Exploring parts of the Czech Republic...

Note to self: Nemluvím moc dobře česky - (translation: I don't speak Czech very well..)

After passing Prague on our way to Poland, we knew we had to make another trip just to see a bit of the Czech Republic. On the way to Prague we wandered through Český Krumlov, and on the way home we made another side trip to České Budějovice. These two cities are close to each other, the first is a half hour detour, and the second is just off the highway on the way.

Český Krumlov:

This place is incredible, and a must see if you ever pass through here. An old castle sits perched on a hilltop overlooking remnants of a medieval village, with a river meandering between.

The approach comes along cobblestone streets, through a couple of arches, and into the main courtyard.

This is the inside the courtyard, with a tower on one side.

A stroll up the castle lanes leads to beautiful views of the town below and across the river.

At the top of the hill you come to gardens with flowers, statues and fountains.

Another beautiful view of the river and the edge of the old-town below the castle hill.

We considered spending more time in this charming town on the way back because we did not have enough time to explore the old-town, but decided instead to check out another nearby gem.

České Budějovice:

On the way to Prague you pass by the edge of this town. To see it you need to exit the highway and make your way to the edge of the old-town. This used to be a walled village with a waterway around it. The main attractions are centered around the huge town square, which has a fountain in the middle.

Just outside the main square, on one corner, a bell tower called "Black Tower" overlooks the town.

For a small price you can walk up the 225 steps inside the tower to reach the balcony at the top, where you can view the entire town, as well as the surrounding countryside

The town square has a peaceful small town feel with its beautiful architecture.

Comments

A "LITTLE DRIVE" TO CROATIA - So much to see, so little time...

In February we traded our condo share for a resort on the island of Brac in Croatia. Little did we know how COVID would decimate the tourist industry in that part of the world. Rather than fly, we decided to drive down, and enjoy the scenery along the way. Our trip took us through Slovenia and Croatia. On the way down we paused in Bled, Ljubljana, Zagreb, and Plitvicka, and in Zadar and Opatija on the way back. On other post I have photos of Brac, Split, and Plitvicka. This one is dedicated to the trip down and back. With the split of Yugoslavia, after the war, Croatia received almost the entire Dalmatian coastline. This strip of rocky coast is sparsely inhabited. On the way down we took our time. Spent a couple of days in Slovenia. Lake Bled, just over the border from Austria is a must see (for Werner), if you have time- a great side trip. Tucked in between the Julian Alps, there's a quaint church on an island in the middle of the lake. We made it to Ljubljana, the capitol of Slo

TYROL/ZILLERTAL/INSBRUCK

After several multi-week trips to surrounding countries we decided to check out another part of Austria. The most impressive mountains here are in the province of Tyrol, where Innsbruck is the capitol. We were able to book several nights in a private house in the Zillertal (a mountain valley in the middle of the Alps). On the way there you can take the freeway (autobahn) but the back roads are so much more beautiful. We drove and wandered through the mountains on the way. If you are ever in this area you need to stop for a few hours and walk the trails to the Krimml waterfalls. This series of waterfalls, the highest in Austria, cascade down the mountainside 385 meters. From Krimml you can take the highway, or you can pay a toll and drive over the mountains (definitely the better choice). On the way you pass several ski resorts, and of course mountain lakes. Now there's a scene straight out of the picture books. Alps, with little farm houses on the mountainside. If you're going

WONDERFUL WATERFALLS!!!

Called the "Waldbachstrub," this short hike through the woods leads you along a roaring stream to several incredible waterfalls. Three streams come together in this beautiful alcove. Along the path this small waterfall begins to build your excitement and anticipation for what is still to come. The roaring stream alone is almost enough to make the walk complete. As you wander along the forest path next to the stream you find huge boulders that have come down off the mountain, and are now covered with moss, and even tall trees growing out of them. An occasional swimming hole along the way tempting you to jump in, if the water were just not sooooo cold! The trail, and the stream start to get a bit steeper, which means more waterfalls along the way. The stream roars on down the canyon next to the path. The turquoise water is so clean and clear. Now the stream is getting really rugged as it weaves its way through the boulders down

Werner and Rosi Wanderlust

Search This Blog