We visited the Czeck Republic while living in Poland.
Nestled in the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic is a land brimming with culture, history, and fairy-tale architecture. From the cobblestone streets of Prague to the picturesque towns dotting its countryside, this nation captivates travelers with its blend of past and present, tradition and innovation. The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Germany to the west, Austria to the south, Slovakia to the east and Poland to the north. Its capital and largest city, with 1.3 million inhabitants, is Prague. The Czech Republic includes the historical territories of Bohemia and Moravia, as well as a small part of Silesia.
The Czech Republic's story is as compelling as it is complex. Born from the rich legacies of Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia, the country has been a significant crossroads for various empires and cultures. Its history spans a millennium, from the Great Moravian Empire through the Bohemian Kingdom, to its modern formation after the Velvet Revolution in 1989. The resilience and spirit of the Czech people echo through the centuries, as they've shaped a nation proud of its heritage and optimistic about its future.
Prague, the capital, is a city that needs no introduction. Its storied streets tell tales of emperors, artists, and revolutionaries. The Prague Castle complex, the Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square with its Astronomical Clock are just a few of the must-visit landmarks that make Prague a top destination for history buffs and romantics alike.
Journey to Český Krumlov to witness a Renaissance town frozen in time. Its UNESCO-listed center, crowned by a stunning castle, offers a labyrinth of lanes where every turn brings a new discovery.
For those seeking relaxation, the spa town of Karlovy Vary provides an oasis of tranquility. Known for its healing thermal springs and grand colonnades, this town is a haven for wellness and architecture enthusiasts.
Brno, the Czech Republic's second-largest city, is a confluence of modernity and history. With its burgeoning tech scene, vibrant cultural life, and landmarks like the medieval Špilberk Castle and the avant-garde Villa Tugendhat, Brno is a testament to the country's dynamic spirit.
But there's more to the Czech Republic than these famous spots. Discover the wine regions of Moravia, the Gothic grace of Kutná Hora, and the battle-scarred fortresses that have withstood the tests of time.
As you plan your visit to this enchanting country, let travel.frogsfolly.com be your guide to the hidden alleys, the sweeping landscapes, and the stories waiting to be told. The Czech Republic is not just a destination; it's a journey through the annals of Europe, a mosaic of experiences waiting for you to piece together. Join us in uncovering the Czech Republic – a nation where history whispers from every corner and beauty is eternally etched into its streets.
![<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/meteorry/">Meteorry</a> posted a photo:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/meteorry/55155635149/" title="[ 08/52 2025 ] Český Krumlov"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55155635149_5f2b25703c_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="[ 08/52 2025 ] Český Krumlov" /></a></p>
<p><b>Second Best "52 Weeks Project"</b><br />
Since I have been joining the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/whysobluepandabear/pool/"><b>52 Weeks Project</b></a> on Flickr it has happened several times that I had to chose between two or more self portraits that week. A difficult choice. The solution is to create a set of all good alternatives. Life is full of choices and sometimes a week has too much opportunities. This is one of those alternatives, the second best. And sometimes just as good. <br />
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<i>The most beautiful spot we visited in Český Krumlov was definitely this viewpoint at the Upper Castle of Hrad Český Krumlov...</i><br />
<b>Location:</b> Hrad Český Krumlov, Český Krumlov (Czech Republik)<br />
<b>Hrad Český Krumlov:</b> Hrad Český Krumlov is a castle in Český Krumlov in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It dates back to 1253 when the first castle was built by the Vítkovci family, the main branch of the powerful Bohemian family Rosenberg. Currently the castle is listed as a national heritage site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, thus serves as a major tourist attraction. It is the second most visited castle and the second largest castle and chateau complex in the Czech Republic after Prague Castle. <br />
<b>Český Krumlov:</b> Ceský Krumlov (in German Krumau) is a town in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 13,000 inhabitants. It is known as a tourist centre, which is among the most visited places in the country. The historic centre with the Český Krumlov Castle complex is protected by law as an urban monument reservation, and since 1992, it has been a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. <br />
Krumlov has its origin in Middle High German Krumme Aue, which can be translated as crooked meadow, after a bend of the Vltava River. The adjective Český ('Bohemian', German: Böhmisch) was added in the 15th century to differentiate it from the town of Moravský Krumlov in south Moravia. <br />
Český Krumlov is located on the České Budějovice–Černý Kříž railway [cs] and as of 2026 it is served by the intraregional line Prague–Český Krumlov and regional line České Budějovice–Nové Údolí. The town is served by two railway stations: Český Krumlov and Domoradice. <br />
<b>Official "52-Weeks" of this week:</b> <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/meteorry/54361401684"><b>2025 08/52 Hradčanské náměstí</b></a><br />
<b>Another "Second Best '52-Weeks' this week: <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/meteorry/55002127954"><b>[ 2025 08/52 ] Pražský hrad</b></a> <br />
<b>Guest Star:</b> More than that: Mehdi<br />
<b>Weather:</b> Sunny, -2° C<br />
<b>To Listen ♫:</b> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G4NKzmfC-Q" rel="noreferrer nofollow">Smetena - Moldau (Vltava)</a> (Youtube)<br />
<b>Selfie Attempts: </b> 3<br />
<b>Self-portrait technics:</b> Handheld selfie with my Samsung S25 smartphone. Photoshopped in Adobe Photoshop.</b></p>](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55155635149_5f2b25703c_s.jpg)
![<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/meteorry/">Meteorry</a> posted a photo:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/meteorry/55154350407/" title="Hrad Český Krumlov - Český Krumlov (Czech Republik)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55154350407_b9448a25ee_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="Hrad Český Krumlov - Český Krumlov (Czech Republik)" /></a></p>
<p><b>Hrad Český Krumlov</b> 18/02/2025 14h44<br />
A view from the Upper Castle of the Hrad Český Krumlov (Český Krumlov Castle) with below the old center within the bend of the river Vltava. <br />
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<u>Hrad Český Krumlov</u><br />
Hrad Český Krumlov is a castle in Český Krumlov in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It dates back to 1253 when the first castle was built by the Vítkovci family, the main branch of the powerful Bohemian family Rosenberg. Currently the castle is listed as a national heritage site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, thus serves as a major tourist attraction. It is the second most visited castle and the second largest castle and chateau complex in the Czech Republic after Prague Castle. <br />
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The castle stands on a steep and long rocky headland, which is lined with Vltava from the south. The bridge over the Bear Moat leads through the passage to the Lower Castle, on the left side is the oldest part of the castle (Hrádek), an old palace with a tower from the 13th century and paintings from 1580. From the tower is a beautiful view of the castle and the city. The eastern and northern wing of the irregular large courtyard of the Lower Castle consists of a burgrave's house from 1578. In the middle of the courtyard is a stone fountain from 1641. Across another moat a brick bridge leads to the Upper Castle, the Rosenberg Palace. The unique five-story Cloak Bridge over a deep carved moat from 1764 connects Upper Castle with the castle theater building and gardens.<br />
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The Český Krumlov Baroque Theatre from 1767 is one of the best preserved Baroque theatres in the world.. <br />
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[ <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%c4%8cesk%c3%bd_Krumlov_Castle" rel="noreferrer nofollow">Wikipedia - <b>Hrad Český Krumlov</b></a> ]</p>](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55154350407_b9448a25ee_s.jpg)
