Urlaub in Tschechien: Die schönsten Reiseziele für Städte, Kultur, Entspannung & Outdoor

The Czech Republic is an incredibly diverse travel destination. Whether you want to stroll through vibrant cities, delve deep into Central European history, relax in world-famous thermal springs, or explore wild national parks – the country offers the perfect setting for every taste. To give you the perfect overview for planning your 2026 holiday, this guide presents the 5 best destinations in each of the four main holiday categories.

🏙️ Top 5 Reiseziele für Städtetrips & urbane Entdecker

Away from the world-famous capital, the Czech Republic has a number of fascinating cities to offer, which score points with student life, brilliant gastronomy and short distances.

1. Prag (Praha) – Die goldene Stadt an der Moldau

Prag ist und bleibt ein zeitloser Klassiker. Die majestätische Prager Burg, die Karlsbrücke und die astronomische Uhr am Altstädter Ring muss man einmal gesehen haben. Unser Tipp: Verlasse die Touristenströme und erkunde hippe Viertel wie Vinohrady oder Žižkov. Schau für tolle Einkaufstipps auch in meinen Beitrag über die Märkte in Prag.

2. Brünn (Brno) – Die pulsierende Metropole Mährerlands

Tschechiens zweitgrößte Stadt ist der absolute Liebling für Foodies und Kaffeeliebhaber. Brünn verzichtet auf Massentourismus und setzt stattdessen auf eine sensationelle Bar- und Café-Szene, funktionale Architektur (wie die Villa Tugendhat) und eine herrlich entspannte, studentische Atmosphäre.

3. Pilsen (Plzeň) – The cradle of beer brewing

Not just for beer fans! The 2015 European Capital of Culture boasts a beautiful historic old town, the second largest synagogue in Europe, and of course the world-famous Pilsner Urquell brewery, whose underground historic cellar labyrinths are absolutely worth seeing.

4. Olomouc – The undiscovered, quiet Prague

Olomouc, in the heart of Moravia, is a true Baroque gem, unjustly overlooked by many travelers. The city boasts magnificent fountains, the monumental Trinity Column (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and charming, uncrowded streets. Read more about it here. Olomouc.

5. Budweis (České Budějovice) – South Bohemian charm

The city at the confluence of the Vltava and Malše rivers boasts one of the largest square market squares in Europe, surrounded by beautiful arcaded houses. České Budějovice is also the ideal, strategic starting point for excursions throughout the South Bohemian region.

🏰 Top 5 travel destinations for culture & history lovers

The Czech Republic boasts one of the highest densities of castles, palaces, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. Here, you embark on a journey through time.

1. Český Krumlov (Krummau) – A medieval fairy tale

The old town of Český Krumlov, encircled by the Vltava River in a tight loop, looks like something out of a picture book. Above the UNESCO-protected ensemble towers the enormous Krumlov Castle with its unique, completely preserved Baroque theater.

2. Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape – The Garden of Europe

A gigantic, man-made landscape park belonging to the Princes of Liechtenstein. The two magnificent castles, Lednice and Valtice, are connected by avenues and ponds. The National Wine Salon also awaits you in the castle cellars of Valtice – check out my detailed guide to… Valtice Castle to.

3. Kutná Hora (Kuttenberg) – Silver Splendor and Bone Church

In the Middle Ages, Kutná Hora was the richest city in the country thanks to its silver mines. Testaments to this era are the monumental Gothic Cathedral of Saint Barbara and the world-famous, equally fascinating and mystical Sedlec Ossuary.

4. Telč (Teltsch) – The most beautiful pavement in the country

Telč’s market square is world-famous: a seamless ensemble of beautiful Renaissance and Baroque houses with magnificent gables and colorful facades, completely surrounded by fishponds. An absolute masterpiece of urban planning.

5. Karlštejn Castle (Karlstein) – The Imperial Treasury

Founded by Emperor Charles IV, this fortified Gothic castle stood majestically on a rock near Prague. It once served as the safe haven for the imperial crown jewels and holy relics and continues to captivate cultural tourists to this day.

🧖‍♀️ Top 5 travel destinations for wellness, spa treatments & pure relaxation

The Czech spa tradition is legendary. For centuries, people from all over the world have traveled to the traditional Bohemian spas to recharge their batteries.

1. Carlsbad (Karlovy Vary) – Magnificent spa luxury

As the flagship of the West Bohemian Spa Triangle, Karlovy Vary fascinates with its magnificent colonnades, bubbling thermal springs, and stately fin-de-siècle architecture. Here, you can stroll leisurely along the elegant spa promenade with a traditional porcelain teapot in hand.

2. Marienbad (Mariánské Lázně) – Green oasis of peace

Marienbad captivates visitors with its expansive, beautiful parks and iconic cast-iron main colonnade. The town is also famous for the “Singing Fountain,” which enchants visitors several times a day with a perfectly synchronized music and light show.

3. Franzensbad (Františkovy Lázně) – The idyllic Biedermeier spa

The smallest and most intimate spa town in the spa triangle boasts uniform yellow and white neoclassical facades and a wonderful tranquility. Franzensbad is famous for its healing peat mud and the relaxing walking paths in its level spa forest.

4. Poděbrady (Podiebrad) – Relaxation on the Elbe

Just under an hour from Prague, this charming spa town lies directly on the banks of the Elbe River. Poděbrady specializes in cardiovascular health treatments and, thanks to its flat terrain, offers excellent, relaxing cycling and walking paths right along the water.

5. Jáchymov (St. Joachimsthal) – The world’s first radon spa

Nestled on the steep slopes of the Ore Mountains, Jáchymov offers a truly unique spa experience: healing radon baths, whose water is drawn from deep within the historic mines. Perfect for anyone seeking to combine deep physical regeneration with fresh mountain air.

🥾 Top 5 travel destinations for outdoor activities & nature adventures

From deep primeval forests to bizarre rock cities and windy mountain peaks – active holidaymakers will find a perfectly marked outdoor paradise in the Czech Republic.

1. The Bohemian Forest (Šumava) – The green roof of Europe

The vast national park, together with the Bavarian Forest, forms the largest contiguous forest area in Central Europe. Here you’ll find glacial lakes from the Ice Age, endless hiking and cycling trails, and pristine nature experiences far from civilization.

2. The Giant Mountains (Krkonoše) – In the footsteps of Rübezahl

In the north of the country lies the highest mountain range in the Czech Republic. Outdoor enthusiasts can climb Sněžka (Schneekoppe, 1603m), hike to the source of the Elbe River, or in winter take advantage of the first-class ski resorts around Spindlermühle (Špindlerův Mlýn).

3. The Adršpach-Teplice Rock City – Bizarre Stone Worlds

An absolute natural wonder: a gigantic labyrinth of hundreds of freestanding sandstone cliffs, some reaching up to 70 meters in height. Narrow gorges, mystical moss-covered paths, and a hidden waterfall make hiking through this rock city an unforgettable experience.

4. The Lipno Reservoir – The South Bohemian Sea

The ultimate mecca for water sports enthusiasts, campers, and families. Whether sailing, windsurfing, inline skating on the perfectly maintained circular path, or a visit to the spectacular treetop walkway – action is guaranteed around Lake Lipno. For more water-based inspiration, also read my article 5 beautiful lakes in the Czech Republic.

5. The Moravian Tuscany – A paradise for photographers

The area surrounding the city of Kyjov in southern Moravia is a landscape unlike any other in the world: extremely gently rolling, undulating green hills that form magical patterns depending on the light. An absolute dream for hikers and landscape photographers.

Your perfect base: Strategic overnight stays in the Czech Republic

To reach the various highlights of the country optimally and without stress, it is recommended to choose accommodations at strategically convenient transport hubs:

Summary: Which type of vacation is best suited to which destination?

This quick overview shows you at a glance which region best suits your personal travel preferences:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about holidays in the Czech Republic