czech-republic

Czech Republic

Why visit Czech Republic?

What are you up to? Charming castles and chateaux, sixteen UNESCO monuments, historical cities, colorful events, relax in wonderful spa resorts some of the most popular in the world or sport activities like hiking or cycling? It goes without saying that the travel experience is not complete without discovering the tastes of the Czech cuisine in all its traditional and modern forms, and with a glass of premium Czech beer or local wine. One life is not enough to explore all hidden gems and activities the Czech Republic has to offer!

Transport

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Air

The largest and main airport in the Czech Republic is the Václav Havel Airport in Prague, formerly called Ruzyně and renamed after the Czech president in 2012. The airport is situated on the outskirts of Prague (18 km from the city centre), but the connection with the centre is very good. Prague airport offers direct connections to almost all main European cities as well as those overseas and meets the highest international standards. The airport annually provides its services to over 15 milion passengers and is used as a regular base by more than 50 airlines connecting Prague with more than 130 destinations worldwide. Other international airports in the Czech Republic are located in Brno, Ostrava, Karlovy Vary and Pardubice.

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Train

The Czech Republic has one of the most dense railway networks in Europe and a sophisticated system of bus transportation. Both trains and buses are reliable and relatively cheap forms of transport.

air-transport

Car

"Documents required: Driving licence (European or international), ID card (EU) or passport, vehicle documents (technical licence and green card). Basic traffic regulations: Vehicles must drive on the right; seatbelts must be worn when driving; lights must be switched on all year round; children (under 150 cm in height) must be strapped into a car seat and may not sit in the front passenger seat; speed limit: motorway/out of town/in town – 130/90/50 km/h; pedestrians on a crossing always have right of way; drivers must be over the age of 18; it is forbidden to hold a mobile telephone while driving, telephoning is only possible with a hands-free set; the level of alcohol permitted in the blood is zero per ml; from November to March drivers must use winter tires. Cars of up to 3.5 tons driving down highways must have a vignette – a proof that the driver has paid the appropriate fee. The electronic vignette became valid in the Czech Republic on 1 January 2021. It has replaced the former paper coupon stuck on to the windshield. The vignette can be purchased on the official state website at eDalnice.cz (the website is available in 5 language versions)."

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Bicycle

Tried and tested routes for hardcore cyclists and for easy riders, trails full of experiences, long-distance and even thematic routes – which one will you choose? If your bike has become a constant partner on trips through the flatlands and hills, the Czech Republic has lots of great tips to offer you. You can for example set out by bike from Vienna to Brno or from the German borders along the Ohře or along the banks of the Elbe right up to its source. The witches’ cycle path will take you past places where inquisition trials were held in times long past. Single track trails will take you to places where you really can give your body a thorough workout and all lovers of adrenaline sports will be supremely jealous of you.

Practical information
Area:

78 866 km²

Location:

The Czech Republic is a land-locked country situated in the centre of Europe. It neighbours to the west with Germany, to the north with Poland, to the east with Slovakia and to the south with Austria.

Population:

10,6 million

Language:

The official language of the Czech Republic is Czech, which is spoken by 96% of the population. There is no need to worry. You can make yourself understood in English, especially in larger cities, with practically no difficulties at all. Czech falls within the West Slavic language group and therefore is similar to Polish, as well as Russian and Croatian. An interesting phenomenon is its great similarity to Slovak. And did you know that the famous writer Franz Kafka spoke Czech? Or that Czech ranks among the most complicated languages in the world?

Capital:

The capital city is Prague.

Membership:

The Czech Republic has been a member of the European Union since 2004 and part of the Schengen Area since 2007.

Entrance:

Citizens of the European Union need a passport or ID card to enter the Czech Republic. The same applies for citizens of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein, who are ensured free movement within the European Economic Area. Visitors from other countries need a passport which is valid for six months after their arrival date and in some cases also a visa. A list of countries with a visa obligation for entrance to the Czech Republic can be found on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.mzv.cz). If anyone stays in the Czech Republic longer than three months, he or she must notify the relevant authorities of their stay.

Currency:

The official currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech crown (Kč) with the international abbreviation CZK. Notes are in denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1 000, 2 000 and 5 000 crowns. Coins are in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Czech crowns. Many shops, restaurants as well as tourist centres accept Euros. But you should not be surprised that particularly in shops any change returned will be in Czech crowns. The exchange rate of a crown to a Euro and other currency can be checked at the website of the Czech National Bank and European Central Bank.

Climate:

Geographically, the Czech Republic lies in a moderate zone with four seasons of practically the same length. Winters are relatively mild (the average temperature in January is -2 °C, 28.4 °F) and summers are not excessively hot (the average temperature in July is 25 °C, 77 °F), so you can visit the Czech Republic at practically any time without having to worry about extreme weather.

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