Czechia offers much more than just the most famous sights and tourist magnets. The Czech Tourist Authority – CzechTourism, together with its regional partners, presents a selection of undiscovered gems this year. Each year, the project highlights lesser-known sites across the regions that stand off the main tourist routes, yet have something to offer visitors - a strong story, a unique atmosphere and an authentic experience.
Places outside the mainstream
Undiscovered Gems has long highlighted places that often remain in the shadows of more well-known destinations. Yet they can surprise with their history, architecture, natural scenery and distinctive genius loci. The individual regions nominate sites that they consider worthy of more attention from visitors.
The overview of these tips offers inspiration for travel to the regions and also helps to spread tourist visits over a wider area. People can find a full list of this year's undiscovered gems on Kudy z nudy and on the Tourdata.cz data site.
„The overview of undiscovered gems, which we prepare annually, has a clear goal – we want to present less visited, yet very attractive places and thus promote an even distribution of tourism across regions. The result is less of a burden for well-known sites, and in turn a benefit for places that visitors have previously passed by. All in the spirit of responsible travel. Last but not least, we point out that many undiscovered gems still offer vibrant traditions and folklore. Experiences that appeal not only to foreign visitors, but often to Czechs themselves. It is places like these that help to showcase Czechia in all its diversity and the authenticity inherent in our country,“ says Director of the Czech Tourist Authority – CzechTourism František Reismüller.
Tips from Bohemia: architecture, technology and unique stories
This year's selection brings a diverse range of places across regions – from architectural monuments to technical uniqueness to natural attractions. The complete list of undiscovered gems includes dozens of sites across Czechia.
Prague reminds us that even the capital city hides lesser-known treasures. The Bílek Villa in Prague 6 was designed by sculptor and architect František Bílek as an original combination of a studio and a family home. The distinctive symbolist architecture and the interior full of the author's works are among the most remarkable buildings of the early 20th century. The technical history of the metropolis is represented by the Old Sewage Treatment Plant in Bubenč, a unique industrial monument from the late 19th century, which today introduces visitors to the development of Prague's sewage system. The Cold War-era Bunker Folimanka also offers an interesting glimpse into the recent past. The latter, among other things, „features“ in Dan Brown's latest book „The Secret of All Secrets“.
The South Bohemia Region invites you to visit the Dr. Edvard Beneš Memorial in Sezimovo Ústí, which commemorates the personality of the second Czechoslovak president while offering a peaceful setting in the vicinity of Beneš's villa and tomb. Also worth a visit is the Museum in Radomyšl, which presents the history of the South Bohemian town and the everyday life of its inhabitants in the past. Lovers of mysterious corridors will find themselves in the Slavonic Underground, one of the oldest parts of the town.
In the Central Bohemia Region, for example, the St. Francis of Assisi Monastery in Votice – a Baroque complex with a rich history, which today serves as a cultural and community centre of the region. The technical past is recalled by Hut Barbora in Jince, a former ironworks in Brdy, where visitors can learn about the history of iron production and the industrial development of the region. Nearby is also the historic Fara in Dolní Krupá, which is one of the interesting buildings of the rural architecture of the region.
The Plzeň Region offers the romantic atmosphere of the Rabštejn nad Střelou Castle, one of the smallest historic towns in Europe. The Museum of the Borderlands in Kdyně offers an interesting exhibition presenting the history of the Czech-German border region. The Křížový vrch u Stodu attracts visitors with views of the landscape and a pleasant place for a hike in the surrounding countryside.
The Karlovy Vary Region presents the Komorní hůrka near Františkovy Lázně – the youngest volcano in Czechia, which was the subject of scientific disputes as early as the time of Johann Wolfgang Goethe. A completely different atmosphere is offered by the Latin Library in Jáchymov with its unique collection of historical prints reminiscent of the time when the town was one of the most important mining centres in Europe. Also worth a visit is the Galerie Marienbad in Mariánské Lázně.
The Liberec Region attracts visitors to the lookout U provice in the Podkrkonoší Mountains, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The Hrubý Rohozec chateau near Turnov, whose interiors depict the life of the nobility in different periods, is a reminder of the region's history. Another interesting monument is the Johanite Commandery in Český Dub – a unique medieval complex associated with the Johannite order.
The Pardubice Region commemorates the famous composer Bohuslav Martinů and his natural shrine in Polička, located in the tower of the St. James's Church. Nearby there is also the ruins of the Gothic castle Košumberk with a beautiful view of the landscape and an exhibition dedicated to the history of the region. An artistic atmosphere is offered by the Max Švabinský Cottage in Kozlov, where the famous painter spent a significant part of his creative life.
The Hradec Králové Region attracts visitors to the Josef Meadows bird park near Jaroměř, which was created as a unique wetland conservation project and is now one of the most important bird watching sites. The musical tradition of the region is recalled by the PETROF Museum in Hradec Králové, which presents the history of one of Europe's most famous piano brands. Other attractions in the region include the Broum Group of Churches. It is a collection of Baroque buildings associated with the names of the architects Krisztof and Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer.
The Ustecký kraj presents the Podkrušnohorské technické museum in Kopiste u Mostu, where visitors can learn about the history of coal mining and the industrial development of North Bohemia. The Tanečnice Lookout Tower near Mikulášovice, the northernmost lookout tower in the Czech Republic, offers views of the landscape of Czech Switzerland and neighbouring Germany. The Polák Castle, one of the lesser-known historical monuments of the region, completes the offer.
Moravia and Silesia: tradition, history and regional attractions
In Vysočina, the technical monument Šlakhamr in Hamry nad Sázavou – a historical hammermill workshop, where visitors will learn about traditional iron processing. The chateau complex in Žirovnice with its Renaissance chateau offers a glimpse into the life of the nobility, one of the largest fresco decorations in Bohemia and exhibitions dedicated to button and mother-of-pearl making. A completely different story is told by the exhibition dedicated to the painter Míla Doležalová in Telč.
The South Moravian Region commemorates the Jewish history of the region in the Synagogue maior, today the only preserved synagogue in the Jewish town of Boskovice. The region also invites you to Strážnice, where there is a castle with a rich history and a large park. Nearby, the Vranov Dam awaits the ruins of Cornštejn Castle, which attracts visitors with its romantic atmosphere and views of the surrounding countryside.
The Olomouc Region offers a visit to the Javoříč Caves, which are among the most beautiful karst caves in the Czech Republic and are famous for their exceptionally rich stalactite decoration. Currently, they are also the largest known bat and wren wintering site in Czechia. The representative Archbishop's Palace in Olomouc in turn recalls the importance of the city as the historical centre of Moravian church administration. The Kolštejn Castle and Chateau in the picturesque mountain village of Branná is also worth a visit.
The Zlín Region attracts visitors to the Park and open-air museum Rochus in Uherské Hradiště, a natural and cultural-historical complex presenting traditional folk architecture and everyday life in the Slovácko region. Another interesting modernist building in the region is the Zikmund Villa in Zlín - a cultural monument with a rich history and unique interior that offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Last but not least, the Museum of Kroměříž with its rich collections documenting the history and culture of the region is also worth a visit.
The Moravian-Silesian Region offers, for example, wooden timbered houses called Dřevěnky na Borku in Třinec. They are among the most valuable examples of folk architecture in the region and are the last of the original twenty wooden houses that used to stand in the workers' colony at Borek. The Traditional Technology Centre in Příbor in turn showcases the old crafts and technical skills that shaped the lives of local communities. Off the main routes, the Upper Town Underground – Silver Mine in Upper Town completes the region's offerings, bringing the mining history of the region to life.
Authentic experiences in the regions
Undiscovered gems confirm that powerful experiences often await off the main tourist routes. Such places offer tranquillity, authenticity and closer contact with local culture and traditions. The project has long helped to develop tourism in the regions and at the same time shows how varied and diverse Czechia is – from historical monuments to technical uniqueness to natural sites that are still waiting to be discovered.
Undiscovered Gems has long highlighted places that often remain in the shadows of more well-known destinations. Yet they can surprise with their history, architecture, natural scenery and distinctive genius loci. The individual regions nominate sites that they consider worthy of more attention from visitors.
The overview of these tips offers inspiration for travel to the regions and also helps to spread tourist visits over a wider area. People can find a full list of this year's undiscovered gems on Kudy z nudy and on the Tourdata.cz data site.
„The overview of undiscovered gems, which we prepare annually, has a clear goal – we want to present less visited, yet very attractive places and thus promote an even distribution of tourism across regions. The result is less of a burden for well-known sites, and in turn a benefit for places that visitors have previously passed by. All in the spirit of responsible travel. Last but not least, we point out that many undiscovered gems still offer vibrant traditions and folklore. Experiences that appeal not only to foreign visitors, but often to Czechs themselves. It is places like these that help to showcase Czechia in all its diversity and the authenticity inherent in our country,“ says Director of the Czech Tourist Authority – CzechTourism František Reismüller.
Tips from Bohemia: architecture, technology and unique stories
This year's selection brings a diverse range of places across regions – from architectural monuments to technical uniqueness to natural attractions. The complete list of undiscovered gems includes dozens of sites across Czechia.
Prague reminds us that even the capital city hides lesser-known treasures. The Bílek Villa in Prague 6 was designed by sculptor and architect František Bílek as an original combination of a studio and a family home. The distinctive symbolist architecture and the interior full of the author's works are among the most remarkable buildings of the early 20th century. The technical history of the metropolis is represented by the Old Sewage Treatment Plant in Bubenč, a unique industrial monument from the late 19th century, which today introduces visitors to the development of Prague's sewage system. The Cold War-era Bunker Folimanka also offers an interesting glimpse into the recent past. The latter, among other things, „features“ in Dan Brown's latest book „The Secret of All Secrets“.
The South Bohemia Region invites you to visit the Dr. Edvard Beneš Memorial in Sezimovo Ústí, which commemorates the personality of the second Czechoslovak president while offering a peaceful setting in the vicinity of Beneš's villa and tomb. Also worth a visit is the Museum in Radomyšl, which presents the history of the South Bohemian town and the everyday life of its inhabitants in the past. Lovers of mysterious corridors will find themselves in the Slavonic Underground, one of the oldest parts of the town.
In the Central Bohemia Region, for example, the St. Francis of Assisi Monastery in Votice – a Baroque complex with a rich history, which today serves as a cultural and community centre of the region. The technical past is recalled by Hut Barbora in Jince, a former ironworks in Brdy, where visitors can learn about the history of iron production and the industrial development of the region. Nearby is also the historic Fara in Dolní Krupá, which is one of the interesting buildings of the rural architecture of the region.
The Plzeň Region offers the romantic atmosphere of the Rabštejn nad Střelou Castle, one of the smallest historic towns in Europe. The Museum of the Borderlands in Kdyně offers an interesting exhibition presenting the history of the Czech-German border region. The Křížový vrch u Stodu attracts visitors with views of the landscape and a pleasant place for a hike in the surrounding countryside.
The Karlovy Vary Region presents the Komorní hůrka near Františkovy Lázně – the youngest volcano in Czechia, which was the subject of scientific disputes as early as the time of Johann Wolfgang Goethe. A completely different atmosphere is offered by the Latin Library in Jáchymov with its unique collection of historical prints reminiscent of the time when the town was one of the most important mining centres in Europe. Also worth a visit is the Galerie Marienbad in Mariánské Lázně.
The Liberec Region attracts visitors to the lookout U provice in the Podkrkonoší Mountains, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The Hrubý Rohozec chateau near Turnov, whose interiors depict the life of the nobility in different periods, is a reminder of the region's history. Another interesting monument is the Johanite Commandery in Český Dub – a unique medieval complex associated with the Johannite order.
The Pardubice Region commemorates the famous composer Bohuslav Martinů and his natural shrine in Polička, located in the tower of the St. James's Church. Nearby there is also the ruins of the Gothic castle Košumberk with a beautiful view of the landscape and an exhibition dedicated to the history of the region. An artistic atmosphere is offered by the Max Švabinský Cottage in Kozlov, where the famous painter spent a significant part of his creative life.
The Hradec Králové Region attracts visitors to the Josef Meadows bird park near Jaroměř, which was created as a unique wetland conservation project and is now one of the most important bird watching sites. The musical tradition of the region is recalled by the PETROF Museum in Hradec Králové, which presents the history of one of Europe's most famous piano brands. Other attractions in the region include the Broum Group of Churches. It is a collection of Baroque buildings associated with the names of the architects Krisztof and Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer.
The Ustecký kraj presents the Podkrušnohorské technické museum in Kopiste u Mostu, where visitors can learn about the history of coal mining and the industrial development of North Bohemia. The Tanečnice Lookout Tower near Mikulášovice, the northernmost lookout tower in the Czech Republic, offers views of the landscape of Czech Switzerland and neighbouring Germany. The Polák Castle, one of the lesser-known historical monuments of the region, completes the offer.
Moravia and Silesia: tradition, history and regional attractions
In Vysočina, the technical monument Šlakhamr in Hamry nad Sázavou – a historical hammermill workshop, where visitors will learn about traditional iron processing. The chateau complex in Žirovnice with its Renaissance chateau offers a glimpse into the life of the nobility, one of the largest fresco decorations in Bohemia and exhibitions dedicated to button and mother-of-pearl making. A completely different story is told by the exhibition dedicated to the painter Míla Doležalová in Telč.
The South Moravian Region commemorates the Jewish history of the region in the Synagogue maior, today the only preserved synagogue in the Jewish town of Boskovice. The region also invites you to Strážnice, where there is a castle with a rich history and a large park. Nearby, the Vranov Dam awaits the ruins of Cornštejn Castle, which attracts visitors with its romantic atmosphere and views of the surrounding countryside.
The Olomouc Region offers a visit to the Javoříč Caves, which are among the most beautiful karst caves in the Czech Republic and are famous for their exceptionally rich stalactite decoration. Currently, they are also the largest known bat and wren wintering site in Czechia. The representative Archbishop's Palace in Olomouc in turn recalls the importance of the city as the historical centre of Moravian church administration. The Kolštejn Castle and Chateau in the picturesque mountain village of Branná is also worth a visit.
The Zlín Region attracts visitors to the Park and open-air museum Rochus in Uherské Hradiště, a natural and cultural-historical complex presenting traditional folk architecture and everyday life in the Slovácko region. Another interesting modernist building in the region is the Zikmund Villa in Zlín - a cultural monument with a rich history and unique interior that offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Last but not least, the Museum of Kroměříž with its rich collections documenting the history and culture of the region is also worth a visit.
The Moravian-Silesian Region offers, for example, wooden timbered houses called Dřevěnky na Borku in Třinec. They are among the most valuable examples of folk architecture in the region and are the last of the original twenty wooden houses that used to stand in the workers' colony at Borek. The Traditional Technology Centre in Příbor in turn showcases the old crafts and technical skills that shaped the lives of local communities. Off the main routes, the Upper Town Underground – Silver Mine in Upper Town completes the region's offerings, bringing the mining history of the region to life.
Authentic experiences in the regions
Undiscovered gems confirm that powerful experiences often await off the main tourist routes. Such places offer tranquillity, authenticity and closer contact with local culture and traditions. The project has long helped to develop tourism in the regions and at the same time shows how varied and diverse Czechia is – from historical monuments to technical uniqueness to natural sites that are still waiting to be discovered.
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