad Jizerou, Harrchov and Janské Lázně) offer comfortable accommodations and plenty of facilities for various sports.

is the green heart of the Czech Republic.
Českomoravská vrchovina (Czech-Moravian Highlands) is situated on the territory which connects Bohemia and Moravia. It stretches from the south.-Bohemian lakes to the border of the Haná region.

Characteristics of the region
The region is one of the least densely populated and boasts some of the cleanest environment in the country; hence its nickname -  “the green heart” of the Czech Republic. It is a region full of rugged beauty, exuding a romanticism all its own. Its atmosphere has inspired many artists, painters, sculptors, composers and writers.

This region is ideal for active relaxation and recreation. The Renaissance town of Telč (pictured here; click for larger view), the town if Třebíč with its well-preserved Jewish quarter and old town and the pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk at Zelená Hora near Žďár nad Sázavou belong among most popular sights in the region. All three are included in the UNESCO list of the world cultural and natural heritage.

Transport accessibility
Highways: Praha – Brno – Jihlava. International roads: České Budějovice – Pelhřimov – Jihlava – Znojmo, Jihlava – Havlíčkův Brod – Kolín. Main railways: Praha – Havlíčkův Brod – Brno, Jihlava – Havlíčkův Brod – Kolín, České Budějovice – Jihlava – Brno.

A mecca for wine lovers, this region is also perfect for cyclists, hikers and history buffs.
Lowlands and hillsides with extensive vineyards create the largest part of its territory. Along the border with Austria rise the limestone hills Pavlovské vrchy (Pavlovské hills); north of Brno you will find the Moravský kras (Moravian Karst) area with its maze of abysses and caves. The meanders of the Dyje river create a part of the Czech-Austrian border and are included in the Podyjí National Park. The ragged ridges of the White Carpathians create the eastern border of the region.

Characteristics of the region
Wine, vineyards, wine cellars, vintage and rich folklore are all associated with southern Moravia. The Lednice-Valtice complex of two chateaux has a special charm. It is included in the UNESCO list of the world cultural and natural heritage. Brno with a number of significant historical sights became the centre of the region. Mikulov (pictured here; click for larger view) is a major centre of winemaking set below the picturesque Pálava hills.  Folk costumes, folk decorated buildings, traditional music and folklore festivities are typical of the Slovácko region. Local nature offers ideal conditions for walking tours, cycling and water sports, angling, horse riding or mountain climbing. The Podyjí National Park is a significant biosphere reserve; the Moravian Karst is the oldest protected landscape area in Moravia-

Transport accessibility
Highways, high-speed roads and main roads: Praha – Brno – Břeclav, Brno – Mikulov, Znojmo – Mikulov – Břeclav; high-speed railway corridors: Praha – Brno – Břeclav – Vienna, Břeclav – Otrokovice – Přerov, dense network of regional railways. The international airport Brno – Tuřany.

Central Moravia is a region of rich folklore traditions.
This fertile region extends mainly along the Morava River. Since the 16th century, the region has carried the name Haná. It is famous for its sunny climate (and friendly populace), rich folk costumes, its traditional pungent (some might say smelly) cheese, and a vast number of Baroque cathedrals, churches, monasteries, and pilgrimage sites.

Characteristics of the region
Central Moravia is a region of rich folklore traditions. Oderské vrchy (Oderské Hills) and Hostýnské vrchy (Hostýnské Hills) gradually rise in the east, the Chřiby Hills open the Slovácko – Moravian gate in the south and the Drahanská vrchovina (Drahanská Highland) creates the relief in the west. The region offers a large choice of architectural jewels (ancient castles, splendid chateaux and, of course, the UNESCO monuments – the Kroměříž Chateau and its gardens, the town of Olomouc, pictured here; click for larger view), several spa towns, as well as natural sights. Some of the latter are located underground, such as Javoříčské, Mladečské and Zbrašovské caves, or the deepest abyss in the Czech Republic – Hranická propast (Hranická Abyss).
The whole Central Moravian region is interwoven with marked hiking trails and is ideal for cycling. Some of the bike routes, e.g. the Moravská stezka (Moravian route) and the Jantarová stezka (Amber route) are part of the "Euro-Velo" project.

Transport accessibility
Highways: Praha – Brno – Vyškov. High-speed roads: Vyškov – Olomouc – Mohelnice, Olomouc – Nový Jičín – (Ostrava) Frýdek Místek. Main roads: Hodonín – Uherské Hradiště – Přerov. High-speed railway corridors: Praha – Přerov – Ostrava (Katovice), Přerov – Břeclav (Vienna). International railways: Hranice na Moravě – Vsetín (Slovakia) and dense network of regional railways.

Both are picturesque regions split by mountain ridges and rolling hills, ideal for summer vacation as well as a range of winter sports.

Characteristics of the region
With their wide horizons of fertile lowlands and views of the Polish lowland landscape, Northern Moravia and Silesia have a pensive beauty.  The southern slopes of the mountains open the region to the fertile area along the Morava River and Moravská brána.  The merchants´ amber and salt route led across this area since the times immemorial. The Valašsko (Wallachia) area is a very specific part of the region. Situated along the Slovak border in the east, Wallachia is attractive by its unique style of wooden cottages and churches, as well as its lively folklore traditions. (Pictured here is a section of the Wallachia Open Air Museum in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm; click for larger view)

The massif of the Jeseníky Mountains and Rychlebské hory (Rychlebské Mountains) are the chief visitor attraction on the western side of the region. This area offers ideal conditions for recreation as well as  physically demanding mountain tourism, wheather for summer or winter sports or spa cures and relaxation. The region is interwoven with a dense network of marked hiking and biking trails.

Ostrava with numerous industrial sights is the center of the region. The Hradec nad Moravicí Chateau, the Hukvaldy Castle, the Wallachian Museum in Rožnov and the pilgrimage place Maria Pomocná nad Zlatými Horami are the most visited sights of the region. Opava, the former capital town of the Czech Silesia, and Havířov, the youngest town in the Czech Republic with its interesting urbanism typical of the socialist era, are also worth visiting.

Transport Accessibility
High-speed roads: Vyškov – Ostrava, Nový Jičín – Frýdek Místek – Český Těšín. Main roads: Praha – Hradec Králové – Opava – Ostrava. Railway corridors: Praha – Přerov – Ostrava – Bohumín. The international airport Ostrava- Mošnov. The demanding route by car: Praha – Brno – Olomouc – Nový Jičín – Ostrava. The highway under construction: Lipník nad Bečvou – Ostrava.