Prague Day Trips

Escape the Castle: Best Day Trips from Prague

Prague is a captivating city with enough to see and do for days, but sometimes it’s nice to venture beyond the city walls and experience the beauty of the Czech Republic. Here are some of the best day trip options from Prague:

1. Kutná Hora (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

  • Distance: 80km (50 miles) east of Prague

  • What to see:

    • The Sedlec Ossuary, also known as the “Bone Church” – a chapel decorated with the bones of over 40,000 people.
    • The stunning St. Barbara’s Church, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
    • The historic Kutná Hora city center, a charming medieval town.

Distance: Explore Prague’s easily accessible surroundings with a day trip to Kutná Hora, a charming UNESCO-listed town just 50 miles east of Prague.

  • Why it’s great: This silver mining town offers a unique blend of history and macabre charm.
  • Best for: History buffs, those looking for something offbeat (the ossuary!), architecture enthusiasts

2. Český Krumlov (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

  • Distance: 180 km (112 miles) south of Prague
  • What to see:
    • A picturesque medieval town with a stunning castle, winding streets, and charming bridges.
    • The Vltava River, perfect for a relaxing boat ride or a stroll along its banks.

Best for: Romantic getaways, enjoying the beauty of a small Czech town.

3. Karlovy Vary (UNESCO Spa Town)

  • Distance: 120 km (75 miles) west of Prague

  • What to do: Experience the charm of this spa town, known for its elegant architecture and hot springs.

  • Why it’s great:

  • Relaxing and rejuvenating: Enjoy the beautiful city while indulging in the tradition of Czech spa treatments.

4. Karlstejn Castle

  • Distance: 35 km (22 miles) south-west of Prague
  • Why visit: A majestic castle perched on a hill, it’s a popular destination for its stunning architecture and historical significance.
  • Best for: Exploring the beauty of the Czech countryside, experiencing the grandeur of medieval history, enjoying breathtaking views.

5. Konopiště:

  • Distance: 50 km (31 miles) south-east of Prague
  • What to do: This impressive castle offers a variety of activities, from hiking and biking in the surrounding forest to visiting the charming village and its gardens.

Best for: History and architecture enthusiasts, nature lovers, those looking for a glimpse into the life of royalty.

Why these are the best day trips:

  • Kutná Hora and Český Krumlov:

These destinations offer a combination of historical sights, cultural experiences, and beautiful scenery. They’re perfect for exploring charming towns and historical landmarks, but they’re also easily accessible by public transportation (train or bus), making them ideal for a day trip.

  • Karlstejn Castle

    • Offers stunning views and a picturesque setting.

  • Why these are the best:

Why these are the best:

  • Historical Significance: These locations are easily accessible by public transport from Prague and offer a glimpse into the history of the Czech Republic, with the Bone Chapel in Kutná Hora showcasing its unique architectural features and historical context.
  • Scenic Beauty: The surrounding towns and villages are worth exploring for their scenic charm and picturesque architecture.

Karlstejn Castle, a UNESCO-listed site, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past as the residence of the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia, Charles IV.

Why these locations are ideal for a day trip:

  • Historical context: Both offer breathtaking views and a chance to explore stunning historical landmarks
  • Charming atmosphere: These locations provide a charming, picturesque setting for a relaxing day trip.

Karlstejn Castle is a great choice for those who want a glimpse into the life of royalty and enjoy a variety of activities.

Best for:

  • Something unique and intriguing: The “Bone Church” in Kutna Hora offers an alternative to the traditional museum experience, showcasing its history through the unique lens of the ossuary.
  • A relaxing escape from Prague: Both Kutná Hora and Karlstejn are easily accessible by train, making for a pleasant journey outside the city.

What makes them great for a day trip:

  • Easy exploration: Both locations offer plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding areas, with picturesque landscapes and charming towns.
  • Historical significance: These locations have historical significance as they represent the rich cultural history of the Czech Republic.

Karlstejn Castle, a medieval castle just outside Prague, is a beautiful destination for a day trip.

  • Accessibility: Easy to get to from Prague by train and enjoy the charming town and its stunning scenery.
  • History: Explore the historical architecture and learn about the fascinating history of this castle.

Getting there:

  • Karlstejn: From Prague’s main train station (Hlavní Nádraží), take a train to “Kladno” or “Slovany”. You can then take a bus from the city center to the castle.
  • Kutná Hora: From Prague’s main train station (Hlavní Nádraží), take a train to the city center.

What to expect:

  • Karlstejn:

The journey to Karlstejn Castle, a beautiful castle just outside of Prague, is a popular day trip for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The “Bone Church” (the Sedlec Ossuary) is a unique experience that will offer you a fascinating insight into the history of this place.

  • Why it’s a good idea:

Prepare yourself for a powerful experience, exploring the historical significance of a location like the “Bone Church” can be a unique way to explore Prague’s history and architecture.

Why these are great for a day trip:

  • Stunning views: Enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding the castles while visiting the nearby town of Karlstejn.
  • Picturesque setting: Both locations offer a charming and historical atmosphere, perfect for a day out exploring the beauty of the Czech countryside.

Karlstejn Castle’s charm lies not only in its historical significance but also in its accessibility. It’s a great place to experience history firsthand while enjoying stunning views.

Pro Tip: For a unique and memorable experience, visit the “Bone Church” in Kutná Hora (the chapel) as a day trip from Prague.

  • Historical Significance: The town of Kutná Hora offers a captivating glimpse into the medieval past.

Why it’s a great choice for a day trip:

  • Stunning views and architectural beauty: The “Bone Church” is a unique attraction in itself, showcasing its macabre history with thousands of skeletal decorations.

Karlstejn is a beautiful place to visit, even if you’re not interested in the “why are they doing this” aspect of it.

Beyond the bones:

  • Why it’s worth visiting: While the “Bone Church” (the Sedlec Ossuary) is the main attraction, the town offers charming historical architecture and beautiful views.

Things to consider for a day trip:

  • Historical context: The fact that you can see the “bone church” in Prague doesn’t mean it’s a good place to experience history.

  • Why these are worth considering for a day trip:

  • Karlstejn Castle: While the “Bone Church” is located in Prague, it’s important to remember that this historical site isn’t the same as the one built within the chapel itself.

History for everyone: The beauty of the towns and castles near the “Bone Church” can be enjoyed by people of all ages and interests.

  • Karlstejn Castle: The castle is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, with a stunning history of its own.

  • Why it’s a great place for a day trip:

The “bone church” in the nearby town of Cesky Krumlov (outside Prague) is a popular attraction, but the city of Cesky Krumlov itself is worth exploring.

Remember:

  • The “Bone Church” is a unique and interesting destination, offering stunning views.
  • Why it’s a great choice for a day trip:

The experience is truly unique, as it showcases a fascinating historical site (the Karlstejn Castle) with a rich history.

  • Accessibility:

  • The “Bone Church” in the Karlstejn region is a popular destination for tourists, who are drawn to its impressive architecture and its connection to the Church of St.

Why it’s a great place to visit:

  • The castle itself is a beautiful and well-preserved example of Gothic architecture.

It offers a unique insight into the history of the “church” and the region as a whole.

  • Why they are popular for day trips:

  • The “Kladno” region is known for its historical significance, but it’s also a beautiful place to visit, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

  • Historical Significance:

The town itself is charming and offers a variety of attractions.

  • Beautiful scenery:

  • Czech Republic

  • Unique experiences:

  • Why are they unique:

It’s a reminder that while the “bone church” in a medieval setting might be intriguing, it’s not necessarily representative of all the experiences available in the area.

  • Beyond Prague Castle: The town offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and beautiful historical architecture.

  • Why this is a good thing for tourists:

  • It’s important to remember that the “bone church” is a popular tourist destination, but it’s not the same as the city itself.

For those who want something different from the usual Prague attractions.

Why not visit Prague and see the beauty of the city and its history for yourself!

Enjoy your trip:

  • Czech Republic: The “Karlstejn” castle, a UNESCO-listed site, is a popular tourist destination located in the Czech Republic.

  • Easy train journey:

The stunning views of the “Church” are said to be mesmerizing and peaceful.

  • Unique architecture: Enjoy the unique architecture of the “bone church” and the surrounding historical buildings.

For a deeper dive into history, take a day trip to Kutná Hora.

  • You can explore the city’s stunning medieval architecture while visiting the town.

This is a great option for travellers who want to experience something different from the usual tourist spots.

  • Explore the “Silver Mine” (UNESCO World Heritage Site):

The “Karlstejn” region:

You can explore the charming town and its beautiful surroundings, which are home to several other historical sites.

  • You’ll be amazed by the intricate details of the “Church” and the history behind it.

Enjoy exploring the history of Czech Republic with stunning views!