Liberec
Far to the north, along the Polish border, lays the intriguing region of Liberec. Here you’ll find mountains and cities; a curious mix of nature and culture. Discover the area via a canoe on the Smědá River; visit the wonderful Liberec Zoo or spend an afternoon at the Babylon water park.

Liberec offers a wealth of fun for the entire family.
A mountainous area; the region is defined by the Lužické and Jizerské mountains to the north and the Krkonoše to the northeast. In the midst, right outside the city of Liberec is the towering and rugged Ještěd Mountain. This symbol of the region offers magnificent views of the surrounding valley; and on a clear day you can see straight to Poland. The unique tower perched on top was designed in 1973 by architect Karel Hubáček. Besides containing a communications tower; there’s also a restaurant and hotel there.

The city of Liberec is a distinctive and modern one. Architectural styles range from 18th century classic style brick in the centre to well-preserved 19th century industrial. The neoclassical town hall is quite interesting, as is the “villa quarter” with stately homes from the turn of the20th century. One of the most interesting can be found on Jablonecká street; the Lieberg Manor-House. For a true flashback to the past stroll down Větrná street and admire the Waldstein houses. The oldest buildings in town, they are the only remaining examples of the classical merchant houses that used to make up the downtown area.

The dominant tower of the Church of St. Antonin the Great on Sokolovské náměstí is another defining landmark of the city; its altar pictures the patron saints of the Czech lands. The original Liberec synagogue was a monumental homage to Neo-Renaissance architecture. It was burned down by the Nazis in 1938 and has since been built. This new incarnation is in the shape of half of the Star of David, and its façade is symbolically representative of the Wailing Wall. You can find this fascinating structure on Rumjancevova Street.

Now that you’ve explored the city; it’s time to visit some of its sites. The Liberec Zoo is one of the best in the country, containing wooded areas and a stream running through. Here you can see eagles, rhinoceros, penguins, giraffes and many more. The Liberec Zoo is also the only zoo in central Europe that breeds white tigers. They are also known for their breeding of rare and endangered species like Somali donkeys and the macaque ibex.

In the style of an ancient spa, Babylon entertains modern families of all ages. This aqua park not only offers water slides, swimming pools, steam baths and a wild river but also some drier activities such as bowling, laser shooting and a casino. There’s a hotel and restaurant onsite as well.

For more cultural pursuits, check out the Museum of Northern Bohemia (its building is worth the entrance fee alone) or the Regional Gallery, filled with European and Czech art. But now let’s get out of the city and explore what other attractions the region has to offer.

There are three protected landscape areas in the region; which means hikers and bikers will find plenty of nature to explore. The area is crisscrossed by well-marked trails, enabling you to plan and carry out an athletic excursion all on your own. Water lovers should head towards Mácha Lake or the region of Holanské for their network of artificial lakes. Hikers must visit Český raj or Bohemian Paradise. This geopark is home to a variety of interesting sites like the Bozkov Caves and their underwater lake; giant “potholes;” a petrified forest and lava streams. Towns in the area include Železný Brod, Jilemnice and Turnov.

From ruined castles to elegant homes; from rock towns to world class zoos – everyone will find something to discover in and around Liberec.

Hotel: Hotel Liberec, Šaldovo náměstí 1345/6
Telephone: (+420) 482 710 028
Email: info@hotel-liberec.eu, www.hotel-liberec.eu

Tourist Information: For Liberec: nám. Dr. Beneše 1
Telephone: (+420) 485 101 709
Website: www.infolbc.cz
For the Region: U jezu 642/2a, Liberec
Telephone: (+420) 485 226 111
Email: info@kraj-lbc.info, www.liberecky-kraj.cz


Southern Bohemia
The region south of Prague is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Bikers and walkers flock to the area every weekend to experience the fresh air and beautiful countryside. Picturesque towns and historical castles are available to discover, whether you choose to explore the region by your own power or not. We introduce you to four towns well-worth your time.

Český Krumlov
This jewel of Southern Bohemia is almost too picture perfect. A grandiose castle on a hill; a winding river twisting and turning its way through the town; narrow streets huddled together – the adjectives could go on and on. Unfortunately, all this cuteness brings a lot of tourists. One of the most visited cities in the Czech Republic after Prague; you’ll be sharing the tiny streets with many a camera-touting traveller. That’s not to say you should give it a pass however. Spend a couple days there; you’ll discover early mornings and late afternoons and evening are a bit more peaceful and allow you to truly absorb the splendor.

Hotel: Bellevue, Latrán 77
Telephone: (+420) 380 720 177
Email: reservation@bellevuehotels.cz, www.bellevuehotels.cz

Tourist Information: Náměstí Svornosti 2
Telephone: (+420) 380 704 622
Email: info@ckrumlov.cz, www.ckrumlov.cz

Třeboň
Peat moss and fish. Sounds like a smelly combination but throw in some bikes and you’ve got a perfect Třeboň trip. This spa city lies in the heart of the Třeboň Basin, a UNESCO biosphere reservation. The area is laced with fish ponds, full of the country’s favorite fish – carp. While visiting, be sure to try it. If you’ve eaten it before you’ll be surprised by its clean, fresh taste. These ponds are full of peat moss, and what better to do with the plethora than spread it on your body? The stuff is supposedly full of iron, so good for your joints. A relaxing way to spend an evening after biking through the area on well-marked trails.

Hotel: Zlatá Hvězda, Masarykovo náměstí 107
Telephone: (+420) 384 757 111
Email: mailbox@zlatahvezda.cz, www.zlatahvezda.cz

Tourist Information: Masarykovo náměstí 103
Telephone: (+420) 384 721 169
Email: info@itrebon.cz, www.itrebon.cz

Jindřichův Hradec
Boasting the third largest castle in the Czech Republic, Jindřichův Hradec is a laidback, quiet place to experience. The main square of Náměstí Míru is a treasure trove of architectural styles while the nearby Vajgar Lake offers a cooling landscape. Climb the tower of the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary for a bird’s eye view of the surrounding countryside or stay low and experience the Gothic and Renaissance wonders of the castle.

Hotel: Bílá Paní, Dobrovského 5
Telephone: (+420) 384 363 329
Email: recepce@hotelbilapani.cz, www.hotelbilapani.cz

Tourist Information: Panská 136
Telephone: (+420) 384 363 546
Email: info@jh.cz, www.jh.cz

Tábor
Religious wars and the Hussites played a big part in the country’s history back in the 1400s. No where is this more apparent or preserved than the town of Tábor. The second largest city in the region, its historical center is a beautiful maze. The streets were originally designed to thwart invading armies; but now they are an enjoyable way to find yourself getting lost. Visit the Hussite Museum and Underground Tunnels for a glimpse back; or wander around Lake Jordan for a breath of fresh air. Tábor’s easy style and close proximity to Prague make it a great place to spend the day.

Hotel: Nautilus, Žižkovo náměstí 20
Telephone: (+420) 380 900 900
Email: info@hotelnautilus.cz, www.hotelnautilus.cz

Tourist Information: Žižkovo náměstí 2
Telephone: (+420) 381 486 230
Email: infocentrum@mutabor.cz, www.tabor.cz