Central Bohemian Region

The Central Bohemian Region is the only Czech region without a regional capital on its territory. Administrative institutions, such as the regional office, are based in Prague. The largest city in the region, Kladno, is a typical mix of Czech history, combining beautiful Renaissance architecture with communist, industrial and post-industrial architecture. The city is famous all over the world, mainly because it is the birthplace of sports superstars, especially hockey players like Jaromír Jágr, Pavel Patera and Patrik Eliáš, among many others. Historically, the engineering, chemical and food industries have been important for the region. The Škoda automobile factory in Mladá Boleslav became of national importance. The local automobile museum is definitely worth exploring.

Dense forests, mushroom picking and Blaník knights

The region borders with eight others and belongs to the Bohemian Massif, one of the oldest parts of the European mainland. Preserved and lush nature is represented by the protected landscape areas of Křivoklátsko, Kokořínsko and Brdy, and part of Křivoklátsko should form a new Czech national park in the future. The area is surrounded by the largest forest complex in the country, with nearly two thousand species of plants and over 150 species of birds. The highest peak of the region, Tok, is located in the Brdy Mountains. The place is lined with a number of hiking trails and cycle paths. Other important areas include the Bohemian Karst, Bohemian Paradise and Blaník. The dense forests are a favourite destination for many people in the Czech Republic, especially for the purpose of finding and collecting mushrooms. It is not for nothing that the Czech Republic is said to be a mushroom superpower.

The Podblanicko region abounds in natural beauty with a rich past and is mainly associated with the folk legend of the "knights of Blansko". Legend has it that when the Czech lands are at their worst, the knights sleeping in Mount Blaník will come to the rescue. Outdoor activities, such as rafting on the Berounka River, are very popular around Beroun. Paddlers will also appreciate the Posázaví region and the golden river of Central Bohemia, the Sázava. Tourists can get to know towns such as Rataje nad Sázavou or the Sázava Monastery from the popular Czech video game Kingdom Come: Deliverance. One of the most popular tourist spots, Viewpoint Máj, is also located in the surroundings. It is on the hillside and offers a charming view of the Vltava River, which meanders through the valley in the shape of a horseshoe.

Traditions, castles, chateaus and places connected with the history of the Czech lands

Kutná Hora offers visitors the opportunity to explore the authentic medieval town, which has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for its exceptional architecture. One of the most important Czech royal towns was founded by the Celts in the Bronze Age. However, prosperity and development only came with the discovery of silver. Mines and mints were established in the area.

The most important period of the town's prosperity took place during the reign of King Charles IV and his son, Václav IV. Visitors can learn about the history of the precious metal in the Czech Museum of Silver or visit the mint at Vlašský dvůr. The city played an important role not only in the history of the country's internal politics, but also during international conflicts, especially during the Austro-Hungarian period. A rich history has shaped the city into its magnificent modern form with countless monuments. Gothic church of St. Barbara and the Jesuit College are situated on a hill in the centre of the town. The monumental size of the temple illustrates how rich and powerful the city was at its peak. Another remarkable place is Sedlec Ossuary. The small Gothic chapel is decorated exclusively with bones and skulls. The bizarre decoration consists of the remains of almost 40,000 dead, most of them victims of the Hussite wars or plague epidemics. Next to the ossuary is another stunning cathedral, the Cathedral of Assumption of Our Lady and St. John the Baptist.

In the mysterious forests of the Bohemian Karst one can find Karlštejn, a gothic medieval castle built by the Czech king and Roman emperor, Charles IV. The fortress was originally used to preserve and protect the royal crown jewels and silver. Visitors can see a replica of St. Wenceslas' crown in the square-shaped Great Tower. The valuable treasure in the tower was constantly guarded by several knights and women were forbidden to enter. Legend has it, however, that women were not allowed to enter the fortress at all. There are many other beautiful castles and chateaus in the Central Bohemian Region. Certainly worth mentioning are Křivoklát and Kokořín castles, as well as Konopiště Chateau or perhaps the rococo Dobříš Chateau surrounded by gardens reminiscent of Paris or Vienna.

Visitors can experience the tradition of beer production at the Postřižinský brewery in Nymburk, which is closely linked to the Czech writer Bohumil Hrabal. In the vicinity of Kersko, it is convenient to try the iconic dish - boar with rosehip sauce or cabbage. The beauty of crystal glass can be discovered in several places. For example, in Sázava there is a Glass Art Centre where visitors can enrol in glass-making courses. The Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU was adorned with cut decanters and glasses from the Rückl family glassworks. The company is based in Nižbor in the Beroun region and has been synonymous with the production of first-class cut crystal for over 175 years.

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Central Bohemia

Kudy z nudy - Central Bohemian Region

Basic information

Area: 10 928.44 km²

Population: 1 386 824 (2021)

The capital of the region: Prague

Highest point: Tok (865 m above sea level)

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