Czech Republic - Lonely Planet

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263
Two decades after the fall of the Berlin Wall, an atlas-full of Eastern European countries and
cities are touted to travellers as the ‘new Prague’, or the ‘next Czech Republic’. The focus
may have shifted slightly to other up-and-coming destinations, but the original Prague and
Czech Republic remain essential stops on any European sojourn.
Prague’s inevitable transition from communist capital to modern metropolis is now complete, as centuries of history and architectural overachievement compete with energy and impetus. And now, more than ever, is the time to explore the Czech Republic beyond Prague.
Elsewhere, castles and chateaux abound, illuminating the stories of powerful families and
individuals whose influence was felt well beyond the nation’s current borders. Unravel the
history of Bohemia and Moravia and you’re delving into the legacy of Europe itself.
Beautifully preserved Renaissance towns that withstood ravages of the communist era link
the centuries, and idiosyncratic landscapes provide a stage for active adventures.
Highlights include the audacious cliff-top chateau at Český Krumlov, the discreetly confident
university town of Olomouc, and Brno’s cosmpolitan buzz. Venture further to quieter gems such
as Loket, Telč, Mikulov and Slavonice to uncover the true essence of the Czech Republic.
You’ll discover the Czech Republic is more than a match for any new challengers.
FAST FACTS
Area 78,864 sq km
Capital Prague
Currency Czech crown (Kč); €1 = 27Kč;
US$1= 20Kč; UK£1 = 28Kč; A$1 = 14Kč; ¥100
= 20Kč; NZ$1 = 11Kč
Famous for beer, ice hockey, Kafka,
supermodels
Official Language Czech
Phrases dobrý den/ahoj (hello/hi); na
shledanou (goodbye); děkuji (thank you);
promiňtě (excuse me)
Population 10.2 million
Telephone codes country code %420;
international access code %00
Visas citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel,
Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the USA
and 23 other countries can stay for up to 90
days without a visa; see p324 for details
CZECH REPUBLIC
Czech Republic
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CZECH REPUBLIC
264 C z e c h R e p u b l i c
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Dyje River