21 for 21: Plan Today, Czech In 2021
Amid the ongoing COVID-19 travel restrictions, CzechTourism has announced it is encouraging travellers to ‘Plan Today, Czech In 2021’ by creating a guide to the top 21 things to do in the Czech Republic next year. CzechTourism hopes to provide some travel inspiration for the new year from exploring Prague on a shoestring with the ‘Prague Unlocked’ discount scheme to heading off the beaten track to discover the Czech Republic’s EDEN locations.

1. Charming castles and curious chateaux

In 2021, CzechTourism will be showcasing lesser-known castles and chateaux around the Czech Republic. We all know how spectacular the likes of Prague Castle and Karlstejn are, but there are over 200 unique regal locations to be uncovered off the beaten track, from the ‘open-air textbook of architecture’ Hradec Kralove to the delicate flower gardens of Kromeriz. Litomysl Castle in East Bohemia is a must-see. www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/Castles-and-Chateaux
 

2. Wonderful ‘workcations’, a new normal we can get behind

One thing COVID-19 has taught us is that the need to be in an office every day from 9-5 is not as necessary as it seems. In need of a change of scenery from your office / bedroom hybrid? The Czech Republic is an ideal destination for ‘workcations’, with its central location, great value restaurants and bars and tranquil scenery. Rural Bohemia and Moravia are the perfect places to stay for month-long experiences - both have excellent transport connections and plenty of holiday house options. https://www.czech-holiday-houses.com/
 

3. The 10 gems of Prague

Get to know the unique story of a city which history has given nicknames that include “Stone Dream” or the “Golden City’. The ten gems of Prague are made up of more than 1000 years of building, leaving architectural gems which millions of visitors come to admire every year. Uncover the mystery of Gothic monasteries, enjoy classical music concerts in one of the Baroque cathedrals or relax in the beautiful Renaissance gardens. Prague will soon convince you why people have been saying that it is one of the most beautiful historical cities in the world since the Middle Ages.
https://www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/Things-to-Do/Places/Landmarks/UNESCO/a-prague-top-ten-sights
 

4. Discover your own personal EDEN

Take the road less travelled and find your own personal paradise. Discover the Czech Republic’s European Destinations of Excellence, offering more authentic, sustainable and meaningful experiences. Hike through the wild beauty of Bohemian Switzerland’s rocky National Park, revitalise both the body and mind at Luhacovice’s traditional spas or sip on local wines from the vineyards of Moravia. www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/EDEN
 

5. Revitalise in Europe’s medical spa capital, West Bohemia

The Czech Republic is home to more than 30 spas located across the country’s diverse landscapes. The Czech Republic’s spa offering boasts some of the oldest and most spectacular in Europe. The country’s spa industry is home to top balneology experts, highly qualified medical staff and the highest number of certificate holders among EU member states.  www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/Medical-Spas
 

6. Cycle along 40,000km of unforgettable Czech trails, Moravia

The Czech Republic is criss-crossed by a staggering 37,000km of cycle routes. With constantly improving facilities along the way including restaurants, bike servicing centres, accommodation and information boards, it has never been easier to enjoy the iconic Czech landscape. From the 370km Elbe Cycle Route and the fascinating Iron Curtain trail, the longest EUROVELO route, to Moravian Wine Trails, there are routes for all ages, capabilities and interests. www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/Cycling-experiences
 

7. Discover the best kept wine secret of Europe, Moravia

South Moravia is the Czech Republic’s largest wine region, accounting for 96% of the country’s vineyards. In addition to wine festivities, festivals, and harvest, you can, for example, journey along one of the many wine trails and enjoy the picturesque scenery by either foot or bike. www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/a-south-moravia
 

8. A magical Czech winter: markets, skiing and fairy tale castles, South Bohemia

Capture the yule-tide spirit at Prague’s world-famous Christmas market or the fairy tale, UNESCO-listed Český Krumlov. Chase thrills amongst the snowy peaks of the Krkonoše Mountains and find the country’s longest ski slopes and best resorts, topped off with breath-taking views. https://www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/winter
 

9. Czech’s young, happening cities: Brno, Ostrava and a different side of Prague, Moravia and Silesia

Discover the Czech cities that have undergone a fundamental transformation in recent years. Visit Ostrava, the steel heart of the Czech Republic, the stylish capital of Moravia, Brno, and Prague’s Bohemian district: Art District 7. Creativity has no limits there. Life there is real and people are real, too. www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/Destinations
 

10. Celebrate spa season in some of Europe’s oldest spa towns, West Bohemia

Every May, the Czech spa season kicks off with a host of ceremonies to open the spa season in West Bohemia. Experience the official opening of the springs in Marianske Lazne, where traditional costumes and a series of cultural events take over the ancient town. In Karlovy Vary, guests can witness the blessing of the mineral springs, complete with a centuries old parade led by the city's founder Emperor Charles IV on horseback. www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/Wellness-In-Out-of-Spas
 

11. Complete Czech’s UNESCO trail

Can you ‘Czech’ out all 14 UNESCO Heritage Sites in the Czech Republic? Home to over twice the world average, highlights include the historic centres of Prague and Cesky Krumlov, the stunning Modernist Villa Tugendhat in Brno and the two most recent additions: The Krusnohori Mining Region and the National Stud Farm at Kladruby nad Labem. Vysocina boasts three UNESCO Heritage Sites, the most of any Czech region: The historic centre of Telc, the Pilgrimage Church of Saint John of Nepomuk and the Jewish Quarter of Trebic. www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/Things-to-Do/Category-Group-Pages/Cultural-Heritage/UNESCO
 

12. Mountains are best explored on two wheels

With a wealth of diverse landscapes, favourable conditions and varying terrain, the Czech Republic makes for an adrenaline filled mountain biking trip. Ideal for clearing your mind after months of lockdown. From the top-rated Peklak bike park and resort in Ceska Trebova, to the mountain bike mad locals of Trutnov trails, mountain biking is a way of life in the Czech Republic. www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/Things-to-Do/Cycling-experiences
 

13. Uncovering a Bohemian Paradise: East, North and South Bohemia

For centuries the Bohemian Paradise area has attracted painters, writers, artists, and dreamers of all kinds. Discover this unique combination of bizarre rock formations in Krkonose National Park to the East and deep pine forests, majestic castles and sublime villages of timber cottages in the South. Bohemian Switzerland National Park in North Bohemia is one of the most picturesque hiking regions in the world and offers a range of walks for all abilities. www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/bohemian-paradise-walk
 

14. Saddle up for the world’s oldest horse race in East Bohemia

The Grand Pardubice Steeplechase, one of the world’s oldest horse races, is held every second
Sunday in October at the Pardubice Racecourse. Known as the world’s most difficult race, the Czech equivalent of the Grand National is an insight into one of the country’s most unique traditions. East Bohemia is famous for its horses, so you’ll discover more at the UNESCO-protected National Stud Farm of Kladruby nad Labem, famous for its breed of carriage horse the “Kladruber”. www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/pardubice-velka-pardubicka
 

15. Learn the secrets of South Bohemia, a historic gem

Home to a diverse variety of cultural and historic gems, South Bohemia is the land of fairy tale chateaux, ancient forests and rural farmland. Live as Czech noble families once did in the glittering ballrooms and gothic spires of Hluboka Castle. Soak up the tranquil silence along the banks of the glistening Lipno Reservoir or ascend into the leafy canopies at Lipno tree walk. www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/South-Bohemia
 

16. The Czech Republic from tee to green

Tee it high and let it fly, the Czech Republic is Europe’s most underrated golfing destination. From the Kyle Phillips-designed, soon-to-be completed PGA National Czech Republic on the outskirts of Prague, to the European Tour-designated Albatross Golf Resort, the Czech Republic is bursting with fantastic courses, breathtaking scenery and welcoming hospitality. www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/Golf 
 

17. Europe’s gold standard of brewing tradition, South Bohemia

The Czech Republic is home to one of Europe’s oldest and proudest brewing traditions. Take a sip of history at the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, where the world’s first pilsner lager was brewed in 1842. The city of Pilsen also hosts an annual microbrewery festival that is something of a pilgrimage for beer lovers across Europe. Still thirsty? Head to Budejovice and explore the Budweiser Budvar brewery (the original Budweiser), where Czech lager has been lovingly crafted for 125 years. www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/News/2014/05/n-enjoy-czech-beer
 

18. A festival for every kind of fan

The Czech Republic has a packed and extremely diverse annual festival schedule. From one of the country’s most important cultural celebrations, Prague Spring, and the globally recognised International Music Festival Cesky Krumlov, to completely unique events against stunning backdrops such as the Colours of Ostrava music festival and Hrady CZ. Whatever you look for in a festival, you will find in the Czech Republic in 2021. www.visitczechrepublic.com/summer-festivals 
 

19. Beautiful buildings for architecture adventurers

The Czech lands have long been an important centre of architectural and urbanistic experiments. Whether it’s Art Nouveau, Modernist or Gothic, the Czech Republic’s diverse architectural offering is a genuine marvel. Head to Brno, a living gallery of functionalism and explore the UNESCO-protected Modernist classic that is Villa Tugendhat for just a small taste of the country’s architectural excellence. www.visitczechrepublic.com/five-functionalism-beauties
 

20. Explore one of the biggest Jewish heritage collections in Europe

Many Jewish sites have been preserved in the Czech Republic, attracting tourists from all over the world. The Jewish Cemetery, Klausen Synagogue, Old New Synagogue, and the Jewish Ghetto in Prague, as well as the unique Jewish quarter in Trebic (registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List) offer rich history, beautiful traditions and important lessons to be learned. www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/Jewish-Heritage
 

21. Fall in love with the industrial heart of the Czech Republic

The beating coal, iron and steel heart of the Czech Republic, Ostrava is the city that kickstarted the industrial and technological development of the country. The industrial architecture of mining towers, furnaces and the iconic skyline of the Vitkovice Ironworks are an unforgettable experience. The Colours of Ostrava Festival is a huge music festival that takes place in the shadow of the steelworks, highlighting the city’s transition from industrial, to cultural powerhouse. www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/ostrava


Author: CzechTourism Team