Outdoor pursuits:
The Czech Republic has a wealth of beautiful
areas to explore. More than 10 per cent of the country’s
surface area is occupied by the three national parks and the
1200 protected natural areas.
Skiing is a very popular activity,
and there are many well-established resorts. The most frequented
areas for downhill skiing are in the Krkonos˙e (Giant Mountains)
in northern Bohemia, where Pec pod Snezkou, Spindlorov Mlyn
and Harachov are the main resorts. Facilities are also to be
found in the Jeseniky and Besniky ranges, and in the Orlické Hory
(Eagle Mountains).
Cross-country skiing is also a widespread
sport, and facilities and tracks are to be found not only in
the Krkonose, but also in the S˙umava (Bohemian Forest) in
southern Bohemia. In summer, these areas become havens for
hikers, and contain well-marked trails. The Krkonos˙e are the
Czech Republic’s highest mountain range, with the country’s
highest peak, Snezka (1602m/5255ft). Several other peaks exceed
1500m (4920ft). Less strenuous walks can be pursued in other
natural areas, such as the Beskidy range.
Rock climbers should
go to the sandstone rock formations in the north (Cesky raj,
Andrs˙pach Rocks and Ceskosaské S˙vycarsko).
Cavers should go to the Moravsky Kras (Moravian karst) near Brno,
where there are interesting caves.
Cycling is emerging as a
popular pastime, and the network of cycle tracks is growing.
Southern Bohemia is a good region for this.
Horse riding is very popular, with many stables offering riding holidays
or
treks. Contact the Czech Horse Riding Federation for more
information (tel: (2) 2051 1105; fax (2) 3335 4399; e-mail:
info@cjf.cz).
Watersports:
There are many lakes, both natural and artificial,
and a variety of watersports can be pursued there. South
Bohemia and Lednice-Valtice (south
Moravia) contain extensive fishing lakes.
For more information on fishing,
contact the Czech Angling Federation (tel: (2) 7481 1751;
fax: (2) 7481 1754; e-mail:
radacrs@ipnet.cz).
Canoeing is done on rivers such as the Luznice, upper
Vltava and Sazava. Windsurfing and sailing equipment can
be hired at various locations.
Golf: This sport is increasingly popular, with some beautiful
courses. Contact the Czech Golf Federation for more information
(tel: (2) 5731 7865; fax: (2)
5731 8618; e-mail: cgf@cgf.cz; website: www.cgf.cz).
Spas:
The many thermal springs and mineral baths in Bohemia
and Moravia have been frequented by patients seeking cures
for various ailments for centuries.
Nowadays, advanced medical techniques are combined with traditional methods
of treatment.
The best known spas are at Karlovy Vary, Marianské Lazne and
Frantis˙kovy Lazné (see the Resorts & Excursions section for details).
There are world-famous radioactive springs in Jáchymov, which specialises
in the treatment of disorders of the nervous system, while Janské Lazne
in the Krkonose is also a very popular resort. In northern Moravia, the most
significant spas are at Jesenik and Luhacovice, where Vincenc Priessnitz, a local
doctor, developed methods of treatment which are still followed today. All the
spa resorts are located in beautiful surroundings.
For further information on
spa stays, contact the Czech Tourist Authority.
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