Plunge into the heart of Czechia’s most enchanting and atmospheric region

When most people think of travelling to Czechia, their minds immediately wander to the astronomical clocks, crowded bridges, and soaring spires of Prague. But to genuinely understand the soul of this country, you have to pack your bags, leave the capital behind, and venture deep into Bohemia. This vast region makes up the western and central thirds of the country, offering a landscape steeped in folklore, dramatic natural geology, and histories that range from the wonderfully romantic to the beautifully macabre.

For the independent traveller eager to explore at their own pace, Bohemia is an absolute treasure trove. You will not find yourself ushered onto a packed tour bus here, nor will you have to strain your neck to see over a sea of umbrellas. Instead, you will find quiet castles, towering sandstone labyrinths, and quirky historical sites that reward those willing to take the road less travelled. Wheely Tyred is here to guide you through the very best of Bohemia’s hidden gems, ensuring your itinerary is filled with unforgettable, authentic experiences that reveal the true character of the Czech landscape.

Velká Amerika: The Czech Grand Canyon

Tucked away just outside the village of Mořina lies a spectacular geographical anomaly known affectionately as the Czech Grand Canyon. Velká Amerika, which translates to Big America, is a vast, partially flooded limestone quarry that looks entirely out of place in the rolling green countryside of Central Bohemia. The sheer white cliffs plunge dramatically into a deep, brilliant blue lake at the bottom, creating a breathtaking vista that feels more like a cinematic set than a former mining site.

Originally excavated in the early twentieth century, this abandoned quarry has been slowly reclaimed by nature. It is a favourite spot for independent hikers and nature lovers who want a stunning scenic payoff without the overwhelming crowds of typical national parks. The paths around the rim offer numerous vantage points for photography, allowing you to take in the sheer scale of the gorge. Because it is not a highly commercialised tourist trap, you can take your time walking the perimeter, soaking in the quiet atmosphere, and admiring the striking contrast between the rugged stone and the vivid water below.

Sedlec Ossuary: The bone church of Kutná Hora

If you have a penchant for the unusual, turning to the darker side of history offers one of the most fascinating stops in all of Europe. Located beneath the Cemetery Church of All Saints in the small suburban town of Sedlec, just outside Kutná Hora, is the Sedlec Ossuary. It is estimated to contain the skeletons of between 40,000 and 70,000 people, whose bones have been artistically arranged to form the decorations and furnishings of the chapel.

While it might sound morbid, the reality of the ossuary is profoundly moving and architecturally astonishing. An enormous chandelier of bones, containing at least one of every bone in the human body, hangs from the centre of the nave, while garlands of skulls drape elegantly from the vaulted ceilings. The bones were arranged by a local woodcarver in the nineteenth century as a stark reminder of human mortality and the fleeting nature of life. Visiting the Sedlec Ossuary is an incredibly unique experience that perfectly aligns with the adventurous spirit of independent travel. It is a place that demands quiet reflection, far removed from the typical, brightly lit museum experience.

Pravčická Brána: The archway of Bohemian Switzerland

For those who crave the great outdoors, the Bohemian Switzerland National Park offers some of the most dramatic landscapes in Central Europe. The crown jewel of this region is Pravčická brána, the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe. Spanning an impressive twenty-six metres, this monumental rock formation has inspired artists, writers, and filmmakers for generations.

The hike up to the arch is an experience in itself, taking you through dense, ancient forests and past towering rock pillars that look like they belong in a fantasy novel. Once you reach the top, the panoramic views stretching across the border into Germany are simply spectacular. Nestled right beside the arch is the Sokolí hnízdo, or Falcon’s Nest, a charming nineteenth-century chateau that originally served as a hunting lodge. Today, it houses a restaurant and a small gallery, providing the perfect spot to rest, grab a local beer, and admire the majestic landscape. The sheer scale and natural beauty of Pravčická brána make it an absolute must-see for anyone wanting to connect with the wilder side of Bohemia.

Adršpach-Teplice Rocks: A labyrinth of stone

Deep in northeastern Bohemia, near the Polish border, lies a surreal and otherworldly landscape. The Adršpach-Teplice Rocks are a bizarre and brilliant labyrinth of sandstone monoliths, some towering up to ninety metres high. Centuries of wind, water, and frost have carved these rocks into strange, anthropomorphic shapes, many of which have been given whimsical names by the locals, such as The Mayor and His Wife, The Sugar Cone, and The Giant’s Tooth.

Wandering through the deep, narrow gorges between these monolithic structures is an incredibly atmospheric experience. The dense pine forests and the emerald-green glacial lake hidden within the rock city create a microclimate that is cool and refreshing, even in the height of summer. The well-marked trails allow you to explore the area independently, taking the time to squeeze through the Mouse Hole—a passageway just fifty centimetres wide—or marvel at the Great Waterfall. It is a place that feels entirely detached from the modern world, offering a peaceful, awe-inspiring retreat into nature.

Hluboká Castle: A slice of Windsor in South Bohemia

While Czechia is famous for its stoic, medieval fortresses, Hluboká Castle offers something entirely different. Located in South Bohemia, this dazzling white chateau looks like it was plucked straight from a fairytale. Originally founded as a royal castle in the thirteenth century, it was extensively rebuilt in the nineteenth century in the romantic, Gothic Revival style, heavily inspired by England’s Windsor Castle.

The attention to detail here is astonishing. Intricate wood carvings, luxurious tapestries, and an impressive collection of weaponry fill the lavishly decorated interiors. However, it is the exterior that truly captures the imagination. Surrounded by immaculate, sprawling English-style gardens, the castle’s crenellated towers, sweeping staircases, and pristine white facades make it one of the most picturesque landmarks in the region. Unlike the heavily trafficked Prague Castle, Hluboká allows for a more relaxed visit. You can stroll through the extensive parklands at your own pace, enjoying the serenity of the South Bohemian countryside while admiring this architectural masterpiece.

Exploring the outskirts of Prague by bike

While delving into these hidden gems is a brilliant way to spend your days, Wheely Tyred knows that the true rhythm of a country is often best felt from the saddle of a bicycle. If you are using Prague as your central hub, you do not have to travel far to find incredible, cycle-friendly destinations. Just beyond the city limits, an entirely different world opens up, accessible by gentle, scenic bike paths.

A highly recommended day trip is the ride out to Okoř Castle. Located roughly twenty kilometres northwest of Prague’s city centre, this route takes you through quiet, undulating countryside and charming villages. The ruins of Okoř, dating back to the fourteenth century, sit peacefully in a lush valley and provide the perfect backdrop for a mid-ride picnic. Alternatively, head south along the Vltava River path towards the town of Vrané nad Vltavou. This mostly flat, incredibly scenic route keeps you close to the water, passing by old railway lines and steep wooded valleys, all within a breezy twenty-kilometre radius of the capital. 

These local day trips allow you to dictate your own schedule, avoid the congestion of public transport, and truly immerse yourself in the local environment, proving that sometimes the best adventures are found just a short pedal away from the city centre.