The 10 Best Day Trips From Prague

Located about two hours by train from Prague, Kutná Hora is a small town best known for being home to the Sedlec Ossuary, aka the ‘bones chapel’. The inside of the small church has been decorated using the bones of over 40,000 people, most of whom died during the Black Plague that swept across Europe in the 1400s. Visitors can also stop by the Gothic St Barbara’s Church, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take a stroll along St Barbara Street, which offers amazing views over the city.

A comfortable 40-minute train ride gets you to Karlštejn, a 14th-century Gothic castle in remarkable condition. Climb the hill, passing by souvenir stands, cafés and restaurants and the occasional antique shop before entering the castle walls. Paid tours are the only way to access the rooms of the castle, but in summer or autumn, bring comfortable shoes to explore the many hiking trails around the castle.

The city of Plzeň – or Pilsen in German – gave its name to a popular type of lager, the pilsener, that was first produced in the Pilsner Urquell brewery nearly two centuries ago. Discover its secrets with a guided tour that takes you through the brewery museum, the brewing plant and the cellars. Tours always end with a couple of free beers. Before you take the one-hour ride back, stock up on products and souvenirs at the factory shop or take a tour of the historic underground tunnel network that runs under the city.

Karlovy Vary is only two hours away from Prague, so it can easily be done as a day trip. However, consider staying overnight to truly discover everything the town has to offer. Karlovy Vary is best known for its 12 natural hot springs, which are said to offer lots of health benefits. Fill your own thermos for free at one of the many spring fountains or visit one of the many medical spas for treatment. On a clear day, take the funicular railway to the lookout tower or stroll along the canal that cuts through the city. There are many outdoor festivals in summer, including the annual Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

Built in the 18th century as a fortified garrison town, the Nazis turned Terezín, an hour from Prague by bus, into a concentration camp. It held the Jewish population of Czechoslovakia and several other countries during WWII before they were sent to Nazi death camps. Although a sombre trip, this is an important historical sight where you can see the original accommodation quarters, the barracks’ chapel, a cemetery and an educational museum chronicling the history of the camp.

Some three hours by bus or train from Prague, the fairytale-like town of Český Krumlov lies on the meandering River Vltava. Dominated by the historic century castle overlooking the town, Český Krumlov is a maze of winding little streets that are fun to explore. The castle, built in the 13th century and later updated in Renaissance and Baroque styles, is one of the Czech Republic’s most visited sights. The town also features the Egon Schiele Art Centrum, dedicated to the Modernist Austrian artist, one of Český Krumlov’s most famous residents.

On the border between the Czech Republic and Germany, around a three-hour bus trip from Prague, lies the Bohemian Switzerland and Saxony National Park, where the stunning landscape resembles an Alpine retreat. Mostly known for its sand rock formations, the most famous, the Pravčice Gate, draws scores of visitors each year. The area is ideal for hiking and biking, as well as for boat rides among the rocks on the Kamenice River.

The historic town of Mělník overlooks the confluence of the Vltava and Elbe Rivers and lies in the heart of the Bohemian wine-making region. The town, located less than an hour to the west of Prague, offers many opportunities to taste local red wines. Visit the local castle, the residence of the princely Lobkowicz family, and take a stroll along the river and through the streets in the historic town centre.

A beautiful hill range an hour to the southwest of Prague, most of the Brdy Hills long served as a military training area closed to the public. After the army left, the hills became a popular hiking area due to its preserved natural beauty, several castle ruins and nearby towns, such as Dobříš with a beautiful chateau.