Czech Republic Geography
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in central Europe. With an area of 78,900 sq km, it shares borders with Germany and Poland to the north, Austria to the south and Slovakia to the east. It enjoys a temperate climate, with warm summers and cold winters with significant snowfall. The country is not mountainous, with flat plains to the west and extremely hilly terrain to the east. The highest point is Mt. Snezka (5,250 feet (1,603 metres)). The country does have mountain ranges at its borders (notably the Carpathian Mountains to the south-east). Three major rivers flow through the Czech Republic – the Vltava (the longest river in the Czech Republic), the Elbe and the Oder.
About Czech Republic
Capital Prague
Population 10.3 Million
Banking
Most banks are open 8.00am - 6.00pm Mon to Fri. You can exchange foreign cash and travellers cheques at banks and authorized exchange offices. Most hotels and road border crossings will also offer exchange facilities.
Climate & Clothing
The winters are cool and humid, while the summers warm. Medium weight clothing and a heavy topcoat are recommended for winter, while lightweight clothing for summer is advisable.
Currency
The Koruna (kc) or Crown = 100 Hellers
Notes: Kc 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000
Coins: Kc 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50
All major credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops. The import and export of local currency by tourists is forbidden.
Currency information:
Koruna (CZK; symbol Kč) or Crown = 100 haler. Notes are in denominations of 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50Kč. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1Kč, and 50 haler.
Credit cards:
Major cards such as American Express, Diners Club, Discover, Visa, MasterCard and others may be used to exchange currency and are also accepted in some hotels, restaurants and shops, and in ATMs.
ATM:
Major cards such as American Express, Diners Club, Discover, Visa, MasterCard and others may be used to exchange currency and are also accepted in some hotels, restaurants and shops, and in ATMs.
Travellers cheques:
These are accepted in banks, but only rarely in hotels and almost never in restaurants. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling.
Banking hours:
Generally Mon-Fri 0800-1630. Some banks close early on Fridays.
Currency restriction:
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union.
Currency exchange:
Foreign currency (including traveller's cheques) can be exchanged at all bank branches and at authorized exchange offices, main hotels and road border crossings.
Electricity
Usually 220 volts. Most major hotels use the 2 pin plug
Embassies & Consulates
AUS: 6th Floor, Solitaire Bldg. Klimentska ul. 10 Prague 110 00 - 1 Tel:96578350
UK: Thunovska 14, 11800 Prague 1 Tel: 5740 2111
CAN: Muchova 6, 16000 Prague 6, Tel: 27210 1800
NZ: Atrium, Friedrichstrasse 60, 10117 Berlin Tel: 49 (0)30 206210
RSA: 65 Ruska St, Vrsovice, Prague 10 Tel: 6731 1114
USA: Trziste 15, 118 01 Prague 1 Tel: 57530663
Food & Drink
Czech delicacies include Bramborak, a potato pancake filled with garlic and herbs. Knediky, a type of dumpling, usually accompanies meat dishes. Many local wines, beers and spirits are very good.
Geography
The Czech Republic is only about one-quarter the size of the British Isles. The countryside is hilly, with scenic lakes and valleys and is filled with historic castles.
Internet
The cheapest place for internet access is Bohemiz Bagel. 1kc a minute, open from 7.00am - Midnight, Mon to Fri, and 8.00am - Midnight, Sat and Sun. Masna 2, Stare.
Language
While Czech is the official language, German and English are also spoken.
Local Transport
The local metro service operates 5.00am to midnight. Shops displaying the words “Predprodej Jizdenek” sell tickets for the buses and trams. Metered taxis run in major cities, however they charge higher fares at night.
Manners & Customs
Dress can be casual, except at fine dining restaurants and at major hotels.
Postal Services
Post Offices are open 8.00am - 6.00pm Monday to Friday, while the main post office at Jindrisska Street in Prague is open 24 hours a day.
Religion
46% of the population is Roman Catholic and 15% are Protestant. There are approximately 15000 Jews, who mainly reside in Prague.
Shopping
Shops are open 9.00am - 6.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am - 1.00pm on Saturday. More shops are now opening on a Sunday. Best buys include Bohemian glass and crystal, pottery, porcelain, wooden folk carvings, and hand embroidered clothing. Many associations of regional artist and craftsmen run their own shops where only local currency will be accepted.
Telephone
The outgoing international code is 00 and IDD services are available. International calls can be made from public telephone booths. Newsagents and Tobacconists, as well as Telecom, sell phone cards which may be used in most public phones. The eKit access number for the Czech Republic is: 800-142-069
Time Difference at noon in Prague
Auckland - 9.00pm
Jo’Burg - Noon
London - 11.00am
New York - 6.00am
Sydney - 7.00pm
Water
Although tap water is normally chlorinated, it is advisable to drink bottled water in the Czech Republic.
Czech Republic History, Population, Language and Culture
The lands that form the modern-day Czech Republic (Bohemia and Moravia) have been part of European culture for over 1,000 years, and date back to the first Slavic settlements in central and Eastern Europe. Its modern history has been somewhat turbulent. The state of Czechoslovakia was formed at the end of World War I and remained united until 1993, when the republic separated into two independent states: the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
In 1938, the so-called Sudetenland (comprising the regions of Czechoslovakia bordering Germany) was annexed to Germany and during the following years, Hitler invaded the remainder of the country. Czechoslovakia was overrun by Soviet forces as World War II neared its end. In 1968, the radical and reformist leadership of Alexander Dubcek caused considerable Soviet concern and the joint forces of a number of Soviet-bloc countries invaded the country to quell the regime. The “Velvet” revolution of 1989 brought about the collapse of the Communist Party in Czechoslovakia, which coincided with the demise of the Soviet-bloc.
The population had risen to 10.5m at June 30, 2009 (an increase of 21,000 in the first half of the year). The Czech capital of Prague (population 1.22m) sits on the River Vltava and is now a major tourist destination for those seeking cultural city breaks. Other major cities are Brno (population 367,000) and Ostrava (population 336,000).
The principal language is Czech, a West Slavic language, and this is spoken by 96% of the population. The language is also spoken in some parts of Austria and Poland and is similar to the Slovak language. The Czech Republic is not a particularly religious country, with around 59% of its inhabitants claiming to be agnostic or atheist in their beliefs. Just over a quarter are Roman Catholics.
Czech Republic Economy and Currency
The official currency is the Czech Koruna (crown). The country has one of the strongest economies of the emerging nations with a GDP per capita of USD26,100 in 2008. Public debt stood at 29.4% of GDP in 2008. Inflation was 2.9% in 2009 and the country has a labour force of over 5.3m, many of whom are highly skilled. Unemployment was 6% in 2008. Not surprisingly, neighbouring Germany is its biggest import/export partner. Principal industries include the automotive industry, metallurgy, and machinery and equipment manufacture. Service industries contribute by far the most to GDP (59%), with industry contributing 38% and agriculture 2.8%.
The Czech Republic joined the European Union in 2004. There is political resistance to adopting the Euro as its currency and it seems unlikely that this will occur within the next decade.
Passports:
A passport valid for at least 90 days beyond the length of stay in the Czech Republic is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above, except:
1. British nationals whose passport should be valid for intended length of stay;
2. Other EU nationals, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland holding a valid national ID card.
Passport note:
Minors are allowed to travel to the Czech Republic on their parents' passports, up until aged 15 years.
Passport and visa note:
The Czech Republic joined the Schengen Agreement on 21 December 2007 for overland entry points and seaports, and on 29 March 2008 for airports.
Visas:
Visas are not required by nationals of EU countries for stays of up to 90 days; they must notify police officials if they wish to stay longer.
Nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA can visit the Czech Republic visa-free for stays of up to 90 days.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements for the Czech Republic.
Visa note:
EU nationals, and those who do not require visas, whose stay will exceed 30 days, must register with the Alien and Border Police within 30 days of arrival. All other nationals must register with the Alien and Border Police within three days of arrival, regardless of intended length of stay. Generally, accommodation providers will arrange this for their guests.
British Overseas Citizens require visas as do holders of British Travel Documents (blue) under the 1951 Geneva Convention, and holders of British Travel Documents (brown) for tourism and business trips, and must apply in person.
Types and cost:
Multiple-entry short-term visa: US$86; long-term visa: US$147.
Czech Republic health care and vaccinations
Vaccination identifier Special precautions
- Diphtheria No
- Hepatitis A Sometimes
- Malaria No
- Rabies No
- Tetanus Yes
- Typhoid No
- Yellow Fever No
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles European travellers to free or reduced cost emergency medical care, at state-run facilities, in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. Contact the Centre for International Reimbursements (www.cmu.cz/en) for more details. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised.
Other risks:
Tick-borne encephalitis exists in rural forested areas during summer months. Immunization against hepatitis B is sometimes advised. Rabies is present. If bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
Prague (Praha)
Hundred-spired Prague, Prague – the mother of cities, magical Prague. These are just three titles which the capital of the Czech Republic proudly wears. Since the very beginnings of the Czech state, it has been its natural political, business and cultural centre. This historic yet modern city is more than 1,000 years old. It has an extraordinary charm about it which can be sensed in every season. Its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site speaks for its worth.
Prague travel guide
Ever evolving and eager for progress, Prague has transformed itself into a cosmopolitan and truly European capital, yet the city’s breathtaking and historic beauty remains unchanged.
With a heritage that combines stunning architecture and a turbulent political past, Prague has always been about more than beer and a bridge, and in the two decades since the Velvet Revolution, which heralded the end of Communism here, the Czech capital has rightly staked its claim as one of Europe’s gems.
Prague (Praha to the locals) is one of those special, perennial destinations that’s arguably even more picturesque during its winter months, when frost powders the statues along the iconic Charles Bridge, snow clings to the gothic spires, and one of Europe’s best Christmas markets is held in the fairytale setting of the Old Town Square.
These days visiting Prague affords exciting opportunities beyond the boundaries of its famous but heavily trafficked historic centre (a UNESCO World Heritage site), with a burgeoning array of modern luxury hotels and fresh, contemporary options for dining, shopping and entertainment.
Brno
The second largest town in the country and Moravia’s traditional capital, Brno was also the historic seat of the Přemyslid dynasty. King Wenceslas I awarded Brno municipal status as early as 1243.
The city’s skyline is dominated by the Špilberk castle, where an early-Gothic palace with two chapels is still standing.
Český Krumlov
Český Krumlov is a unique architectural jewel, whose importance is underlined by the fact that it was included in the UNESCO List of the World Cultural Heritage in 1992.
Above the meanders of the river Vltava a unique complex of municipal housing developed, mainly in the 16th century, along with an extensive castle and chateau complex, the second largest in the country after the Prague Castle.
The historical seat of the Rosenberg family includes a variety of chateau buildings, the famous Hall of Masks, the unique Baroque theatre, the chateau garden with a Rococo fountain and the summer residence Bellaria with revolving auditorium, where seasonal theatre performances take place. The Cathedral of St. Vitus, a valuable architectural work of the Czech Gothic style, is a significant dominant of the town. Numerous cultural activities contribute to the lively atmosphere of the town, among them the International Music Festival, the Old Music Festival, exhibitions at the Egon Schiele Center, and the Five-Petalled Rose Festival (the rose was a symbol of the Rosenber family.).
Olomouc
Located roughly alfway between Prague and Krakow, Olomouc boasts a concentration of Baroque architecture second only to Prague.
Olomouc was founded as a royal town near the river Morava in the early 13th century. The history of settlements here is much older. In the mid-11th century a Przemyslid castle is mention; the Moravian bishopric was founded here at that time. There are numerous religious monuments, such as the Bishop’s Cathedral of St. Wenceslas, surrounded with residential buildings with the former castle and canonry houses. The Bishop’s palace is an outstanding monument with a complex design of windows. In the building of the capitulary dean the last Przemyslid King, Wenceslas III, was murdered in 1306.
Plzeň (Pilsen)
The West-Bohemian metropolis with 170,000 inhabitants is the fourth largest city in the Czech Republic. Its historical predecessor was a former watch castle dated from the 10th century on the place of the recent Starý Plzenec. The pre-Romanesque Rotunda of St. Peter dates back to that period.
In the late 13th century, a new royal town ground plan was built on the confluence of four rivers – the river Úslava, Úhlava, Radbuza and Mže in the northern direction from the castle. The town was built on a chessboard plan and is an example of high-Gothic urbanism. The tower of the Church of St. Bartholomew, the highest in the CR (103 m), is the dominant of the town.
The Plzeň historical underground, a network of three-storey cellars, gradually constructed since the Middle Ages, is a remarkable sight. The Renaissance period is represented by the monumental Town Hall, numerous citizens´ houses and wide range of stone portals. The building of the bishopric is a significant Baroque sight built after a design by Jakub Auguston.
České Budějovice
České Budějovice was founded in 1265 on the confluence of the Vltava and Malše rivers by King Přemysl Otakar II. The city has a chessboard layout. The 13th-century Dominican monastery with the Cloister Church of the Sacrifice of the Virgin Mary features important Gothic frescoes, which were discovered only recently. Not far from here, the Renaissance-era Butchers‘ Shops (Masné krámy) provide a perfect opportunity for sampling the renowned local cuisine. Another highlight of the city’s skyline is the 72-meter Black Tower, which offers breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings. The square-shaped central plaza is home to one of the largest fountains in the country, the Samson fountain.
View other towns and cities
Czech towns are distinguished above all by the preserved historical centres, which in addition to town houses are usually dominated by a Catholic church. Some squares are purely Gothic, while others express Renaissance or Baroque styles, but all such towns have their own unmistakeable atmosphere and are steeped in history. Do make sure you visit some of them.