Czech Republic, located in Central Europe, became a member of the European Union in May of 2004. Once part of Czechoslovakia, both Czech Republic and Slovakia became separate nations in January of 1993. Czech Republic is known for their two parts with differing cultures. The two areas are Bohemia and Moravia. Cities in the Bohemian areas are known for their spas and vineyards. Spas such as that of Karlovy Vary have been popular for centuries. The Karlovy Vary has been visited by numerous kings and queens and remains popular. The natural hot springs and mineral waters of Bohemia make this activity possible. Bohemia is also known for its castles as well as countless hiking, cycling, and ski trails including ones at the Moravian Wine Trails. There are also many lakes and rivers in Bohemia that are very rich in fishing for those who enjoy fishing. Czech Republic has a temperate climate with hot summers and frigid winters. The weather in Czech Republic varies mostly on altitude. Some places in Czech Republic that are popular tourist attractions are Hradèany with its beautiful churches and museums, St. Vitus Cathedral located in Hradèany known for its spires, the Charles Bridge, Staromĕstské Námestí which is a city square in Prague with historical markets such as the annual Christmas market. The Jewish Museum is also a popular spot for those interested in art. The Vyšehrad is also a popular tourist location as it is a hill fort built on a rock. Rock climbing in Czech Republic is popular with the mountainous terrain of the country. Sněžka is the highest point in Czech Republic and can be reached by chairlift. For those who enjoy canoeing, canoe can be rented to traverse the Vltava and its tributaries which are the Sázava and Berounka. Skiing is also popular. A popular downhill ski resort in Czech Republic is Spindleruv Mlyn. Hiking in Šumava Forest, the country’s largest national park, is popular activity for both tourists and locals. There are approximately 11 million people living in Czech Republic. Czechs dress conservatively but casually. Czech also dress on the formal side when attending formal events. Czech Republic is known for appetizing dishes such as knedliky which is a wheat type of dumpling and palačinky which is a pancake. Czech Republic is also known for their large production of great beers.
To reach Czech Republic by air, Czech Airlines, the national airlines of Czech Republic, services the country. Many other airlines also service Czech Republic. The largest airport in Czech Republic is Prague Ruzyne International Airport. This airport will be the one that tourists are most likely to fly into because of its location compared to Prague. To reach Czech Republic by rail, there is a vast network of trains connecting various cities in Czech Republic to many European cities.
Duty free items vary based on where travelers are from. Those from EU countries can bring 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or one kilogram of tobacco and ten liters of spirits with alcohol content over 22%, or 20 liters of alcoholic beverages with alcohol volume less than 22%, or 90 liters of wine or 60 liters of sparkling wine, or 110 liters of beer as well as 50g perfume or 250ml eau de toilette, food for personal use, and gifts up to €175 across borders duty free. Those from non-EU countries can take 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco and one liter of spirits or two liters of wine as well as 50g perfume or 250ml eau de toilette, food for personal use, and gifts up to €175 across borders duty free.
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