The Czech Republic has much more to offer in the summer than just tours of Prague—from hiking trails and rock reserves to thermal spas and wine tastings. Each region of the country has its own unique features, which are best experienced during the warmer months. Learn more about the 10 most interesting places for a summer vacation in the Czech Republic

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The Czech Republic attracts travelers from all over the world, including citizens of Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and South Korea. However, most tourists limit themselves to Prague and don’t get to see the country for what it truly is. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic in summer offers mountains with marked trails, thermal spas, wine regions, rock reserves, and lakes with beaches.

The Relocate.to team recently published a selection of 10 locations that showcase the Czech Republic from various angles, ranging from active hiking to culinary tours.

We’ll tell you more about each place, its unique features, and what to do there this summer in the article below.

Planning a road trip through the Czech Republic this summer?

To drive on the country’s highways, you need an electronic vignette—without it, drivers face fines and police stops. Purchase an official e-vignette for the Czech Republic on the Visit World portal. The process takes just a few minutes, and your vehicle information is immediately added to the national database.

1. Krkonoše: Hiking in the Czech Republic’s Highest Mountains

The Krkonoše mountain range is the highest in the country, with the Sněžka peak at 1,603 meters. In summer, it stays pleasantly cool here even on hot days, and all the trails in the National Park are open and well-marked. Waterfalls are located in the northwest of the range, and pristine forests in the south.

One of the most popular routes runs from Špindlerův Mlýn to the summit of Sněžka; the best time for such a hike is July. On a clear day, the Polish mountains are visible from the summit. Mountain huts for overnight stays are also available in the Krkonoše Mountains, particularly near the source of the Labe River.

The cheapest European cities for a weekend getaway in 2026 — are listed here.

2. Šumava National Park: nature without the crowds

Šumava is one of the largest national parks in Central Europe and yet remains one of the least visited. In summer, all trails are open here, and the main routes lead to Bojkov Lake, forest chapels, and peat bogs.

Activities include kayaking, hiking, and wildlife watching, particularly deer. The park is ideal for those seeking solitude and peace instead of tourist crowds.

Photo: VisitCzechia

3. Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj): the rock city of Prachovské skály

The Bohemian Paradise Nature Reserve is known for its rock formations, through which wooden paths and stairs have been carved. The main attraction is Prachovské skály: narrow gorges between stone walls and panoramic viewpoints overlooking forests and valleys.

Another iconic landmark is the ruins of Trosky Castle. The nearest town is Jičín, with a Baroque central square and cozy cafes. Many Czechs consider Bohemian Paradise the ideal place for a first encounter with the country’s nature.

About Europe’s Best Beach 2026 — read more at the link.

4. Lake Lipno-nad-Vltavou: A Czech-Style Beach Vacation

The largest lake in the Czech Republic is often called the “Czech Sea.” Surrounding it are forests, beaches, campgrounds, and well-maintained cycling routes.

Here you can enjoy:

• sailing and paddleboarding;
• Slideland family park with zip lines;
• “The Path in the Clouds” (Stezka korunami stromů)—a wooden trail above the treetops with panoramic views of the Šumava Mountains;
• renting wooden cabins on the shore.

Lipno is perfect for both family vacations and active getaways.

Photo: Shutterstock

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5. South Moravia: Vineyards and UNESCO Sites

South Moravia is the Czech Republic’s main wine region. In summer, sunflower fields bloom here, and in August, the harvest of the first grape varieties begins. Many winemakers host open houses with tastings in 18th-century cellars.

The “Mikulov–Valtice–Lednice” cycling route passes through a cultural landscape protected by UNESCO. An alternative to cycling is evening tastings at wineries with live music. It’s worth booking accommodation in Mikulov in advance, especially for August.

About the cheapest countries in Europe for renting accommodation in 2026 — read here.

6. Český Krumlov: a medieval town on the Vltava

Český Krumlov is one of the country’s most visited towns outside of Prague. The historic center is situated on a bend of the Vltava River; in the summer, street cafes and lavender shops operate here.

Top activities include rafting on the Vltava, visiting the castle theater with its revolving stage, and dining on a terrace overlooking the city rooftops. Due to high demand for housing in the summer, it is recommended to book accommodations in advance.

Photo: iStock

7. Karlovy Vary: a thermal spa town with 12 springs

Karlovy Vary is one of Europe’s most famous spa towns. It is home to 12 thermal springs accessible to visitors along the historic colonnade. In the summer, the city is particularly green, and classical music is often played in the streets.

In addition to spa treatments and medical therapy, be sure to try Karlovy Vary waffles—a local culinary icon. The city is perfect for those seeking a peaceful, wellness-focused getaway.

8. Třeboň: Ponds, Peat Spas, and Carp Cuisine

Třeboň is a quiet town known for its numerous ponds, traditional carp cuisine, and peat spa treatments. In the summer, you can swim in the ponds, go fishing, or take a boat ride.

Among the interesting sites are the Svitky Pond, Tršeobon Castle, and old monasteries converted into hotels. The town is perfect for a leisurely

getaway.

4 little-known European islands that impress with their beauty and atmosphere — are listed here.

9. Kutná Hora: Medieval Architecture and UNESCO Sites

Kutná Hora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Prague. It’s a convenient option for a day trip. The main attractions are St. Barbara’s Cathedral, the Silver Museum, and the Sedlec Ossuary (a famous bone chapel).

In the summer, the city is less crowded than Prague, and the narrow streets provide natural shade for walks in the heat.

Photo: Depositphotos

10. Plzeň: the Pilsner Urquell brewery and summer festivals

Pilsen is the city where the legendary Pilsner Urquell beer was born. It is home to the famous brewery, which offers tastings in its underground cellars. In the summer, the city hosts open-air festivals, and yellow trams run through its historic streets.

Pilsen combines culinary, cultural, and urban leisure in one place.

We previously wrote about the cheapest and most expensive European cities for a vacation in 2026.

How to get around between locations in the Czech Republic?

The most convenient ways to travel between the described locations are by train or rental car. All national parks have information centers with maps and route recommendations.

Those planning to travel through the Czech Republic in their own or a rental car should obtain an electronic road vignette in advance.

In the Czech Republic, using highways is subject to a toll, and the e-vignette is the official way to confirm payment of the road toll. Without it, driving on toll roads is considered a violation, which can result in fines and being pulled over by the police.

The electronic vignette completely replaces paper stickers: vehicle data is stored in a government database, and verification is performed automatically via license plate recognition using video surveillance cameras. Drivers do not need to print or affix anything to the windshield—simply save the PDF receipt sent to your email after purchase.

On the Visit World portal, you can purchase an official e-vignette for the Czech Republic and other European countries—simply enter your departure and arrival points, and the system will automatically calculate the route and indicate exactly where a vignette is required.

Buy an electronic vignette on Visit World before your trip and travel through the Czech Republic without unnecessary risks or lines!

Reminder! In our previous article, we discussed how heatwaves are changing tourism in 2026.

Photo: iStock