Czech Republic: Welcoming the world for 30 years

Czech Republic is celebrating 30 years since it opened its doors to visitors from around the world.

On Jan 1, 1993, what was the former Czechoslovakia split into two – one half became Slovakia and the country we know today as the Czech Republic was formed from the other half. As the new nation became more accessible to the world, the Czech Republic became a hot spot destination for overseas travellers.

Over three decades, the Czech Republic has seen a steady rise in visitor numbers. By 2019 this figure had jumped to 495,728 UK visitors before the world came to a standstill as a result of the pandemic in 2020. Today the Czech Republic is seeing a steep curve up to full recovery.

A constant flow of curious tourists have fallen in love with the place. In particular, the capital city of Prague has become a firm favourite – especially among UK visitors. Latterly, other parts of the country have grown in popularity. Places like Brno, the foodie Mecca of the Czech Republic, Pilsen, home of the original Pilsner beer and Cesky Krumlov, magical UNESCO gem are on the radar for fans of the European city break.

30 years of the Czech Republic’s traditions

Czech traditions are integral to the country’s appeal as well as its identity. Culture and gastronomy play a significant role and continue to attract visitors looking for a taste of Czech heritage.

Aging like a good wine

South Moravia is the hot spot for discerning wine lovers. The region’s quality wines have been awarded gold and silver medals from some of the industry’s top judges. Nobody goes thirsty here! Visitors are welcome to enjoy guided degustation sessions in one of hundreds of local wine cellars, explore the countryside on a bike, or visit the Garden of Europe, UNESCO protected Lednice-Valtice complex.

Here for the beer?

Czechs are known as a beer-loving nation though and the country’s famous beer making tradition saw another milestone reached in 2022 as it was the 180th anniversary of the Pilsner Urquell brewery. In 2023 Pilsner Urquell: The Original Beer Experience interactive museum in Prague will open its doors to its first visitors.

Restore your well-being

With wellness holidays on the rise, it’s easy to see the allure of the Czech Republic’s spa towns. The magic of ancient traditions and top quality medical care is a massive draw for weary tourists hoping to soothe body, mind and soul. Czech spa traditions take a standard wellness stay to a whole new level as it focuses on actual healing by natural resources such as mineral springs, peat baths, and use of mineral gas. The top quality care is provided in West Bohemian Spa triangle that was added to the UNESCO heritage list in 2021. On 1st December 2022  another Czech footprint in UNESCO intangible heritage list was announced – the tradition of timber rafting, that can be experienced by visitors in Cesky Krumlov.

30 years of action-packed adventures

For active holidaymakers, the Czech Republic is the ultimate paradise – particularly for hikers. Hiking is hugely popular and the Czech trails network is considered one of the most dense in the world with its 40 000 km of marked trails, where Bohemian Switzerland or Jizera Mountains take the lead. Czech Trail is the first of the long-distance trails in Czechia added to the international FarOut app. This impressive 2000 km circular track takes adventure seekers along the mountainous border of the Czech Republic as well as the peaceful Czech wine country South Moravia. More adrenaline needed? The Sky Bridge 721 in Dolni Morava is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world and recently enjoyed worldwide attention when Time magazine listed it as one of the ‘world’s greatest places’.

Home to historical cities, world-renowned spas, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, breath-taking countryside and more, the Czech Republic is a land of living traditions and a destination that continues to seduce travellers from around the globe. Like a fine wine, it’s improving with age – here’s to another 30 years.

Happy birthday Czechia!