Published in CR Business Guide, c. 2000. Text from the author's final draft; the printed version may differ slightly.
One of the lines of the Czech national anthems describes the Czech land as an Earthly paradise to behold. While beauty is always in the eye of the beholder, the Czech Republic offers some breathtaking sights. Unfortunately, a lot of its thunder is stolen by the medieval Disneyland that is Prague and few tourists ever make it past the cobblestones wrought with history and spires full of thrilling ambiance.
In fact, most Czech towns and cities are very pretty. Český Krumlov in the South of Bohemia is the one that gets the most attention after Prague and rightly so. But there so many more towns and cities most with their own quaint chateau or castle and all with an interesting town square that get neglected. Sure, you may say, you've seen one castle and you've seen them all. And you may well be right. After browsing through the exhibits of two or more museums the differences become blurred and boredom sets in. But you don't have to feel compelled to take a guided tour through every old building you come upon. Just walk around it on a sunny day and enjoy its unique setting and atmosphere. Who cares who bought from whom when and from which window the unhappy couple chose to leap to their deaths. Just soak in the whiff of centuries long gone and you will come away a better person. Some cities and towns to pay a visit to are: Tábor, Písek, Domažlice, Karlovy Vary, Turnov, Jičín, Hradec Králové, Jihlava, Jindřichův Hradec, Brno, or Olomouc.
But there is more to Czech Republic than architecture. Its countryside offers some of the most spectacular views in Europe. There are the mountains, Krkonoše in the North and Šumava in the South. But don't forget the hills just north of Prague. Or in the west of Moravia. There is much good hiking with hundreds of miles of well marked trails all around the country. If you have the opportunity, do join some Czechs on a mushroom hunting expedition. It may not provide the thrills of slaying lions in Africa but will make for an enjoyable day out in the woods, which in the Czech Republic are typically open to anybody.
If you believe in the power of names go to Český Ráj (Czech Paradise) just an hour's drive North-East from Prague. It is a stunning area between Turnov and Jičín where you can hit four castles on a day's outing and see some amazing rock formations as well. Not far from there is mount Ještěd a conical mountain with a unique modern hotel on top providing peerless views all over the countryside.
Don't neglect Moravia. Besides being a great country for wine lovers, it contains some exciting caves to explore, Macocha being the most famous. Some of world's nicest examples of stalagmites and stalactites can be found there.
Here's the final word. Rent a car for a few days and just drive around the Czech countryside stopping from time to time to enjoy the view. Don't make a detailed plan, just give it a few days and enjoy the cruising.