bohemia travel

Bohemia  is the largest and most populous of the three historical Czech lands, the other two being Moravia and Czech Silesia. Nowadays, these regions no longer exist as administrative entities, but they are mentioned in the Czech constitution and their symbols appear in the Czech coat-of-arms. The symbol of Bohemia is a white lion on red background.

The region of Bohemia has nothing to do with the song  Bohemian Rhapsody  nor with bohemianism and Bohemians in the sense: “socially unconventional persons”. Nothing. Really. The name is derived from the name of the ancient Celtic tribe Boii, who once inhabited the area, and the Proto-Germanic word  haimaz , meaning “home”. Thus, Bohemia originally meant “the home of the Boii”. Modern-day population of Bohemia doesn’t have much in common with the ancient Celtic Boii, as the Czech language belongs to the Slavic family. However, it is believed that West Slavic tribes settling in that area assimilated the remaining Celtic and Germanic populations.

In the Czech language, Bohemia is called simply  Čechy . This name should not be confused with  Česko , which is the short name of the whole country, known as the Czech Republic or Czechia. In other words: Česko = Čechy + Morava + České Slezsko. The same in English: Czechia = Bohemia + Moravia + Czech Silesia.

There are many amazing places in Bohemia. Below we present some of them!

St Vitus Cathedral

Strahov Monastery

The Dancing House

Wenceslas Square

Sloup Castle

Old Town Square

Charles Bridge

České Budějovice

Panská Skála

Červená Lhota

Český Krumlov

Radošov Bridge

Pravčická Brána

Litomyšl Castle

Prague Astronomical Clock

Šumava National Park

Hradec Králové

Petřín Lookout Tower

Golden Lane

Vltava Meander

Karlštejn Castle

Prague Castle

Karlovy Vary

Bohemian Paradise

Bohemia Travel Guide

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Prague is circled by the region of Bohemia , which covers the western two-thirds of the Czech Republic. To the west of Prague is Karlovy Vary , a picturesque spa town in the woody Sudeten hills, while southeast of that is Plzeň , brimming with industrial vigour and Pilsner Urquell beer. Travelling east towards Slovakia you’ll reach Kutná Hora , with its sinister bone church. South of Prague, close to the Austrian border, is another beer-brewing giant, České Budějovice , home of Budweiser, and Český Krumlov , with its rose-coloured churches and frescoed palaces.

České Budějovice

Český krumlov, karlovy vary.

Top image: Ceske Budejovice © Henryk Sadura/Shutterstock

Travel ideas for Czech Republic, created by local experts

Capitals of Europe - Berlin, Prague, Vienna and more

This trip is ideal for all city & culture lovers: the Reichstag in Berlin, the castle in Prague, historical Cesky Krumlov, St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, the fortress above Salzburg and Schloss Neuschwanstein near Munich - these are just some of the highlights of this incredible roundup trip.

Castles across Austria and Czechia

Austria and Czechia are home to some of the world's most beautiful architecture and culture gems, such as Schloss Schönbrunn in Vienna, Prague castle, the fortress above Salzburg and many more. Finish your tour with a visit to Schloss Neuschwanstein before flying out of Munich.

Fairytale Czech Republic and Hungary

Visit 3 countries at once: Czechia with the beautiful cities of Prague, Cesky Krumlov and Kutna Hora. Afterwards, visit Bratislava in Slovakia before continuing to Budapest. Hungary's capital is full of interesting activities and wonder.

Exclusive trip to Prague and Austria

Explore the main highlights of Central Europe: fascinating Prague & historical Cesky Krumlov, the highlights of Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck in Austria and then further on to Germany - get in the Disney spirit at Schloss Neuschwanstein.

Oktoberfest in Germany & Beer culture in Austria & Czechia

Oktoberfest is a 2-week festival held in Munich/Germany. The first weekend of October is traditionally the last weekend of the festival, so plan accordingly. Before or after, head to Austria and Czechia for some more insights in to European beer culture.

Remarkable European capitals: Prague, Vienna, Budapest

Start your trip in Czechia before moving on to Austria and then Hungary. Spend 3 nights each in Prague and Budapest, as well as 4 in Vienna to explore not only the capital cities but the surroundings like Salzburg, Cesky Krumlov and the Balaton Lake.

České Budějovice is a sweet kernel of medieval town inside a tough shell of industrial sprawl. It was built in 1265, and its history has been connected with beer since the beginning, when citizens brewed lager for the Holy Roman Emperor. In the seventeenth century war and fire devastated the town, but it was lavishly rebuilt by the Habsburgs. Today its elegant arcades and winding backstreets are the perfect place to enjoy a Budvar beer – which is, after all, the reason most people come here.

The compact medieval town centre forms a grid around magnificent Přemysla Otakara II Square , one of Europe’s largest marketplaces. Just off the square is Black Tower (Černá věž), which you can climb for good views.

Budvar brewery

The Budvar Brewery is 2.5km up the road to Prague, on Karolíny Světlé. You’ll need to book ahead for a one-hour English tour ( w www.budweiser.cz).

Tiny, red-roofed Český Krumlov nestles between two bends in the Vltava River like a patch of wild strawberries. In summer, tour buses unload crowds of visitors at the city gates at noon and pick them up in the afternoon, creating a five-hour stampede through the narrow streets. The only solution is to stay overnight; there’s too much to see in a day anyway. The town’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992.

Egon Schiele Art Centrum

Just off the main square, on Široká, is the wonderful Egon Schiele Art Centrum , devoted to the eponymous Austrian painter, who moved here in 1911 and caused outrage by painting nude teenagers and putting his feet on café tables. There are also temporary exhibitions of contemporary art and design.

Krumlov Chateau

Krumlov Chateau rises above the Latrán quarter. You can stroll through the castle’s grounds and main courtyards day or night, but to go inside you’ll have to pay for one of the three guided tours. Climb the tower for beautiful views and explore the chateau’s geometrical gardens and two theatres, the exquisite Rococo Chateau Theatre, and the cunning Communist Revolving Theatre, which spins on a mechanical axis.

Karlovy Vary residents have a favourite joke. Russian President Medvedev says to Czech President Klaus, “If you get any closer to the USA I’ll bomb Prague”. President Klaus says, “If you bomb Prague I’ll bomb Karlovy Vary”. The freshly painted spa town, awash with fur caps and poodles in Dior handbags, feels decidedly un-Czech, largely owing to its popularity with Russia’s nouveau riche, partly because tourists outnumber locals. Peter the Great, Goethe and Beethoven all visited the town, and the old-style pleasures of spa life – hiking in the forest, bathing in hot spring water, and eating sweet nut wafers ( oplatky ) to chase away the taste of the water – are still the best.

Walking into town with Communist eyesore Thermal Hotel on your right, you’ll pass a series of slender white colonnades built over the springs, which can be sampled for free. The grandest spa is Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda), containing five springs. Further up Lázeňská street are Market Colonnade (Tržní kolonáda), a delicate wooden construct, and the Communist-era Hot Spring Colonnade (Vřídelní kolonáda), a spring so hot and powerful that spa guests breathe the vapours instead of drinking the water.

International Film Festival

The Karlovy Vary Film Festival ( w www.kviff.com ) comes to town every July, bringing a smattering of A-listers and a carnival atmosphere. Anyone can buy tickets or day passes to the films, which range from Hollywood blockbusters to low-budget European indies. The town gets crowded so book accommodation and travel in advance.

A short bus ride from Prague, Kutná Hora has a handful of tourist attractions and a sleepy, provincial atmosphere. Beneath the town are miles of exhausted silver and gold mines. From 1308, Bohemia’s royal mint at Kutná Hora converted its silver into coins that were used all over Central Europe, but when the mines ran dry the town dwindled. Kutná Hora’s old town is so small it can be explored in a couple of hours. Most of the main attractions sit between main square Palackého náměstí and the Cathedral of Sr Barbora, ten minutes to the southeast.

Sedlec Ossuary

Kutná Hora's most popular attraction is the ghoulish ossuary ( kostnice ), which houses 40,000 human skeletons arranged in intricate patterns by local oddball František Rint, a carpenter, in 1870.

Tough, industrial Plzeň (Pilsen) was built on beer and bombs. Founded in 1292, the city swelled in the nineteenth century when the Industrial Revolution brought an ironworks and an armaments factory, and diversified to cars and trams under Communism. Most tourists come to pay their respects to Plzeň’s beloved son, Pilsner Urquell. The town’s diverse architecture and unpretentious vigour are strong secondary attractions.

The main square, náměstí Republiky is dominated by the Gothic cathedral of sv Bartoloměj , with the tallest spire in the country (103m). Opposite is the Italianate town hall, built in the Renaissance but sgraffitoed last century. Nearby Velká synagogue , the third largest in the world, was once the heart of the town’s large Jewish community, decimated by the Holocaust, and now houses exhibitions.

Pilsner Urquell and Brewery Museums

The star attraction in Plzeň is 12° Plzeňský Prazdroj, better known as Pilsner Urquell (Original Pilsner). Pivovarské Brewery Museum , in the original brewery, provides some history and a film on brewing.

Plzeň’s Historical Underground

While you are at the Brewery Museum don’t miss Plzeň’s Historical Underground , 500m of tunnels under the town. The tunnels were once part of an underground network of passages that rivalled the streets above.

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Bohemia is the largest part of the Czech Republic and is sometimes used pars pro toto for the entire country.

On Wikivoyage, The Bohemian part of the Czech Republic is covered in the following regions:

The rest of the Czech Republic : the Highlands , North Moravia and Silesia , and South Moravia .

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• Bohemian Switzerland

All You Need to Know about the Bohemian-Saxon Switzerland National Park

Click here to see the latest news on the ‘2022 Wildfire in Bohemian Switzerland ‘.

What is Bohemian-Saxon Switzerland?

It is a national park in the north-west of the Czech Republic and east of Germany  –  in Saxony, the landlocked federal state of Germany. It features astonishing sandstone rock formations that developed over millions of years. The beauty of the place above all lies in a combination of several natural phenomena – majestic rocks and rock cities, amazing lookouts, romantic valleys, wild ravines, deep forests, winding roads, caves, the curving Elbe river, clean rivers and brooks and unique flora and fauna. People living here for centuries have enriched the places with certain monuments and specific architecture like rock castles, historical monuments and vernacular buildings.

Nowadays, Bohemian-Saxon Switzerland is in the first place a region of tourism and relaxation offering services and facilities to please anybody coming here – from people seeking peace and quiet to real adrenaline lovers. Here are a few carefully selected day trips for the national park:

Best Day trips from Prague to Bohemian National Park

Bohemia Adventures provides some of the most thoughtful day tours from Prague to Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland national park. These tours are designed to take people in small groups in the national park and see various highlights. You could choose these tours depending on how you would like them.

• The Best of 2 Countries in 1 Day – Top Highlights of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland NP
• Easy Walking Tour to Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland National Park
• Saxon Switzerland Easy Tour & Unlimited Thermal Baths
• The Best of Saxon Switzerland from Prague: Bastei Bridge & Dresden City

Are there any restrictions on the national park?

As this is a national park, you should not leave any trails, litter, go camping, swimming or fishing here. Here you can find some rules:  https://www.ceskesvycarsko.cz/en/rules-visiting-national-park

Why Is It Called “Switzerland”?

One might be a bit confused by the name expecting to get to Switzerland in the Alps. The connection seems to be less obvious here. In the second half of the 18 th  century, two Swiss painters came to this area and completely fell in love with it. As the landscape resembled their home, they started calling it “Switzerland”.  It is as simple as that.

How Old Is the Landscape of Bohemian National Park?

To cut the long story short, about 100 million years ago there was just a sea. Large rivers brought sand and some other debris into it and they accumulated at the bottom.

Later the sea subsided as a consequence of earthquakes and they created a massive sand structure helped by super-high temperatures.

This was followed by several ice periods resulting in several meltdowns.  Ice, water, wind, sunshine and dramatic changes in temperature and pressure consequently created a ravishing countryside full of amazing shapes.

What Is the Historical Background of Bohemian and Saxon National Park?

In the first millennium A.D., the region was settled by a few Slavonic tribes. In the 13 th  century, the area belonged to the Czech Kingdom. The Germans came to this area in the same century and there were a lot of clashes about the most important fortifications. As late as the 15 th  century the area on today´s German side came under the dominance of Saxony. The Czech side remained in the hands of the Czechs.

Tourism came here in the 19 th  century and since then Bohemian-Saxon Switzerland has been more and more popular.

Here are a few historical places in the region:

The Czech Republic – Decin´s Castle  – http://www.zamekdecin.cz/web_en/

Old Town Bridge in Decin  –  http://www.decinek.estranky.cz/clanky/decin-city-of-bridges/old-town-bridge.html

Ceska Kamenice  –  https://www.ceska-kamenice.cz/en/vismo/zobraz_dok.asp?id_org=101411&id_ktg=50&n=o-meste&p1=52

The Loretto Chapel of the Virgin Mary –  http://www.loretarumburk.cz/en/history/loreto-chapel-of-the-virgin-mary-holy-house-santa-casa/

Chateau in Benesov upon Ploucnice  –  https://www.czechtourism.com/c/benesov-nad-ploucnici-chateaux/

Germany – The Neumann Mill :  https://www.saechsische-schweiz.com/en/

Hohnstein:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hohnstein_Castle_(Saxon_Switzerland)

Königstein Fortress :  https://www.sachsen-tourismus.de/en/service/points-of-interest/poi/poi/knigstein-fortress-knigstein/

Stolpen Castle:   https://www.stolpen.de/tourist-info/en/history-of-stolpen-castle.php

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Premium Private Tour with Overnight Stay-  Make the best out of your Czech Holidays and Experience this Czech wonderland in the best possible way with hidden spots, spas, and luxury with just the right mix of adventure.

What Are the Highlights of Bohemian-Saxon Switzerland?

This National Park is full of nature and its hard to say which places to visit. We recommend to stay in or around the national park for a few days and explore the hidden beauty of it. However, if you are visiting the National park for a day or two. these are the places we think you must visit.

The Pravcicka Gate with the Falcon´s Nest Hotel

415 m above the sea level

Location –  Hrensko – 15 km north of the town of Decin

Open  (Time of the year to visit)

April – October Daily, 10 am – 6 pm

November – March Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm

26 December–1 January Daily, 10 am – 4 pm

The Pravcicka Gate is truly one of the wonders of the world which appeared in the first part of the Chronicles of Narnia. It is the biggest European sandstone arch – 21 metres wide, 16 meters high and about 8 meters thick. To get there, you should be ready for about a 3.5-kilometre hike from the parking place in Hrensko (the Czech Republic) – about 45 minutes. You constantly walk up a hill, yet it is not so demanding. Most of the hike leads through a pleasant peaceful forest full of calm sandstone rocks. You will definitely admire how some trees have become an indispensable part of rocks. You have to pay an entrance fee to get into the gate area, but it is just a few CZK.  Although nobody is allowed to access the top of it, you can take plenty of pictures from an adjacent viewpoint. From there you will definitely be amazed by the views of the surrounding area. There is also a restaurant, gallery, food kiosk and toilets. The gate is definitely worth the effort you make at the beginning. You will surely not regret it!

Important link- http://www.pbrana.cz/en/

The Gorges of the Kamenice River

The Edmund and Wild Gorges are again in Hrensko in the Czech Republic. Both of them are open from the end of March to the last week in October.

The entrance fee for the Edmund Gorge – 80 CZK (adults), 40 CZK (seniors, children and the disabled)

The entrance fee for the Wild Gorge – 60 CZK (adults), 30 CZK (seniors, children and the disabled)

https://www.ceskesvycarsko.cz/en/node/271

The Bastei Bridge

You can find  Bastei (305 m above sea level)  in Saxon Switzerland (Germany). The Bastei rock formation has plenty of viewpoints over the Elbe Canyon on the right bank of the river Elbe. You can walk across the famous sandstone bridge that connects Bastei and the ruins of the old Neurathen rock castle from the 13th century. The bridge was built around 1850 as the first tourist structure in Europe. If you want to enter the ruins, you pay a symbolic entrance fee – 2 EUR per person.

https://www.saechsische-schweiz.de/en/region/highlights/bastei-bridge.html

Bastei is truly something exceptional – a romantic bridge high on rocks overlooking the Elbe river canyon and its curving part along with a town of majestic rocks and ruins of something that is hardly believed to have been incapability of human being. You feel like a bird!

It is possible to see all the three highlights in a single day since there are quite a few companies focusing on it:

Best of 2 Countries in 1 Day Tour

Visit pravcicka gate, kamenice river and bastei bridge, places to see in bohemian and saxon switzerland national park.

As we mentioned before this National park is full of surprises and Nature Magic and here are few other places that we recommend to visit if you are in the area for more than a day

• Tiské stěny ( Tyssaer Wände ), a rock labyrinth
• Děčínský Sněžník  ( Hoher Schneeberg ), highest mountain of Bohemian Switzerland with its observation tower
• Šaunštejn Castle  ( Felsenburg Schauenstein ), a robber baron  rock castle  near Vysoká Lipa
• Mariina Skala  ( Marienfels ), viewing point near  Jetřichovice
• Vilemínina stěna ( Wilhelminenwand ), viewing point near  Jetřichovice
• Rudolfův kámen  ( Rudolfstein ), viewing point near  Jetřichovice
• Pavlinino Udoli ( Paulinengrund ), the deeply incised, romantic valley of the Chribská Kamenice ( Kreibitzbach ) stream
• Falkenštejn Castle  ( Felsenburg Falkenstein ), rock castle
• Rock chapel  in Všemily
• Belvedér  ( Belvedere ) near  Labská Stráň , mountain
• Malá Pravčická brána  ( Kleines Prebischtor ), natural sandstone arch
• Na Tokani ( Balzhütte ), historic inn and hostel
• Emperor’s View on the  Stoličná hora  ( Quaderberg ) near  Děčín
• the well-tended villages with their Upper Lusatian house

How to get to Bohemian-Saxon Switzerland from Prague?

Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland is about 126.5 km from Prague and you can choose various way to get here like Public Transport of Bus or Train or you can choose to drive there.

Going to Bohemian National park with Public Transport

The wonders of Bohemian Switzerland are easily within reach of the Czech Republic’s capital city. Trains run regularly from Prague with international and domestic express connections arriving in Děčín about every two hours. This journey takes just over an hour and a half and is a great jumping point for the rest of your adventure.

From Děčín, there are several transport options to choose from depending on which part of Bohemian Switzerland you are planning to visit:

Bus Route to Bohemian National park

Take bus 434 in the direction of Hřensko to reach Mezní Louka. This is where you’ll want to go if you’re heading towards the Soutěsky and Pravčická brána. During the high season, it’s also possible to take this bus to Jetřichovice and Krásná Lípa, where you’ll find the Kyjov Valley.

If you’re travelling to Jetřichovice, bus 435 will take you directly there.

Taking a Train to Bohemian National Park

Taking train U28 to Schöna is another option if you’re planning to visit Soutěsky and Pravčická brána. This train also travels to Bad Schandau in Saxon Switzerland and to Rumburk.

Train U8 travels to Česká Kamenice, Jedlová, Krásná Lípa, and Rumburk. The Jedlová stop is the one to take if you want to explore the destinations in the Lusatian Mountains.

To know more about public transport to Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland please visit  https://www.ceskesvycarsko.cz/en/how-get-here

Going to Bohemian National Park with Car

If you are choosing to get to the national park with your personal transport than you are also up for a beautiful ride. You can choose to go by motorway or completely skip the motorway and choose to go from the countryside. Both ways you get to see some magic of Czech republic beauty. Here is the Map to go from Prague to the centre of Bohemian National Park

Direction map for Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland 

Other Ways to Explore Bohemian Switzerland National Park

Take a day tour with tour operators.

If you are in the Czech for a short stay and don’t have many days to spend then we highly recommend taking a Day tour with Tour operators like Bohemia Adventures. These day tours are designed to pick you up from your hotel and take you to the centre of the National park. You get to see the Top highlights of the national park along with great lunch, a Guided tour and then drop off at your hotel in Prague. Everything about your day tour is taken care of by the tour operator and all you have to do is get your camera and be prepared to enjoy a day full of fun in nature.

Take a Private Trip by Bohemia Adventures

Since the Global pandemic has become a new normal of our world so at Bohemia Adventures we are focusing particularly on our private trips. These are some coolest and amazing ideas of how you can make an absolutely memorable day out of your trip. Travel is a luxury now in the face of global travel bans and restrictions so when you do get a chance, make the best out of it. Check out some of the coolest ways of creating a private trip. This could be just what you are looking for.

How to Prepare for the Weather and the Terrain when visiting the Bohemian National Park?

Now everybody knows how unpredictable the weather can be. This region used to have four regular seasons but they seem to have gone. Therefore, it is essential to check the weather forecast online the day you go and ‘do your homework. On the whole, you do not need to worry about any dramatic changes in weather and conditions, yet luck favours the prepared. What you will definitely need is the following:

• A pair of quality hiking shoes
• A quality hiking wea r – at least 3 different layers in case the weather changes
• A backpack  – for some snack and a bottle of water and for storing unnecessary hiking wear layers if the weather is really fine
• A raincoat or an umbrella
• A pair of sunglasses
• A hat and a pair of gloves or mittens – autumn, winter and early spring
• A smartphone or a camera

What Wildlife Can I Expect in the Bohemian-Saxon Switzerland?

There is beautiful wildlife in Bohemian-Saxon Switzerland, yet you do not need to worry about any big dangers from wild animals.

The territory of the Bohemian – Saxon Switzerland National Park is very forested and rocky and relatively little disturbed by human intervention. This allows the occurrence of many species of animals, with often very different demands on the environment, in a relatively small area. Species diversity is significantly increased by species associated with their occurrence on watercourses and their surroundings, ponds or peat bogs. The Elbe River Corridor, in turn, serves as an important migration route and wintering ground for many bird species especially at the end of winter , Recently the protected peregrine falcons, black storks and great eagle owls  begin  to nest again in Bohemian Switzerland National Park.

Please check the official website of Bohemian National park for more details https://www.npcs.cz/zivocichove-ceskosaskeho-svycarska

Flora: http://www.npcs.cz/en/mysterious-world-plants

Is There Anything Else I Need to Know when I visit Bohemian-Saxon Switzerland?

First aid in the national park:

Bohemian and Saxon National park have their first aid team and can help in times of emergency. Please visit  https://www.ceskesvycarsko.cz/en/informace/prvni-pomoc-v-np  for more information about this.

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Ultimate guide to visiting bohemian switzerland national park.

I have to be honest, until about a year ago I had never even heard of Bohemian Switzerland… and that’s despite having travelled previously to the 2 major cities nearest to it – namely Dresden in Germany and Prague in the Czech Republic .

And this may give you some idea of a) how off the beaten track this wonderful natural area is and b) how confusing its name is!

Because yes, unlike many of us first assume, Bohemian Switzerland isn’t in Switzerland *missed spoiler alert warning*

In fact, it’s not even remotely near Switzerland… if we’re talking in European terms that is.

Because Bohemian Switzerland is actually located in…. (drum roll please) the country of Czechia (formerly known as the Czech Republic).

An easy train ride, drive or even cycle from Prague, this often-forgotten area is a hidden part of the country that’s now making a big splash.

And after the 5 delightful days I spent there, I’m happy to report it’s quite a splash.

So here’s the full travel lowdown on visiting Bohemian Switzerland National Park if you want to check out this up and coming (and may I add superb) Czech corner…

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My trip to Bohemian Switzerland was kindly sponsored by the Czech Tourist Authority CzechTourism and the Ustí Region but, as always, all views are my own.

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Why Visit Bohemian Switzerland?

There’s lots of great reasons you should visit Bohemian Switzerland – beautiful nature, great hiking, lovely cycling opps and delicious beer are among them – but another great motivator is that this is a superb region for anyone looking to get a bit off the beaten track in Czechia.

Yup, if you want to experience real Czech life, with few international tourists, then this is a winner of a place to head to.

This is especially true if you’re on a bit of a European travel circuit – and by this I mean a whirlwind tour of some of the continent’s most popular spots. In general, these trips tend to involve running from bucket-list ticking historic city to bucket-list ticking historic city (elbowing crowds out of the way as you go!) and quite frankly, it can be exhausting.

I know, I’ve done it!

But enter the lovely region and national park of Bohemian Switzerland and you’ve got yourself the perfect break from busy sightseeing life and the tourist crowds in the form of a short detour that really will allow you to see an authentic and beautiful slice of central / eastern Europe.

Because this place really is a wonderfully quiet, natural area in which you can truly unwind and relax for a few days… and let’s be honest, who isn’t into that?!

But it doesn’t stop there, because Bohemian Switzerland is also a fab spot for active travellers too, y’know us outdoorsy types who love getting amongst it all.

From hiking to biking, canoeing to climbing, this area offers a wealth of activities that are perfect for stretching those muscles and taking in some serious lungfuls of clean air.

With one of Czechia’s largest national parks situated in this region, the German border close at hand, a lively local identity and plenty of interesting historical stories, Bohemian Switzerland ticks just about every box… and failing all that, there’s a lot of craft beer and micro-breweries you can sample here as well!

When to Go?

Situated on the edge of eastern Europe (so much so that I’m actually going to say it’s more in central Europe), there’s no doubt that visiting Bohemian Switzerland is best done in the summer… especially if you’re a freaking winterphobe like me!

Yes for those who like things a bit warmer too, from May to September you’re likely to be greeted here with warm sunny days, blue skies and temperatures ranging between 18 and 33 degrees centigrade during the day – yes please!

And even if you’re not opposed to the cold, there’s so much outside fun to experience in Bohemian Switzerland, that I’d still really advise visiting during these months if you can too.

In this way, you’ll avoid the wet, snowy winters (the months of October through April here can be freezing – literally) that would make enjoying the stunning natural surrounds here a bit of an arduous chore!

That said, like most of Europe, the peak tourist months in this region are July and August, when the weather is best and the school holidays across the continent are in full force.

The crowds in Bohemian Switzerland won’t be international tourists (they are most likely to be Czech or German), but they will still be heavy, so if you’d rather have a quieter time, I’d avoid these 2 months and stick to visiting during May, June or September.

And I can definitely attest to this because my visit to Bohemian Switzerland coincided with an August weekend and it was pretty busy.

Although it has to be said, the whole place still felt wonderfully relaxed compared to the visitor crowds of Prague for example!

Where is Bohemian Switzerland?

So now we come to the classic question… where the heck is the Bohemian Switzerland region?

And the answer is, confusingly, in the northwest of Czechia (formerly known as the Czech Republic), in a region called Ústí nad Labem .

Historically part of the Bohemian Kingdom (which is how this national park and the surrounding area came to acquire its somewhat misleading name), the main access point here is a small city of only 60,000 people called Děčín (pronounced de-chin ) which is actually just 10km from the German border and situated along the Elbe River.

In fact, this area is so close to the German province of Saxony, that the national park actually straddles the border (although it has a different title on the German side – Saxon Switzerland), which makes hopping across to this other EU country for lunch as easy as making a sandwich!

Despite this being the case, it is still worth pointing out that Bohemian Switzerland – the area and the towns here – are distinctly Czech.

It’s Czech beer that’s drunk here, Czech language that’s spoken here and Czech Koruna that you use to pay here.

And yes, newsflash, if you thought Czech people used the Euro you’re wrong, so come prepared with your Wise card to avoid having to carry too much cash when you travel here or pay crazy high transaction fees with your usual bank card.

How to Get to Bohemian Switzerland from Prague?

Located around 125km from Prague, the amazing news is that you can get to the delightfully rural area of Bohemian Switzerland from the Czech capital easily and quickly.

In fact, if you’re short on time, a day trip from Prague to Bohemian Switzerland is even possible.

This top-rated option includes an accommodation pick-up in Prague, a local English-speaking guide, lunch and drinks – winner!

With your own vehicle (get a great deal on a rental here ), the simple journey between the capital and Bohemian Switzerland can be made in around an hour and a half and, as you escape the city, there’s no doubt the views become more delightful as you go.

I can vouch for this because the views I saw from the train I caught from Prague to Děčín were very pleasant, as trees and green hills increasingly overtook the sight of grey buildings and factories.

Taking under 2 hours on a direct and comfortable train from Prague’s Central Station (Hlavní nádraží) – a train, I might add, which boasted both aircon and seat-side charging points in regular class – there’s no doubt the 8€ ticket for this ride was a bargain!

As always, I use Trainline to book my travel across Czechia, and central Europe in general, as I find their booking process easy, their live departure notifications super useful and their prices the best.

Otherwise, the most exciting and adventurous way to reach Bohemian Switzerland from Prague is via bike.

Yup, using the old 2 wheels definitely makes for an eco-friendly choice, because, amazingly, you can cycle here along a designated route that actually extends all the way to Dresden and onto Hamburg in Germany!

A great Czech company, based in Děčín, called Active Point have tons of helpful info on this route and they can even map you an itinerary, building in accommodation and creating a bespoke package so you can enjoy an excellent trip. Do check them out if this appeals.

Once in Děčín, you can then catch public bus #434, which will take you the short drive to the national park entrance. The stop you want is Mezní Louka .

How to Get to Bohemian Switzerland from Dresden?

It therefore goes without saying, that you can also cycle from Dresden across the border into Bohemian Switzerland and then onto Prague if you’re heading in the other direction.

Equally, trains all the way from Berlin , passing Dresden, head straight into Děčín… or you can make the drive too in just over an hour.

As is the joy of travelling in the EU, borders are generally quick and simple to cross.

This makes a day trip from Dresden to Bohemian Switzerland also possible – have a look at this top-rated option for more info.

A Word About Bohemian Switzerland Day Trips

Being so accessible from Prague and Dresden, it certainly is possible to make a day trip to Bohemian Switzerland as I’ve mentioned.

For this, most people use an organised tour that includes return transport and normally involves a day hiking in the national park, primarily to see the main attraction of Pravčická brána , which is the largest, natural sandstone arch in Europe.

After this, lunch at a local restaurant is normally available, followed by a delightful hike and boat trip through the picturesque Hřensko Gorge .

However, if you only make a day trip to Bohemian Switzerland, you really aren’t doing this place justice.

For starters, you won’t get the chance to really relax in this area, which is what Bohemian Switzerland does best thanks to its quiet local charm and delightful natural surrounds.

Secondly, you won’t be able to enjoy the full range of outdoor activities here, of which hiking is just the tip of the iceberg.

As I said before, if you’re looking to get off the sightseeing circuit in Europe for a few days, and instead want to savour some tourist-free views and some epic active adventures, then a stay of 2-3 days in Bohemian Switzerland would be ideal.

I actually spent 4 days in this lovely area and still felt like there was more to do and see!

Bohemian Switzerland National Park Itinerary

So the main attraction within this area is, of course, the Bohemian Switzerland National Park.

This is where you can enjoy the hike to the largest sandstone arch in Europe, take a boat ride through beautiful gorges, as well as enjoy a multitude of hiking and cycling trails.

The whole national park is a large woodland area, a magical, forested glen set to a backdrop of towering sandstone structures, incredible lookout areas and ancient rock castles.

Unsurprisingly, many local myths and fairy tales are wrapped up in this landscape too.

Once part of a prehistoric seabed, hiking here is largely under the shade of huge pine trees and, underfoot, the sandy terrain gives the impression of an amazing coastal area, even though you’re miles from the sea!

The huge rock formations make for some super photo opps and the calm Elbe River, which flows through it, is the perfect accompaniment to the well-maintained and well-marked trails.

Otherwise, you can float up the river too, either in a canoe or a kayak, or ride along peaceful cycle paths that thread their way alongside it.

Overall, the national park is the jewel in this area’s crown and is an easy bus ride from the town of Děčín – in fact, local bus number #434 will take you right into the heart of it.

Entrance to the national park is free, although it costs 3€ to enter Pravčická brána and a similarly small amount to take the boat ride through the gorge –  a price well worth paying in my opinion!

A great day option for visiting this park is to canoe / kayak from Děčín to the town on the otherside of the German border – its name is Schmilka – where you can enjoy a great lunch.

You can then get a small boat (with your bike) across to the other side of the river for a mere 2.50€, before cycling back to Czechia and the entrance of the national park.

Stop for coffee at one of the many riverside cafes along the way if you do choose this option, so you can take in the views and peaceful atmosphere.

Oh the magic of travelling in Europe!

Things to Do in Bohemian Switzerland

I believe I’ve mentioned already that hiking, camping, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking and cycling are the main things to enjoy in Bohemian Switzerland, but thought I’d put it here again just for the record!

Most of these activities are conducted in the national park, with the exception of rock climbing, which tends to take place along the Via Ferrata, a designated climbing cliff with various pegged trails in the town of Děčín.

Active Point can rent you climbing gear and offer guides if you are a novice, as I was!

Active Point can also supply canoes and kayaks, as well as bikes, and most of the activities (including hiking) can then be enjoyed without a guide – hoorah for ensuring those smaller pockets go just a little further…

As always, I recommend downloading maps.me to ensure you know exactly where you are hiking, because this app works even if you don’t have access to functioning wifi or data –  a godsend in a forested national park!

If you would rather have a guide however, then day trips with Active Point start from just 10€, and one of their best-selling tours (which includes canoe and bike rental) costs just 24€ per person.

Where to Stay in Bohemian Switzerland?

If you’re visiting this area for a few days, I would strongly suggest you base yourself in the nearby town of Děčín, so you can have easy access to the national park, the river and the climbing opps, as well as a good choice of accommodation, restaurants and bars in the evening.

Within Děčín, I highly recommend the very affordable and centrally located Hotel Ceska Crown , which offers 3* comfort and has a designated space to lock up your bike.

Otherwise, Kemp Děčín (Camp Děčín) offers budget accommodation via tents, yurts and cabins. It also has room for you to pitch your own tent or park your van, and is located right on the side of the river.

As I’ve said before, bikes and canoes / kayaks can be hired from here as well.

Key Packing Items

The following would be a great idea to pack for a multi-day, active time in Bohemian Switzerland…

• Running Shoes or Walking Shoes
• Sunhat / Cap
• Insect Repellent
• Hiking Day Pack
• Metal Reusable Water Bottle

To learn more about packing for a trip to the Czech Republic, check out this article I wrote, which gives you a complete checklist.

Where to Eat and Drink in Děčín?

The following are all excellent places I enjoyed eating and drinking in Děčín and come highly recommended…

• Nomad Micro Brewery
• Coffee & Books
• Tankovna Na Skrivance

Things to Know Before you Go!

There are several ATMs across Děčín that accept both Visa and Mastercard.

Banks, pharmacies and supermarkets scatter the town too, so you don’t need to worry about supplies.

You can also pick up a local SIM card here if you need to, although be aware that roaming within the EU is free – so if you have a SIM card from any other EU country, you don’t need to get a new one for travel in Czechia.

The train station in Děčín is centrally located and cycling or walking around town is both easy and safe.

Locals here are very friendly, although not a lot of English is spoken. You may fair slightly better if you have a bit of German under your belt, but sadly this wasn’t my strong point either! Go for Google Translate!

Laundry facilities are available at Camp Děčín.

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Quick Czechia Travel Guide

Best Travel Insurance for Czechia

If you’re looking to get outside and active in the Bohemian Switzerland area, or anywhere in Europe, then I do highly recommend ensuring you’re covered by a travel policy.

And my go-to is always travel insurance from World Nomads , which I’ve used throughout my time across Europe thanks to its great coverage of active adventures including hiking, rock-climbing and canoeing.

Alternatively, if you’re a digital nomad or remote worker looking for travel insurance cover, then look no further than Safetywing’s great Nomad Insurance policies.

These guys will cover you at some seriously great prices, including if you have to quarantine!

5 Packing Essentials for Your Czechia Trip

#1 Good Camera – You will be pretty much snapping non-stop in Bohemian Switzerland and will need a good camera to do this gorgeous part of the world justice. I highly recommend the Sony A6000 , which I use for all my travels and which I love, not least because it’s light, compact and robust!

#2 Good Walking Shoes – There will be a lot of walking here, it’s as simple as that! Make sure your feet are comfortable therefore with a pair of New Balance Trainers . I love mine.

#3 Good Guidebook – I’m still a massive fan of the Lonely Planet Guidebooks and do think their Czech Republic edition is well put together and able to save you a lot of money if you want to learn about the history of this country, but not pay for a guide.

#4 Good Water Bottle – All that outdoor stuff is thirsty work, so make sure you have a metal water bottle that you can refill as you go, because Czechia tap water is drinkable… and free!

#5 Good Backpack – And to carry your water bottle, camera and guidebook, you’re going to need a decent backpack that will help you balance the weight as you walk the national park. In my opinion, you can’t go past the Bobby Anti Theft Backpack , which is also perfect for helping you avoid pickpockets in Prague too.

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And there it is, my full travel guide to visiting Bohemian Switzerland in Czechia.

Have I convinced you to head to this beautiful, off-the-beaten-track part of the country yet?

Any questions you have, or pieces of advice you can add for other travellers, please drop them in the comments box below…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

6 thoughts on “ Ultimate Guide to Visiting Bohemian Switzerland National Park ”

Everyones welcome. The National park Bohemian Switzerland is opened whole year. If you need free download map, look here: http://www.bohemian-switzerland.cz/map

Thanks for adding in this great resource!

I would also recommend Czech Paradise. Its just 45min drive from Prague and you will see spectacular rock formations as well.

Thanks, this is a great suggestion! Steph 🙂

Thanks for the great article Steph! We’re digging into learning more about the region as we’re planning to spend a long stretch this summer in Poland and Czechia. I’ve booked 5 nts in Decin!

That’s amazing to hear! Have a fab time! Best wishes and happy travels, Steph 🙂

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Worth To See

Dobříš Château

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Bohemian Paradise Protected Landscape Area

The uniqueness of the Bohemian Paradise expanse was given due recognition as early as 1955, when the first Protected Landscape Area (“CHKO”) of the former Czechoslovakia was declared.

The Cathedral of St. Barbara in Kutná Hora

The Gothic landmark of the royal town of Kutná Hora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Cathedral of St. Barbara is an example of the wealth of a medieval town combined with the piety of its inhabitants.

Crystal BOHEMIA Glassworks

Even though Crystal BOHEMIA was only founded relatively recently, in 2008, its owners continue a long tradition of glass-making in Poděbrady

Konopiště Château

The grand château has hosted many important events, hunting festivals and is home to wild bears that still live in the château moat today.

Live Royal, Sleep Regal: Be Unapologetically Majestic!

In a region boasting an extraordinary density of châteaus and castles, every step is a stride through history. Wander the enchanting nature trails, where the echoes of former royal seats linger, or delve into the mysterious corridors of both renowned and hidden medieval castles. For the true connoisseur of regal indulgence, opt for an opulent stay in one of the many châteaus, where royal spa and wellness treatments await to pamper you.

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7 Best Things To Do In South Bohemia, Czech Republic

Looking for the best things to do in South Bohemia, Czech Republic?

My recent trip to this stunning region was a treasure trove of experiences, and I’m here to share the highlights with you.

From the winding streets of Český Krumlov to the opulent halls of Hluboká Castle, there’s much to see and do. As we delve into what to do in South Bohemia, I’ll guide you through Southern Bohemia’s must-visit spots that promise both adventure and tranquillity.

Get ready for a blend of historical marvels and outdoor adventures that promise to enrich your travel experience in this enchanting region.

Please note that some of the links on The Seville Guide are affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Where is South Bohemia, Czech Republic?

South Bohemia is a picturesque region in the Czech Republic, known for its enchanting forests, historic towns, and beautiful landscapes.

It’s located mostly in the southern-western part of the Czech Republic.

If you’re planning a Southern Bohemia itinerary, you’ll have plenty to explore—from the UNESCO-listed town of Český Krumlov to the majestic Hluboká Castle, and the peaceful countryside scattered with charming chateaux and rural farms.

Best Things To Do In South Bohemia

No time to find out about the best places to visit in South Bohemia?

If you just want the low-down on what to see in South Bohemia, then below is a list of all the best things in the region to help you plan your South Czech Republic itinerary.  If you’re exploring the country, then why not download this Czech Republic bucket list straight to your inbox and see how many you can tick off?

Best Things To Do In Southern Bohemia

• The UNESCO City Of Český Krumlov
• The City Of České Budějovice
• The Chateau Of Hluboká
• Treetop Walkway in Lipno
• Visit the Original Budweiser Beer Factory
• The Historic Village Of Holašovice
• The Adventure Sport Scene

Your download is on its way to your inbox 🙂

I’ve partnered with South Bohemia Tourism to bring you this travel guide. This article is based on the destinations and experiences I took part in. All views and opinions are my own

Unmissable Things For Your Southern Bohemia Itinerary

For the South Bohemian region, these are my top picks: Český Krumlov and the Chateau Of Hluboká are definite must-sees. If you’re interested in adventure sports then tag on Lipno.

For a longer visit, explore the neighbouring region of South Moravia and visit the Czech Republic’s second city of Brno, in one day .

1. Visit The UNESCO City Of Český Krumlov

Quite possibly, the number one place to visit in Southern Bohemia is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Český Krumlov.  This is one of the most stunningly beautiful historic towns in southern Bohemia, which could have been plucked straight from a fairy tale .

Located on the meandering banks of the Vltava River, nestled next to a rocky slope with a dominating 13th-century castle perched on top, the mediaeval city of Cesky Krumlov is filled with a labyrinth of cobblestone streets and alleyways wind their way out into courtyards, footbridges and colourful historic buildings.

📍 Want to discover the best places in Cesky Krumlov? 📍

The castle, which dominated the skyline, is built in a mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Two of the most striking elements of the castle complex are the ornate rotund bell tower and the arched Cloak Bridge.

Ideally, you’ll want to allow at least a full day here – if you’re pushed for time you can even do this as a whole day tour from Prague although I highly recommend staying overnight to enjoy the city at a more casual pace.

Things To Do In Cesky Krumlov

If you are limited on time, then make sure these things appear somewhere on your Cesky Krumlov itinerary.

• Climb the Bell Tower
• Walk over the Cloak Bridge
• Get lost in the cobblestoned alleyways
• Ride a traditional wooden raft along the Vltava River

Tips for Visiting Cesky Krumlov

This is the most popular city in South Czech Republic so it does draw crowds, especially during the peak season. To give you some perspective, after the city of Prague, Cesky Krumlov is the Czech Republic’s second most visited tourist attraction!

To make the most of this city, aim to visit outside of peak time, these typically coincide with European school holidays – so the week around Easter, and July and August. I visited in September, and although there were some crowds, they weren’t nearly as bad as they got over the summer.

If you are only able to visit during the peak season, then explore the city early (before the tour buses arrive!) for the best chance of getting gorgeous photos with no one blocking your view.

Read Next:  Cesky Krumlov 1 Day Itinerary

2. Explore The City Of České Budějovice

The other unmissable destination for your South Bohemia itinerary is the city of Ceske Budejovice . It is located in the valley at the confluence of the Vltava River, and the Malše. Like many other cities in Bohemia has its origin dating back to Medieval times.

If you’re planning a Czech Republic road trip, Ceske Budejovice is a great city to base yourself in, as there are plenty of things to see in the city itself, as well as being a short drive to the other places of interest I mention in this article.

Although the modern city of České Budějovice is quite sprawling, the historical centre still has its old-world charm.

In the centre of the town, you’ll find Přemysl Otakar II Square, the city’s main square is the fifth largest public square in the Czech Republic. It’s surrounded by 48 arcaded buildings varying from Baroque to Renaissance style, as well as the triple-spired Old City Hall. In the centre of the square, you’ll find Samson’s Fountain.

The square dates back to the 13th century and has had different remodelling over the years, although it has remained the heart of the city and hosts various events, markets and art displays.

There are a couple of places to go in Ceske Budejovice for beautiful panoramic city views .

The first is onto the roof of the Old City Hall, you can book a tour at the Tourist Information Centre. The second great viewpoint is by taking the 225 steps up the 72-metre-high Black Tower.

České Budějovice is one of the main beer-producing regions in the Czech Republic, and is affectionately known as the ‘city of beer’. This is thanks to the two historic breweries situated here, the Samson Brewery since 1795 and the Budweiser Budvar Brewery founded in 1895. 

There are also numerous microbreweries to visit in the Old Town each selling its local brew. It would be rude not to visit at least a few of these establishments!

👉 Two fun facts about the square.

• The first is that the square isn’t actually square. The corners have been cut off! This was to make it easier for the trams in the 50s to go around corners.
• The other interesting fact is the little stone with a cross in the centre a few metres from the fountain. Legend says if you step on it after 10 pm, you’ll be lost until morning. In reality, the cross marks the spot where they used to chop heads off criminals.

Things To Do In Ceske Budejovice:

• Climb the Black Tower
• Explore the pretty streets
• Visit the Town Hall for a rooftop view
• Drink local beer from one of the many microbreweries

Read Next:  Detailed Guide to České Budějovice

3. Marvel At The Chateau Of Hluboká

Hluboká is an ornate château located in the town of Hluboká nad Vltavou about 15km from the city of České Budějovice. It’s said to be one of the most beautiful castles in Bohemia, some even rank it up there as one of the most beautiful castles in the whole of the Czech Republic.

Either way, it’s absolutely magnificent and certainly worth adding to your Czech Republic bucket list .

Every surface of the Chateau, both inside and out, is lavishly decorated and features pristine examples of wooden carving that adorn every surface of the interior – it’s no surprise that the craftsman took more than 30 years to complete these wooden carvings!

There has been a castle at this site since the 13th century, however, what stood then is nothing like the version that you will see today. In 1661 the castle became the property of the Schwarzenberg family.

The current style of chateau drew inspiration from a visit to Great Britain .

Prince Jan Adolf II Schwarzenberg was invited to attend the coronation of Queen Victoria in 1838. On his visit, the prince was inspired by the beautiful buildings of London,  including the royal Windsor Castle, as well as books on the nation’s architecture that he brought back with him and used as a reference.

After his visit, the chateau was rebuilt in the Baroque style during the first 30 years of the 18th century. It was then given a romantic reconstruction during the mid-19th century which now has a Neo-Gothic appearance.

No expense was spared, and every surface, including the ceilings, is richly decorated with murals, carvings, paintings and textiles. You’ll also find heavily decorated chandeliers and colourful stained glass windows in this summer residence.

The purpose of the castle was to host parties, hunting trips and anniversaries. It was never lived in the full time since the winter temperature inside the castle was too cold (even though some rooms have stoves), and in summer it would be too hot.

If you’re a fan of fairytale castles , then Hluboká Chateau is a must-see southern Czech landmark.   

👉 Insider Tip: If you’re touring the southern part of Czech Republic and you’re a fan of chateaus, then I recommend the Lednice complex. It’s one of the most popular day trips from Brno , the country’s second capital.

Read Next: The Complete Czech Republic Bucket List

4. Climb The Treetop Walkway In Lipno

At one point, Lipno only really attracted tourists for winter sports, however, since the introduction of the gigantic treetop walkway, Lipno is now home to a multitude of adventure and adrenaline sports and one of the most visited, year-round South Bohemian holiday destinations.

Treetop Walkway Lipno was the first walkway of its kind in the Czech Republic and was opened in July 2012. It was created by a German-based company called Erlebnis Akademie AG, which has created similar structures all over Europe.

This Treetop Walkway was the second design of theirs I have visited. If you’re interested in visiting the one in the Black Forest, Germany, then you can find out about it in this Bavaria Road Trip itinerary .  

This scenic observation tower stands proud on top of Kramolin Hill, at 901 metres. It consists of a 675-metre-long treetop walking platform, leading up into a spiral tower. The lookout tower is 40 metres high and offers views over Lipno Lake and the Austrian mountains.

Once you’ve finished admiring the views, you can either walk back down the same route you came up or ride down the centre of the tower on the spiral slide. It boasts of being one of the longest dry toboggans in the Czech Republic at 52 metres in length.

The treetop trail in Lipno is family-friendly, and along the trail, you’ll find a total of 11 educational and interactive stops, making this a great option if you’re travelling with kids.

The walkway is also a barrier-free attraction, making it suitable for wheelchair and pushchair users. As travel tips go, it’s worthwhile taking something warm with you. At the top of the platform, it’s quite exposed and if you feel the cold easily (like I do) you’ll be thankful for a warm jacket.

5. Drink Original Budweiser Beer

I already briefly mentioned above that the city of České Budějovice has a huge beer-producing heritage. So naturally one of the top things to do in Southern Bohemia is to learn how it’s made.

The Budvar brewery started brewing its reputable beer on 7 October 1895, with all its ingredients sourced from within the country. Their yeast is prepared on-site, the malt comes from barley grown in the Moravia region, and the hops are sourced from a small town in the northern Czech Republic. Even the water is taken from the source, via a 320m deep well.

As much as the USA doesn’t want to admit it, this is actually the original and (undoubtedly) best Budweiser beer.  Their signature Budweiser beer is exported to over 70 countries worldwide, and all of the beer comes from this one factory. They don’t make beer for anyone else, and the fact that they only use locally sourced ingredients means that the profits are kept in the local region.

The factory is synonymous with České Budějovice, and most of the employees have lived here all their lives. The factory even supports local initiatives and has funded public amenities such as the library at the University, local sports clubs and even theatres.  

A whopping 1,800,000 00 litres of beer are produced here per year and everything from the creation, through to packaging and distribution is handled on-site. It’s certainly worth visiting the factory to see the entire process of one of the world’s best beers from start to finish.

And yes, of course, you get to drink it – in its purest, non-filtered or pasteurised form before being bottled.

👉 Insider Tip: If beer isn’t your thing, then you’ll be glad to hear that Czech wines are pretty big around here too.

Related Article:   Best Things To Do In České Budějovice

6. Wander Around The Historic Village Of Holašovice

One of the more quaint things to do in South Bohemia is to visit the UNESCO-listed Historic Village Of Holašovice. This small settlement gained its status thanks to it being one of the most complete and well-preserved examples of a traditional central European village.

The ground plan of the village dates back to the Middle Ages, with the buildings dating from the 18th – 19th century. Part of its charm is thanks to the Vernacular architecture, which means its design is endemic, and this style is only found locally, using traditional materials found in the area. The village gained its World Heritage Status in 1998.

The style of the building is known as South Bohemian Folk Baroque. This is what a typical Bohemian village would have looked like hundreds of years ago. The little settlement consists of 23 brick farmsteads, a central green with a fish pond, a forge, and a chapel.

The traditional layout of a farm in the South Bohemian Folk Baroque style is in a “U” shape. On the front of the houses, there are details and simple motifs as a way to show the affluence of the farmers of the village.

It’s located just 16 kilometres west of České Budějovice. It’s certainly worthwhile calling in at this fascinating little time capsule of a village as part of your South Bohemia travel.

7. Enjoy The Adventure Sport Scene

The South Bohemian region is blessed with numerous things to keep adventure sports lovers occupied. If you’re looking for things to do in Bohemia, one of the main regions for outdoor pursuits is Lipno, the town closest to where the Tree Walk is located that I wrote about earlier.

If you’re looking for things to do in Lipno,  the town is blessed with mountains and a lake, so there’s a hive of adventure sports on offer. During the winter, the main options revolve around snowsports, Lipno has decent ski and snowboarding facilities.

During the spring, summer and autumn, popular activities include mountain biking, kick biking and hiking. And if you don’t mind getting wet, then canoeing, sailing and rafting in the lake.

Another place to explore, especially if you want to hike or bike, is the Šumava National Park right on the border between the Czech Republic and Germany.

Another option if you prefer rock sports is the Ferrata Hluboká. There are various difficulties of Ferrata routes, aimed at families/beginners through to more experienced climbers. The routes are all in the Vltava Valley and follow the path of the river.

You can make a whole day of it and visit all the Ferratas, they are accessible along the cycle route. In total, there are over 720 metres of horizontal climbing at Ferrata Hluboká, which makes it the longest Czech Ferrata above the river.

Wear shoes with a grip, and trousers if you’re worried about scuffing your knees. You can rent equipment to do the Ferrata at the Hluboká nad Vltavou Sports and Relaxation Complex. The rental shop is next to the beach volleyball court and is 8.8 km from the Ferrata itself.

How To Get To South Bohemia

Travellers typically arrive in the Czech Republic via Prague.

From Prague, you have several travel options to reach České Budějovice:

• 🚄 Trains to České Budějovic depart from Prague Station and take approximately 2-3 hours
• 🚌 Regular bus services are available, they take around 2.5 hours
• 🚗 Driving from Prague to České Budějovice is the quickest option with a 1.5 hours journey time

If you’re starting in Brno (Czechia’s second capital) getting to České Budějovice from Brno is straightforward. Here are your travel options:

• 🚄 There isn’t a direct train from České Budějovice to Brno (you’ll need to change in Prague which adds a huge detour)
• 🚌 Buses take roughly 3.5 hours
• 🚗 By car, the journey is shorter, about 2.5 hours

If you’re planning a whole trip around central Europe, then it’s useful to know that you can travel from neighbouring Austria. Trains and buses make the trip in about 2 hours between Austria and České Budějovice.

Things to do in South Bohemia FAQs

What is bohemia called today.

Today, the region historically known as Bohemia is called the Czech Republic.

Where exactly is Bohemia?

Bohemia is situated in the heart of Europe, occupying the westernmost and largest region of the Czech Republic. It’s bordered by Germany to the west, Poland to the north, the historic region of Moravia to the east, and Austria to the south.

How do I get from Prague to Český Krumlov?

Travelling from Prague to Český Krumlov is straightforward. You can take a three-hour direct bus from Prague’s Central Bus Station, or opt for a scenic train ride which usually involves a transfer at České Budějovice. Alternatively, you can rent a car for more flexibility.

How’s Your Southern Bohemia Itinerary Shaping Up?

So how many of these things are you adding to your Southern Czech Republic itinerary? If you’re planning to visit South Bohemia, you’ll find more than enough places of interest to keep you occupied for several days.  

This article covered the very best of Bohemia. If you’re looking for more ideas on what to see in Southern Bohemia region, or if you’re travelling to other places and wondering what to see in Czech Republic , then take a look at these other useful guides.

• 30+ Great Places To Visit In Czech Republic
• The Complete One Day in Brno Itinerary
• Best Things To Do In České Budějovice
• 10 Things To See In Cesky Krumlov

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If you found this article about the best things to do in South Bohemia useful or know someone who would, then share or pin it for future reference.

Have a question about planning your Southern Bohemia itinerary? then head to the Contact page and drop me a message.

Hey, I'm Becki......and I'm a self-confessed travel addict and experience connoisseur!

In other words, I’m a bucket-list traveller, on a mission to experience the best things our fabulous little planet has to offer with the least environmental impact.

When I'm not climbing mountains, scuba diving, spotting wildlife or exploring ruins, you'll probably find me sipping coffee, or with a glass of wine in hand planning my next adventure.

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Hiking in a bohemian paradise

It’s called Bohemian Paradise and, in many ways, it is a paradise. Amongst the forest you find rock formations, castles, lakes and pubs.

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

Updated: June 12, 2023

Visiting Bohemian Paradise in the Czech Republic

This wonderful natural area is an easy trip from Prague. The Bohemian Paradise is great for hiking but there are lots of other things to do here too.

JUMP DOWN: My recommendations for the best hiking trails in Bohemian Paradise

The idea of bohemia conjures up a sense of art, of freedom, of carefree inspiration and head-spinning euphoria.

The bohemian culture swept through Europe in the nineteenth century. Artists, musicians, writers, performers. Probably impoverished (or at least pretending to be), socialising with kindred spirits, perhaps being free with the love, and possibly free with the substances that make you love.

This is the Bohemia I imagine. But is it what I find when I actually go to the place that claims to be the paradise of Bohemia? Well… sort of.

Bohemia is the name of the largest region in the Czech Republic. The reason the artistic movement borrowed the name is because the lifestyle started in the lower class areas of France where many gypsies lived, and these gypsies were thought to have arrived from Bohemia, the region I now find myself in.

Bohemia, as a region, is large and contains many of the sites I have already written about – Prague , Česky Krumlov , Litomyšl . But there’s one place I want to focus on today. It’s called Bohemian Paradise.

Where is Bohemian Paradise?

Head northeast of Prague for about 100 kilometres and you hit Bohemian Paradise. It was the first nature reserve in the Czech Republic and has been expanded in size over the years.

Throughout the park is a network of hiking trails that lead through large tracts of beautiful forest. There are flat plains on the outskirts, closer to the main roads that encircle the park, but, as you go in deeper, the paths take you into mountains and around cliff edges towards the centre.

Throughout it all are palatial old houses, castles, pubs, ruins, picnic areas, lakes… and constant discoveries.

It can be a bit of a hassle to arrange your own trip to Bohemian Paradise, but there’s this fantastic tour from Prague that will take you to all the highlights without the need to organise anything.

What I think makes the area so special are the rock formations that you also find amongst the forest. Tall towers of sandstone that have been battered by the weather for countless years and moulded into unique shapes. They look like fingers on a hand, like petrified trees, like watch towers, or the turrets of castles.

In fact, some of them have actually been turned into castles. I find one of these old castles that has been made out of the natural sandstone towers as I begin my first hike in Bohemian Paradise.

• Hiking in Bohemian Paradise

There are a lot of hiking trails through the park and surrounding area and you can plan to do walks of any length you like, mixing and matching the paths you like at the numerous points where they intersect.

I had trouble doing planning in advance because there is very little official information online. However, if you pop into one of the tourist information centres in the nearby towns, you’ll be able to get a good map. There are also signs along the trails with maps. And the paths are marked with different colours to help you navigate.

There is also a great tour company that will guide you to all the best spots on this small group tour from Prague . Another option from Prague is this private tour .

If you’re interested in organising your own hiking while you’re in the area, I am going to suggest two options to get you started. I did both of these and I think they’re a nice length and take you through a good variety of what there is to see in Bohemian Paradise.

Both of the trails are marked on the map below that I’ve put together. If you’re using your smartphone, just click on the icon in the top right to open the map in your Google Maps app. Then, as you are walking, you’ll be able to trace your path with the GPS marker.

Dneboh Loop

This hike is a loop so you could start it from anywhere, but I think the most convenient place is from Dneboh. It is about 13 kilometres long and will take about four hours. There are a few uphill sections and also some great places along the way you’ll want to stop and explore.

For instance, right about the town of Dneboh, you’ll find the castle in the rocks. This complex of stones creates passageways between them. Climb up the ladder and you’ll be on the peaks, using gangplanks and more ladders to get between, with amazing views across the lands below.

A bit further along, just south of the town of Zásadka, is another castle built within one large piece of stone that you can go inside and climb to the top.

You’ll go through forests and fields, up and down slopes. There will be caves and other signs of ancient human activity in the rocks. Finally you’ll finish with some incredible views of the rocks from the cliffs before you descend back to Dneboh.

Then, at the end (or the start, for that matter), there’s a nice little hut that serves cold beer and hot coffee. You will want it by then, I’m sure!

Turnov to Hrubá Skála

This hike is one way between the city of Turnov (which has very good transport connections) and the small town of Hrubá Skála (which is connected by bus and train back to Turnov. You can do it in either direction.

From Turnov, you rise up into the mountains and reach a viewing tower built at the peak. From there, it’s just a short walk along to the Valdstejn Castle. This is an attraction in itself and you can buy a ticket to go and in look around.

Further along this trail, you’ll come across a few places which are marked as viewpoints for the spectacular rock formations. The most famous one is probably of the ‘band leader’ and the ‘band’, as they are called (but in Czech).

At the Bukovina Arboretum, you’ll find a small but very friendly pub that serves a hearty lunch and cheap beers, if you’re ready for a bit of a break by this point. But just a little further on is the large Hrubá Skála Castle. This is also a hotel and there are shops and cafes here.

From this point, you can walk down to the train station (or bus stop) at Hrubá Skála, as I have marked in the map.

As an alternative, if you’ve still got some energy, there’s a lovely path through more forest and past a lake, that will take you to Borek train station. You could even go a bit further and make it to the famous Trosky Castle, spread across two crags.

The walk without the extensions is about 10 kilometres and should take about three hours.

Remember, if you don’t want to do all the planning and navigating yourself, there are a couple of tour options that will organise everything from Prague for you:

So, before I finish, I guess I didn’t tell you the answer to that question I posed at the beginning. Did I find the bohemian ideals here in Bohemian Paradise?

Well, it wasn’t a smoke-filled Paris apartment with painters and musicians waxing lyrical about love. But it was inspiring in its beauty, and it was carefree in its seemingly endless paths.

I did feel, as I walked in the forest or climbed up the sandstone towers, that I had freedom. And I found such pleasure in the aesthetics that I often thought of nothing else but the vista in front of me.

And, in a way, when you get down to the core of it all, that’s what bohemia is really about.

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN BOHEMIAN PARADISE

If you’re travelling by public transport, you’re limited to the bigger towns for accommodation. I would suggest looking at either Turnov or Mnichovo Hradiště .

For a budget room in the region, I would recommend the friendly Hotel Pension u Mydlaru .

If you want a bit more space, Apartman Machova is a very affordable option.

For something a bit more upmarket, Hotel U Kvapilu is a clean and modern hotel with a good location.

It’s not five star, but Bohemia Inn Hotel is lovely and is one of the best hotels in the region.

More stories about the Czech Republic

• The best things to do in Prague
• My top day trips from Prague
• Tips for visiting Cesky Krumlov
• What to see at Kutna Hora
• The Czech Republic's church of bones!
• The incredible castle at Kromeriz
• The story behind Telc's charming square
• Why the village of Holasovice is important

21 thoughts on “Hiking in a bohemian paradise”

I come from the Czech Republic and I couldn’t agree more with these ideas! It is a paradise country for hikers!

Thanks – useful tips and good photography. Hard to decide between the two. One thing that would help is where to find info on the schedules between Hrubá Skála and Turnov. We’re a little worried about getting stranded.

Hey there. Thanks for a good article! Is any hike safe to take a 1 year old? (carrying fx)

Hi Sara. You won’t have any problems with a 1 year old on these hikes. They are all easy tracks (some people had prams on some of them). Any steep bits that are slightly tricky are very short.

Hi. Looking at doing the loop walk but how do you get to from Prague by public transport please? Thanks

bless you, time travel turtle! I am an exchange student living in české budějovice and I have been dying to find some day hikes but struggling to find up to date, practical information about train connections and such. Thanks 🙂

My pleasure! I’m so pleased you found them useful. Please let me know if you have any feedback or tips that you’ve discovered yourself on your hikes!

My husband and i will have 5 days in Czech republic after we leave Prague. We want to hike/hike and get away from. Large towns. Prefer smaller places. Can anyone advise us on how easy it is to navigate around by public transport. We are not sure if bohemian Switzerland is easy to get to? Or maybe another national park is easier to get to?

Thank you! Your advise was very helpful! We did the Turnov to Hrubá Skála route today. It was absolutely beautiful! My legs are tired from the walk, but it was worth it. We took a taxi back to our car at the end. 275 krona well spent! Many thanks! Without your advice it would not have been such a success!

Hi, If you like visite Prachov Rock City from Prague it is possible to go by bus to Jíčín and then to Prachov. The connection is not perfect and takes it little longer. Or I have small outdoor company and I do hiking and biking tour out of Prague. Mostly to Bohemian Paradise Geopark and Bohemian Switzerland National Park. Have a great time in Prague.

Thanks Lucas! I have added the links to your tours into the blog post so people can find you if they’re interested in checking out Bohemian Paradise with a guide. The tours look great!

Hi, I am a Czech and I can recommend you an online map for planning the hikes – mapy.cz. It is available as an app, in English too, and if you switch the map type to Touristic, you can see all the trails :). The whole country is connected by them.

Is it possible to send me the Public transit information for getting here from Prague?

I will be traveling to Prague with my husband for a week arriving Oct 5 or 6. We want to do several days of hiking, day hikes, somewhere less “touristy” where we could stay a few days. We are both in our 50s, aiming for 4-6 hour hikes. I am feeling overwhelmed at where to go; there’s so much-and our time to go is getting close! I want to go somewhere where we are less likely to be with crowds of people I felt like finding your website was SO HELPFUL; but still wonder if you could hike in one place that is accessible (within 4 hours of Prague) where would it be? Bohemian Paradise–? Do you have other suggestions? is there somewhere to hike near česky Krumlov that you would recommend?

Both of these walks look great, and I am also really interested in the Karlstejn trail. Do you think I should book my trains in advance or just buy them on the day? I will be going this weekend.

This year I would be able to visit the Bohemian Paradise in July or August. I’m concerned about both hot temperatures and crowds on the trails. Would I enjoy making the trip in July/August, or would you recommend that I wait another year to come another time of year?

My friends and I walked your Turnov to Hrubá Skála route which was a fantastic day trip whilst visiting Prague. We managed to get a bus back to Turnov easily too, and made the last train back to Prague. The walk was stunning and the rocks were like nothing I’d seen before, and we had a lovely picnic lunch. I could not recommend this walk more! If you are visiting from Prague it can be done in a day easily with a bit of planning and checking local trains/buses. Thank you for showing us this route as without it we may not have been able to visit! (We did this in September 2019)

does the one in Slovakia have anything in common? They are both named ‘paradise’ It looks like a real adventure over ladders and small edges, makes the Czech version look like a children’s playground.

Just got back from the Turnov Route and had a wonderful experience! As I gained more confidence on understanding the trail I started turning out for points that weren’t on the route, but I never would have gotten that far if it wasn’t for your offering, so thank you! I overindulged on the hiking and ended up missing the last train ( a good reminder for folks who tread forth without a plan to check the transport timetables) but the walk home during sunset was the cherry on top. I hope to return someday and try out your other route. Cheers!

So the author just wrote this article to advertise tours without providing the info or answers in the comments on how to get there.

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Things to Do in Bohemia

Of the two regions that make up the Czech Republic, the better known is the westernmost one, Bohemia. It is the land that gave Europe its favorite catchall term for free spirit: "Bohemian." Despite being beaten into submission by successive Austrian, German, and Soviet hegemony, that spirit has lived on. In the 14th century, the region's capital, Prague, was the seat of the Holy Roman Empire under Charles IV. So Bohemians maintain their collective historical memory that they too, at least briefly, ruled the world. Even under the domination of the Austrians, Bohemia's industrial base was world-class, and in the peace between the two world wars of the 20th century, independent Bohemia, especially Prague, created some of the greatest wealth on earth.

Much was lost in the destruction of World War II and the 4 decades of Communism that followed. The good news is that Bohemia is slowly returning to its earlier prominence, leaving behind its reputation as a satellite in the former Eastern Bloc and forging a more familiar role as a crossroads at the heart of Europe.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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South Bohemia Itinerary – Sustainable Tourism in Czech Republic

• Last Updated: January 9, 2023

A detailed guide on our South Bohemia itinerary and road trip through Czech Republic.

If you’ve ever dreamed of getting off-the-beaten-path in Europe, then the south of Czech Republic is the place for you.

Filled with stunning forests, picturesque villages, friendly locals and plenty of activities to keep you busy, the South Bohemia region is popular for Czechs and tourists from neighbouring nations, but it is often overlooked by the general travelling population.

Almost every tourist visiting Central Europe spends a few days exploring the best things to do in Prague and visit the medieval city of Cesky Krumlov before heading to Vienna or Budapest, never to return again.

Such a shame, because Czechia has so much more to offer!

We’ve been lucky enough to spend about six weeks exploring some of Czech Republic’s more offbeat destinations, such as the hiking mecca of Bohemian Switzerland National Park in the north and Ostrava in the east of the country, and the more we visit the more we fall in love with Czechia.

On our most recent trip we explored a new region to us, South Bohemia, and were blown away with just how beautiful this place is.

We were working with Czech Tourism to help promote some new sustainable tourism products that had been developed in South Bohemia and present our findings at the annual TravelCon conference.

It was a wonderful trip and we really were blown away at just how much opportunity there is in this part of Czechia.

It is still very much off the radar for most tourists, which only adds to its appeal.

For those who have visited Czech Republic before, or want to extend their trip outside of the capital city, we’re pleased to share with you our guide for travelling South Bohemia.

Table of Contents

Check Out the Bison Ranch

Rent an e-bike to explore bohemian canada, paint your own ceramics with keramika mariz, where to stay in slavonice – hotel u ruze, learn about sustainable tourism at farm alpaka, lunch at nove hrady, walk to the terčino údolí waterfall, breweries, whiskey, chocolate and beer spas at svachovka resort, watch sunrise at cesky krumlov, check out lipno resort, learn traditional carpentry at statek u medvěda, visit the schwarzenberg canal, where to stay – statek u medvěda, go hiking in šumava national park, the golden trail from bischofsreut to české žleby, where to stay – u vyšaty, visit the goat farm at výrov, see the bisons at křišťanov, lunch at vodník vimperk, hang out with donkeys and buy handmade handicrafts at na vlně, where to stay – rezidence u černé věže, language barriers, south bohemia travel tips, our south bohemia itinerary.

The best way to start your South Bohemia itinerary is to travel to the bustling city of Ceske Budejovice, which is a wonderful place to visit in its own right and makes a wonderful launching point for towns and villages in the area.

We travelled this area on a road trip, giving us greater flexibility get between places.

As a full disclaimer we travelled with some Czech locals as part of our campaign, which meant while our travels were made easier thanks to their ability to communicate, it also allowed us to discover more places to visit in South Bohemia.

We hope our insights allow you to really enjoy your travels in this part of Czech Republic and give you a perfect idea on what to include as part of your South Bohemia travels.

Day 1 – Ceske Budejovice to Slavonice

Take the train from Prague (or drive if you have a car) and start your awesome South Bohemia itinerary in Ceske Budejovice.

From here you can get to most points in the region within an hour or two.

The first stop along our Southern Czech Republic road trip is going to be the Bison Ranch, a place that is famous for its, you guessed it, bison.

Before we came here we didn’t even know you could see bison this easily in Central Europe , but the crew at the Bison Ranch have made a fantastic place where people of all ages can come and get up close to these massive, gorgeous animals.

It’s also a great place to have some lunch, so grab a bite to eat before heading out for the afternoon’s excursion.

• Address: Roznov 1, 378 81 Cesky Rudolec
• Website:  https://www.bisonranch.cz/

The Bison Ranch is located right on the edge of what is known as ‘Bohemian Canada’, and they rent out e-bikes for people who want to explore this beautiful part of South Bohemia.

If you’re like us and have never been on an e-bike before, they are very easy to figure out, and they assist greatly when it comes to peddling. It fact it’s almost like cheating a little bit (but much appreciated after a big lunch of bison and beers).

Head out from the Bison Ranch and take a big loop through Bohemian Canada, exploring the picturesque pine forests that give the area its name.

It’s a gorgeous ride down a mixture of dirt tracks and small village roads. Aim for a visit at the Landstejn Castle, a stunning medieval construction perched on a hill.

The little towns you ride through are really quaint, and you can also check out Cesky Rudolec castle and the historic Penikov monument, which is an original mill.

Eventually make your way back to the Bison Farm where you can drop your bikes off and head to the next destination.

We had dinner at Keramika Mariz, a lovely little traditional restaurant about 2.5km from the centre of Slavonice. The meals were very Czech, hearty and tasty, and coupled with some pilsners was the perfect way to end the day.

After dinner the owner took us out to her ceramic workshop, where we were able to pick our own ceramic mugs and paint them in any way we wanted.

Even though we were pretty tired after the big day out, it was surprisingly fun getting creative under the expert advice of the owner.

Once we’d finished painting our mugs we left them to be fired up in the kiln and told we could pick them up in the morning. As we were leaving early the next day we organised to collect them later in our road trip.

• Address:  Maříž 54, 378 81 Slavonice
• Website: https://www.keramika-mariz.cz

For the night we stayed in Hotel U Ruze, right on the old square of Slavonice. It was a beautiful hotel and the location couldn’t be any better.

Our room was clean and comfortable, the bed was great, and they even had free breakfast in the morning.

• Address:  Hotel U Růže, nám. Míru 452, 378 81 Slavonice
• Website:  https://hoteluruze.cz/
• Check Prices: On Booking.com

Day 2 – Slavonice to Mirkovice

In the morning we woke up for sunrise and went for a walk around Slavonice. The old town is absolutely gorgeous, with pretty alleyways and historic buildings to admire.

We wandered around for a bit, checked out some gardens as well, then had breakfast at our hotel. Soon enough it was time to hit the road.

It’s a short drive to the alpaca farm where you can learn all about sustainable farming and tourism initiatives from the friendly owners.

First of all, yes, they have alpacas (and they are adorable!), but they also have horses, goats, cows and other farmyard animals. It’s a wonderful property and you could easily hang out here for an entire day.

We only hung around for a little while though to have some coffee and snacks. Tomas, the owner, asked us if we wanted milk with our coffee, and when we said yes he grabbed a goat and milked it right then and there. Doesn’t get any fresher than that!

Tomas also took the time to explain to us his idea for keeping his property peaceful and sustainable. They have a number of accommodation options available, including a tepee and an old wagon, but he prefers not to advertise so he can keep control of how many people stay there at once.

He also welcomes RVs, but only one at a time. The whole reason is that he loves his farm and lifestyle, and wants to share it properly with every guest.

He knows that he could make much more money by opening up more rooms or letting additional campers stay, but he doesn’t want the pressure, and is scared the quality of service with drop if there were too many people.

If you have the time (and he’s open to it), the Farm Alpaka would be a great place to stay. For us though it was time to go do some hiking.

• Address:  Dobrá Voda čp 23, obec Číměř, 378 33 Nová Bystřice 
• Website:  https://www.farmaalpaka.eu/

We drove out to Nove Hrady, a state park that is very popular for domestic and neighbouring tourists. There’s a number of mellow hikes and bike paths to enjoy, as well as a great place for lunch.

Penzion Hamr serves up traditional Czech food, and we filled our stomachs before heading off for a walk through the park.

• Address:  Penzion Hamr, Údolí u Nových Hradů 149, 374 01
• Website:  https://www.novehrady-penzionhamr.cz/

You could spend all day walking around the park here, but we only spent an hour or so check out the Terčino Údolí waterfall, a short distance from the pension where we had lunch.

The walk was pleasant and very easy, following a small river before popping out at the base of the man-made waterfall. It’s created by piping water down from higher in the mountains, and it’s quite a sight to see.

We snapped our pictures then continued on our further up stream, crossing a bridge then coming back on the trail above the waterfall. Before too long we were back at the Pension and ready to move onto our next stop.

We don’t normally get excited about ‘resorts’, but this one was different.

Svachovka Resort manages to tick a whole bunch of boxes by having its own microbrewery, whiskey distillery and chocolate factory right there on site.

We spent the entire afternoon wandering around with one of the workers, sampling beers, tasting delicious liquor and trying to eat our weight in chocolate.

To say it was fun would be an understatement.

But another attraction they have which is sure to bring in visitors is a beer spa – basically a hot tub filled with beer!

We had two bathtubs in our room (!), and after our little tasting tour of the property we got back to find the tubs had been filled with hot beer.

Naturally we stripped down and jumped in, pleasantly surprised to find that we also had a beer keg situated right between us filled with, thankfully, cold pilsner.

It’s kind of touristy, kind of gimmicky, but definitely worth doing at least once in your life.

The resort also has a bunch of other activities to check out besides drinking and bathing, including a golf course, a lake for fishing and more, but we didn’t do any of these due to not having enough time.

Where to Stay – Svachovka Resort

Naturally the best place to stay is here at Svachovka Resort.

The food they serve in the restaurant is lovely, and best of all you can go on the brewery and distillery tours in between your beer baths!

Our room was enormous, and even had a beer spa right inside, which made it hard to want to leave the accommodation at all. Definitely worth spending at least a night here.

• Address:  Svachova Lhotka 1, 382 32 Mirkovice
• Website:  https://www.svachovka.cz/
• Check Prices:  Booking.com

Day 3 – Mirkovice to Nová Pec

Today is a fun-filled and jam-packed day, so it’s best to try and get to bed early the night before (without consuming too much alcohol) so you can get up and go in the morning.

The great thing about Svachovka Resort is that it’s only 5 minutes from the stunning and popular medieval village of Cesky Krumlov.

There’s a good chance that if you’re planning a trip to the Czech Republic you already have Cesky Krumlov on your list of places to visit. But if you do it as a day tour from Prague, you’re going to be swarmed with tourists.

We’ve been before, and know how crowded it can get during the day. But early in the morning? That’s a different story.

As part of our South Bohemia itinerary we decided to head into Cesky Krumlov and explore the castle for sunrise. It’s truly gorgeous, and to be there without any other people is surreal.

We took photos of sunrise from the castle before heading back to the resort for breakfast.

You might not know this, but the Czech Republic actually has a number of ski resorts around the country. We’ve been to a few in the Jeseniky Mountains in the north of the country, so this time we headed off to check out Lipno, the best one in South Bohemia.

Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do at the ski fields. In fact some are even busier when the snow melts!

Lipno Resort has turned into a year-round destination, with hiking paths, mountain bike and scooter trails and the installation of a brand new Tree Top Walkway that twists its way above the mountain.

Rather than taking the chair lift to the top of the hill, we walked up, making the most of the gorgeous weather. It only took 20 minutes or so, and we took a quick rest before heading to the Tree Top Walkway.

This style of spiralling boardwalk has become quite popular throughout Czechia and parts of Central Europe as a great walk to get above the treetops and admire the stunning forests and lakes the region is known for.

In Lipno the walkway has a number of interactive exhibits along it so kids (and adults) can learn about the local wildlife and landscapes.

Once we got to the top we spent some time checking out the view, then made our way down. But here we didn’t need to walk down…

The Tree Top Walkway has a long and steep enclosed slide through the centre that visitors can fly down. It’s very enjoyable and a lot quicker than walking. Don’t worry though, it’s very safe.

After we had slid down the walkway we went and rented some downhill scooters to get back to the bottom.

These are an immense amount of fun, and you can really pick up some crazy speed if you feel comfortable doing so.

There’s a great downhill dirt track that winds its way back to the ski base through a beautiful forest. We charged through as fast as we comfortably could, and we were thankful the scooters’ brakes worked well or we would have been in real trouble – they are quick!

After a fun-filled morning we grabbed lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. The whole village really does have a traditional ski resort-vibe, and we really enjoyed sitting in the sun having a beer while we rested.

• Address:  Lipno nad Vltavou 87, 382 78 Lipno nad Vltavou
• Website:  https://www.lipno.info/en/

It’s a bit of a drive to Nová Pec, but well worth it, as it’s one of the most picturesque areas in all of South Bohemia.

We arrived to the coolest guesthouse in the village, Statek U Medvěda, and the group checked in to our 3-bedroom traditional apartment.

It was one of the nicest places we’ve seen in Czech Republic, with amazing timber construction being the highlight of it. Each corner of the building was built with the finest attention to detail and expert craftsmanship.

After we relaxed for a bit we went outside and met the owner of the guesthouse, who was chopping wood in the backyard.

He owns a huge skateboard and snowboard shop in Lipno, and over the years he discovered that carpentry helped him alleviate the stress of running a successful business.

When he bought the old guesthouse he became fascinated with how it was constructed using ancient techniques, so he took it upon himself to learn these as well.

Now he has built an entire new wing and renovated the old house completely by hand. He chops down trees into shape using axes, carves them with hand planers and tries to never use any electric tools.

We spent an hour with him watching how he works, and he even let us have a go at it ourselves. Using an axe to chop down a pylon to millimetre-precision is incredibly hard, and we received a new-found respect for the techniques of yesteryear and how our apartment was built.

We took a short drive into the nearby Šumava National Park and went on one of the most popular trails to check out the Schwarzenberg Canal.

This manmade canal was built in the late 18th century to transport huge timber logs from up in the mountains to inland regions. It worked incredibly well and was considered a great feat of engineering.

You can follow the canals for a long way, but we just visited one of the old tunnels that it runs through and walked around the gorgeous forest. You could spend hours in the Šumava National Park.

The best place to stay in Nová Pec is definitely Statek U Medvěda. The guesthouse is absolutely stunning, and if you’re travelling in a group or with your family you can fit everybody inside the apartments and have your own kitchen to cook.

It’s also a very short walk down to the river, and we actually borrowed some stand-up paddle boards from the guesthouse to go for a quick SUP before sunset.

It’s the little touches like that, as well as having an amazing place to hang out at in the evenings, that makes Statek U Medvěda the best place to stay while here.

• Address:  Dlouhý Bor 12, 38462 Nová Pec
• Website:  https://www.statekumedveda.cz/

Day 4 – Nová Pec to Vlachovo Březí

Today is another awesome day with lots of outdoor activities planned, so get out of bed early and head off again into the Šumava National Park.

Today we actually crossed the border into Germany. The Šumava National Park straddles both countries, and we were going to climb to one of the high points to look back into Czech Republic.

The great thing about travelling around the Schengen region in Europe is that you can cross borders with no hassles.

Our goal was to hike the mountain ridge to Třístoličník, known as Dreisesselberg in German, and after parking the car in a lot near the top of the hill we walked the last kilometre or so to the top.

There’s a well-worn path up the mountain and some stairs to get you to the top of the highest points. The wind was crazy the day we hiked up, so we didn’t spend much time in the exposed sections.

Once we’d seen the view, which was fantastic, we had an early lunch in the restaurant on the mountain (downed with some German beers of course) then made our way back to the car.

If you want additional information for this particular hike, here’s a post with more details on how to do this yourself .

We drove back down to the village just below the Dreisesselberg called Bischofsreut and jumped out, sending the driver back into Czech Republic where we’d meet them later that afternoon.

The plan was to hike the Golden Trail from Bischofsreut in Germany to the little town of České Žleby in Czechia, and the trailhead starts right on the border.

This was a very important salt trading route back in the medieval times, and today it remains a wonderful historical trail for hikers of all abilities.

We hiked about 5km along the old road, through old farmland and forest, before finishing up at České Žleby. It was a great way to finish off our day of outdoor activities.

We drove to the town of Chlumany and spent the night at the best accommodation of the entire trip, U Vyšaty.

This wonderful locally-run guesthouse had a large apartment with 3 bedrooms, a kitchen and living room and backs onto a superb garden.

We opted to have dinner with the family that night, and they served up the nicest traditional Czech food we have ever had, no exceptions.

After days of heavy, meaty meals, it was very refreshing to have some tasty vegetable dishes thrown in with the home-cooked spread. We’re not normally foodies, but this was some of the most memorable in all of Central Europe for us.

• Address:  Chlumany 61, 384 22 Vlachovo Březí
• Website:  https://www.uvysaty.cz/

Day 5 – Vlachovo Březí to Ceske Budejovice

Today is the final day of our Southern Czech Republic road trip, and the plan is to check out some more sustainable businesses in the area before returning back to Ceske Budejovice.

Before you leave enjoy a world-class breakfast in the guesthouse, and if it’s a sunny day take your barista-style coffee from the owners and drink it in their garden.

Once you’ve packed your bags it’s a short drive to the first stop of the day, the award-winning Roddina Farma Vyrov and their super cute goats!

This place is famous in the region for producing the best goat cheeses on the market, and we couldn’t wait to try them. But first we had the chance to have a little tour of their property.

We went out the back to the large pen, and the moment we reached the gate dozens of healthy-looking goats came running up to us. They weren’t scared at all, and in fact seemed happy to see humans.

The owners explained how every single goat had a name, and they knew each one by sight. It was obvious that they truly loved their goats.

We spent about 20 minutes playing around with the farmyard animals before heading back inside to have a look at their milking station.

The place was spotless, and you’d almost never know that they milk their goats every single day in there. Not only did they love the goats, they took their business very seriously.

After the tour we went upstairs where we were treated to a tasting session of their best cheeses. There was a variety of flavours, from standard to experimental, and they were all delicious.

We tried our best to eat our weight in cheese, all downed with fresh goat milk, then it was time to move on. They had all of their cheese for sale, but as we were flying out soon we couldn’t commit to getting any.

It’s awesome to visit sustainable businesses like this in Czech Republic, where you are given a genuine insight into how family-run companies operate and survive in this growing age of mass development.

• Address:  Výrov 21, 384 21 Husinec
• Website:  https://www.farmavyrov.estranky.cz/

There were still plenty more animals to see this morning so we bid farewell to the goats and headed to Křišťanov to check out their herd of American and European bison.

The farmers here breed the bison for the purpose of research and introducing the European species back into the wild where they once thrived before being almost hunted to extinction.

We wandered around the property and joined the manager while he fed them. The bison came right up to the fence where the feeding troughs were, allowing us an up-close-and-personal view of just how enormous these beasts are.

It was a quick visit, but it was awesome to see these bison so close.

• Address: Pivovarská 197, 383 01 Prachatice
• Website:  https://www.agrokomplex-sumava.cz/vracime-pratury-na-sumavu/

For lunch we stoped by a famous restaurant known as ‘The Picnick Restaurant Vodník’ to enjoy some fish, which is something we hadn’t really had the chance to sample properly on this trip so far.

The location was lovely, with the log cabin restaurant built on the edge of a large man-made lake filled with fish and surrounded by forest.

Outside was packed, so we grabbed a table inside by the bar and ordered a bunch of different platters.

The food was simply delectable, and was a welcome change from the heavy Czech meals we’d been eating so far. Plus they had their own beer on tap, making it a great spot to fill the stomach.

• Address:  Výletní restaurace Vodník, K Vodníku 614, 385 01 Vimperk
• Website:  https://www.vimperk-vodnik.cz/en/

Our final stop for the day was the diverse farm of Na vlně, located in the bucolic village of Čkyně.

The owner Ivana took us up to her property at the end of the town where she introduced us to her pets – donkeys, goats, llamas and sheep!

Just like at the goat farm earlier that morning, the animals seemed incredibly happy and we spent the better part of 30 minutes playing with them, taking photos and seeing how they were treated like family members.

Once we’d had our donkey fix we headed back down to Ivana’s shop, where she taught us all about how she makes a variety of handicrafts from scratch.

She is an expert when it comes to using a traditional loom, stretching out wool and turning it into carpets, clothing and souvenirs.

It’s a labour-intensive process, and she’s been working hard at it for years to create some of the most unique hand-made items in South Bohemia.

She shared with us though how hard it is to make a living from it, as the markets in Czech Republic are constantly being flooded with cheap Chinese-made products made en-masse, meaning most people are reluctant to pay a higher price for something that has been made by hand.

It’s a touch industry to be in, which is why she also offers tours of her property and works full-time in another job. It’s a common theme we found with businesses in South Bohemia, which is why it’s so important to support them in every way possible.

We said our thanks to Ivana, bought a couple of souvenirs from her, and headed off to Ceske Budejovice.

• Address:  Bošice 45, 384 81 Čkyně
• Website:  https://www.navlne.com/

We stayed the night in the lovely, high-end property Rezidence u Černé Věže in Ceske Budejovice.

The location is perfect, only a few blocks from the old square which means it’s close enough to be in the heart of Ceske Budejovice within in minutes while still being quiet enough to get a good night’s sleep.

We had an entire apartment to ourselves, with a kitchenette, washing machine, big bed and sitting area. Well worth staying at!

• Address:   U Černé věže 17, 370 01 České Budějovice
• Website: https://www.ucerneveze.cz

South Bohemia Travel Guide

There’s quite a few things to know about travelling in South Bohemia, and even though it’s a fantastic region to explore, it’s not the easiest place to get around.

Here’s our South Bohemia travel guide to help you make the most of your trip.

Transport in South Bohemia

The first thing to know is that getting around South Bohemia can be quite difficult for foreign visitors, mostly due to the fact that a lot of the information is only provided in the Czech language.

It’s not impossible though, and here’s our best tips for transport in South Bohemia.

Despite first impressions, it’s actually actually fairly easy to get around South Boehmia thanks to the excellent train network that navigates its way around the country.

It does take a bit of time to get between many of the villages, but almost every single one has a train station, so with a bit of commitment you can easily do this trip on public transport.

The people working in the train stations are very helpful, and if you get to Ceske Budejovice and use that as your jumping-off point you can get almost anywhere.

If you’re comfortable riding a bicycle and want to get out to all of the main attractions we’ve listed in this South Bohemia itinerary, one way to do it is to rent (or bring) a bike to get around.

You can bring bikes on the trains, and by leaving your luggage at your accommodation in each town you can then use your bike to get around.

The most options for renting a bike are in Prague.

By far the easiest and most convenient way to get around South Bohemia is to rent your own car and drive around.

Having the freedom to get around without restrictions on sticking to a schedule will make your trip here so much more enjoyable, so if you’re comfortable renting a car from Prague or Ceske Budejovice, that’s what we’d recommend.

The best place to check for car rentals in Czech Republic is on this website .

We have to be completely honest here and say that unless you speak Czech or German, you’re probably going to have a hard time communicating with a lot of the people who live in South Bohemia.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t travel here, it just adds an extra challenge.

The people are very warm and friendly (especially when compared to the capital Prague), and are more than happy to help if you need assistance.

Most people working in tourism will speak basic English, but if at all possible it’s best to get a Czech phrasebook before you go.

We used Google Translate at times in South Bohemia, and while it worked pretty well, there were still some issues, such as the time we told the lady at the goat farm that we ‘love her goats’ using Google Translate, only to find out that ‘ goats ‘ translates as a slang word for ‘ boobs ‘ in Czech.

Embarrassing? A little bit. But isn’t that the fun of travel?

Here’s some of our best South Bohemia travel tips.

• Book Ahead:  A lot of the accommodation is quite small and if you travel in the summer, they may be booked out a few weeks in advance.
• Rent a Car:  Yes you can get around with public transport and a bicycle. But we recommend renting a car for convenience and speed.
• Travel Slow:  At times our South Bohemia itinerary felt a little rushed. We probably could have added an extra day or two quite comfortably, and enjoyed a lot more of the hikes in the area.
• Buy Fruits:  Czech cuisine, while delicious, is notoriously meaty, starchy and heavy. We recommend stocking up on some fruits whenever you see a local market so you can get your vitamins.
• Get a Local SIM Card:  Life will be much easier for you if you have internet access while you travel around South Bohemia. Get yourself a SIM card with data in Prague or Ceske Budejovice before you head off into South Bohemia.

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Wanderlust and Bohemia: The Nomad’s Guide to Bohemian Travel Destinations

1st August 2021

Lloydie Gardiner

10 min. read

If bohemian-style travel has a hold on your heart, we know you’ve already explored the likes of Tulum, Bali, Ibiza, and Morocco. It can be difficult to break free from these “big names” in bohemian travel since they so reliably capture the essence of the indie experience. You can hop on a plane to any one of these destinations and feel assured that you will land in a quaint, laid-back atmosphere with bohemian energy running through its blood, from the décor of its boutique hotels to its artisan street markets and beachfront dining. 

So what happens when you want to explore somewhere new? Of course, you could try out another travel style. Romantic European luxury and ultra-modern cityscapes all have their merits. But if a tasteful dose of hippie-inspired living is what you’re after, nothing else will quite fill that void. The good news is, thanks to the “road-less-traveled” vibes that bohemian destinations share, it’s often the secret, lesser-known towns that do it best.  

We’ve snooped around for all the best “undiscovered” boho towns to travel to next, so you don’t have to. Try one, or try them all Tulum can wait until next time- it’s not going anywhere.  

Alentejo, Portugal

If your favorite part of the bohemian lifestyle is the charming merging of indoor/outdoor living, then the Alentejo region of Portugal is for you. You’ll find women chattering in the streets and hanging their laundry on the line, alfresco tables set up in every cobbled pathway, and a general appreciation for the outdoors. Not to mention, this diverse region has a little bit of something for everybody. Inland, you can stroll through towns of mosaic tiles and whitewashed buildings, challenge yourself in the mountainous parks, or sip afternoon gasses of wine straight from the vineyards. 

Once you have made your way to the coast, you’ll fall in love with the thatched palm parasols lining the beaches and Caribbean-coloured waters. Much of the coastline boasts rock cliffs and secret, sheltered coves along the shore but even the more renowned beaches are worth a stop. At Praia do Malhao, massive dunes and meadows of wildflowers meet the shoreline- it will make you wonder how a place this magical can even exist. If you want to round out your experience, you can find boho boutique hotels all throughout the region. 

Why It’s So Magical:   The Alentejo region of Portugal simply has SO MUCH to offer. You can enjoy the easy, breezy bohemian vibes everywhere you turn, while also reaping the benefits of variety. Here, you can hike through mountainous national parks, stroll through clay and cobblestone towns, chow down on the catch of the day in a little fishing village, and lounge on sandy beaches with a drink in hand.    

Bohemia, Czech Republic 

Why not take it back to where it all began? Experience the remaining influence of gypsy culture and enjoy a European take on the bohemian vacation. Though the bohemian lifestyle here is going to look a little different than the getaway you are used to, it’s important to note that the trend has come a long way and that visiting its birthplace is something incredible in its own regard. 

A striking landscape full of mountains, caves, gorges, and luscious countryside. We recommend spending a mix of time in the country and in the city for the most authentic experience. You may want to take a gypsy tour or arrange for unique accommodation such as staying in a gypsy wagon, but just remember to be mindful and respectful of the culture, and make a solid effort to learn about the historical mistreatment of gypsy populations. 

Why It’s So Magical:   There’s definitely something poetic about experiencing the bohemian lifestyle in its birthplace. Plus, as much as we love the beachy take on this travel trend, we think this land-locked experience in central Europe has the potential to enchant an entirely different crowd- making the bohemian getaway a staple for every type of traveler. 

Mancora, Peru 

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again- where there are surfers there’s bound to be a laid-back beachy community that attracts tourists of a certain breed- bohemian travelers. Mancora is Peru’s best surfing town and one that someone remains underrated by most accounts, making it the perfect place to relax for a few days. If you keep in mind that Mancora, the town, is not designed to be a luxury hub, then it won’t take long to start charming you. It also remains utterly affordable. 

That being said, it’s not without upgraded, high-end accommodations. If the natural, earthy décor appeals most to you with an emphasis on creating more luxurious outdoor spaces, we’d definitely recommend the Hotel Grandmare & Bungalows. They have everything you could ask for from breezy hammocks and sunbeds with linens to private beach access and a pretty good restaurant. If you prefer the crisp, clean look of a modern hotel with bohemian elements, then Selina Mancora is a worthy alternative. Before we move on, it’s also worth mentioning that Peruvian cuisine is incredible. Be sure to try the fresh fish ceviche while you’re here; the ambiance and cuisine at Atelier Mancora are amazing so this is a pretty safe bet if you want some finer dining experiences. 

Why It’s So Magical:   Mancora is the best boho beach town that no one seems to be talking about. Translation? You can easily substitute Mancora for your usual go-to and enjoy all the amenities and bohemian atmosphere you’d expect, without the overcrowding of tourists. Don’t get us wrong, there’s definitely still some tourist community- a secret this good just can’t be kept. But you’ll certainly be able to enjoy your beach days in peace and never be fighting off a larger crowd.  

Montezuma, Costa Rica

This non-touristy town is perfect for the beachy bohemian who wants a happy, sleepy destination to unwind in. The only real gathering spot in Montezuma is a small main strip of organic cafes, surf shops, and artisanal vendors, also known as the “town road”. Besides that, you’ll find quaint beaches, lush rainforest, and a cluster of small villas and hotels- no big resorts around here! 

When you do feel up for a little something more than a drink and a good read on the beach, you can venture to one of the tiny islands off the coast for a day trip (one of which you can actually walk across to during low tide), or strap on your hiking shoes and binoculars for some jungle wildlife spotting. It’s also the perfect place for chasing waterfalls- there are three big cascades in close proximity, which make up the most famous waterfall set in Costa Rica. The largest of these is a great spot for a picnic, but the other two are well suited for those who want to jump in and splash around. 

Why It’s So Magical:   A trip to Montezuma can really be dressed up or down as much as you need based on your travel preferences and your budget. There are several five-star, luxury boutique hotels if that’s your style, but you can also find mid-range eco-accommodations or even camp on the beach.   No matter what you choose, though, you’ll be guaranteed a secluded beachfront, and the option to do everything that gives Costa Rica its marvelous reputation or laze around and do nothing at all. 

Siargao Island, Philippines

Listen up, the Philippines is not just a cheap destination for college-aged backpackers. In fact, despite its reputation as a surfer town (and yes, affordability), this island is one of the most picturesque and luxurious destinations in southeast Asia- trust us! Oh yeah, and you can still take advantage of that bohemian flare that we can’t stop talking about. 

Besides surfing, Siargao offers dozens upon dozens of things to do and each one is more magical than the last. You can take in a sunrise at the Cloud Nine Pier, visit the famous Magpupungko rock pools, float down the Sugba Lagoon, or take a swing off the iconic palm at the Maasin Enchanted River. When it’s time to take it down a notch, you can spend your time on the powdered beach, recently dubbed the best in the Philippines, browse through cute “shop local” boutiques or explore Siargao’s decent selection of vegan and vegetarian dining options. You can also rent scooters and beach bikes to get around which has become a travel staple for bohemian travelers, just look to places like Bali and Tulum if you don’t want to take our word for it. 

Why It’s So Magical:   Siargao is a surfer’s paradise, which means it’s inherently a pretty chilled-out place to be, but it’s also so much more than that. Take advantage of the surfer’s atmosphere for all your hippie fulfillment, but don’t sacrifice anything else. Here, you can relax AND find some gentle adventure. Not to mention, it’s just about the dreamiest place we’ve ever seen. 

Cat Island, Bahamas

This tropical oasis is made up of mainly villa-style accommodation, which only amplifies the sense of privacy that you already get from staying in this geographically small and criminally under-trafficked destination. If you want to keep living your life in color, this is the choice for you. With bold-colored buildings, tropical beats carrying through the air, and a sweet sense of slow, undone time. 

What’s the most popular thing to do on the island? Hit up the local fish fry, of course. In fact, beachfront dining is the main attraction from one end of the island to the other, with little unimposing food huts serving up all the best Caribbean flavors from locally caught seafood to spicy jerks. When you’re not chowing down to your heart’s content, you can visit the local dive shop for an aquatic adventure, or rent a bicycle to peddle your way around the island- the choice is yours. 

Why It’s So Magical: Hammocks swaying between palms, thatched-roof cottages just steps from the water, and a pink sand beach all on a one-town island? It doesn’t get much more low-key than that. The Bahamas have undeniably been hit by the tourist wave, which has commercialized its culture and caused a shift towards big resorts and spoiled land. This little untouched island will take you back in time and allow you to have the full Caribbean experience in all its peaceful glory.  

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