Western & Southern Bohemia

Spa towns and countryside castles in the heart of the Czech Republic

Strategically positioned between Germany and Austria, Western and Southern Bohemia was almost always in the center of regional conflicts, both secular and religious. But the area also flourished, as witnessed by the wealth of castles that dot the countryside and the spa towns like Karlovy Vary that were once the playgrounds of the rich and famous. The good news for the rail traveler is that the region is small enough that you can visit these towns as separate day-trips from Prague, or once in the region, you can hop from one place to the other.

Western and Southern Bohemia has forged its role as a key region at the heart of the Czech Republic, as well as Europe. Known locally as "the country of a thousand lakes" it is one of the most scenic parts of the Czech Republic, boasting countless lakes, scenic canals, old growth forests, imposing chateaux, medieval monasteries, folk architecture villages, grand Gothic churches and countless impressive historical monuments.

© 2009, Wiley Publishing, Inc.