5 winter trips you must have on your bucket list

Taking a trip to the Bohemian Paradise is a joy, even in winter. The atmosphere of this protected landscape area has its unique charm, whatever the season. Beautiful nature, broad vistas of the surroundings and unique rock towns are just some of the reasons why this territory came to be the first-declared Protected Landscape Area in the former Czechoslovakia in 1955, and why it was added to the list of UNESCO European Geoparks in 2005.

Here you’ll find nature’s treasures side-by-side with those crafted by human hands. You will be persuaded of the skill and ingenuity of our ancestors by the aforementioned rock towns, located in the Příhrazské rocks, and elsewhere. Here you will see the whole complex of this unique showcase of human dexterity, adroitly making use of the gifts of nature.

When you see the majestic silhouette of Karlštejn, you’ll be so awestruck, you’ll forget the chill. It dates back to the year 1348, to the reign of the Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. Although the monarch’s builders took pride in their work, given the castle’s long history it had to be restored several times – among others, modified in late Gothic style and at the end of the 19th century, in the spirit of purism.

When you do find the air outside a bit too fresh, the castle walls will provide all the shelter you can desire. Among the most precious interior treasures are sacral spaces like the Chapel of the Holy Cross, decorated with gemstones, gold, and panel paintings by Master Theodoricus, as well as the Chapel of St Catherine, decorated with and precious stones and wall paintings. And you’ll even get to see the replica Crown of St Wenceslas!

And what will fire you right up at Křivoklát Castle? Its long and rich history, for sure, but maybe you’ll be a little more enthused to tread the boards of the very same chambers as Hollywood celebrities of the first order, like Heath Ledger, Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie!

Křivoklát is a real movie-star among the Central Bohemian sights-to-see. Few of the local memorable places turn up on the silver screen quite as often as this much-admired royal seat, built in the 12th century during the reign of King Přemysl Otakar II. Revel in the passing of epochs and centuries, a journey from the ancient Middle Ages to the 20th century.

Do we need to prove that Kutná Hora is worth visiting at any time of year? Would the city be on the UNESCO World Heritage List if it were not beautiful, whether by bright or gloomy light?! Lose yourself among the winding streets that tell the story of a place once full of unprecedented prosperity, with a history closely linked from the outset to silver ore mining. After the year 1300, Kutná Hora was so significant a place that it rivalled the city of Prague.

Among the most precious monuments to remind of its former glory is the Cathedral of St Barbara, the Church of St John of Nepomuk, the Church of St James or the Dačický House. You can warm up and enrich yourself culturally in the Gallery of the Central Bohemian Region, located in the very sensitively renovated former Jesuit college.

Take to the snow in Siberia, Central Bohemia style, at the Monínec ski resort! There’s no need to drag yourself off to the Alps to enjoy a super day skiing or snowboarding. Central Bohemia offers you facilities comparable to many alpine centres. To get your winter sports fun, head for the Monínec ski-arena, which lies in the heart of a zone known as Czech Siberia.

As the name suggests, they get plenty of snow here, but if nature should conspire against you and save its snowflakes for some other time, their up-to-date snow-blasting technology will see you right. Facilities are in the grounds are first-class and offer a wealth of attractions, sports equipment rental, ski-servicing, a ski school, a four-seater chairlift, snow-tubing and you can stay in a hotel or a guesthouse.

Going skiing with the kids? Then you need to head for the Šibeniční hill sports complex, located right in the heart of the countryside made famous by Josef Lada. Because, let’s face it, everyone can enjoy the slopes along with the likes of Billygoat Bobeš, Tomcat Mikeš or Pašík the Pig.

The Šibeníční Vrch Mountain Resort boasts four ski slopes and has many thoughtful details for its small visitors. A children’s pulley-rope takes them to the top of one of the ski slopes, while other slops are reached by surface lift. Within the complex is a ski school and a kids’ accessories rental. Treat yourself to some well-deserved delicacies in the restaurant or right on the slope in the log cabin, and enjoy the themed accommodation, matching the design of other spaces and in keeping with mountain aesthetics – sleep in hotel rooms lined with cosy honey-coloured wood.

If you feel the cold too easily, take a trip to one of the Central Bohemian glassworks. Glassmaking and meticulous handiwork have their significant place in Czech history, and renown far beyond our borders. After all, in its heyday the products of the Rückl family Glassworks went out to India, or to Damascus! The Rückl family story began in 1846, since which time the company has been synonymous with first-class Czech cut crystal. Even president Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk owned a beautiful cut-glass crystal vase of theirs.

Another important piece was added to the Czech glassworking mosaic by the Kavalír couple, Antonie and František, who established their glassworks in the first half of the 19th century not far from the town of Sázava. Another milestone was the commencement of works in the ‘František’ smelter, still to be seen in much of its original form, and thanks to its long tradition steeped in love and great respect for the traditional glassmaking craft.

The Glasstar glassworks in Nenačovice, founded only in 1996 as a start-up family business has come a long way since its founding and earned due fame and recognition. The mainstay of this glassworks are original decorative items made of stained glass, with a selection for sale in their shop, right after the tour.

While the founding of Crystal Bohemia hails from a more recent date, namely 2008, its craftsmen are no less conscientious, with years of proven traditional experience. The glassworks in Poděbrady draw on longstanding know-how and are currently the largest producers of lead crystal on our territory.