There is a lot to see in the Czech Republic besides Prague. Prague is a must if you don't have time to get to other places in the country. But if you have a few days when you feel like you've had enough of the city, go exploring. There are charming little towns full of historical treasures, there are numerous old castles, peaceful mountains, forests, lakes, villages, people and traditions.

With its location at the heart of Europe, the Czech lands were confronted with various cultural influences and constructional styles during the course of history. Because this country was one of a few that were only slightly touched by both the last war and the clearance projects of modernism, it's rich cultural inheritance remains preserved.

Southern Bohemia
A beautiful area with quaint towns that look like they were taken out of a fairy tale. Don't miss the historic centre of Cesky Krumlov, one of the eleven locations in the Czech Republic that are protected by the UNESCO. Cruise around Jindrichuv Hradec or Ceske Budejovice (make sure you try the original Budweiser); spend an afternoon in the picturesque town of Trebon and its surroundings. The whole area is known for its pretty lakes that are used for breeding fish.

Western Bohemia
This is a well-known spa region. You may have heard of Karlsbad (Karlovy Vary) or Marienbad (Marianske Lazne) where many famous people have stayed for spa treatment. They are beautiful towns surrounded by green hills and thick forests, and they are rather quiet despite tourism. You can wander around and drink from some of the 12 springs, and enoy an evening watching the 'dancing fountain'.

Northern Bohemia
One of this region's big attractions is the Czech Switzerland National Park that is located on the way from Prague to Dresden, Germany. The area around the town of Decin owes its spectacular beauty to dramatic sandstone rock formations, canyons, and caves that have resulted from past geological processes. The Czech Switzerland National Park also boasts the largest natural sandstone bridge in Europe, the Pravcicka Brana (Pravcice Gate).

Southern Moravia
Some of the small towns and villages still look the way they did in the past. You can see old houses neatly painted with bright colours, and meet people wearing traditional folk costumes in the streets. If you are a wine-lover, Southern Moravia is the place to be. It is the country's wine growing region and has hundreds of small, quaint wine cellars.

Northern Moravia
What this region has to offer is the peaceful Jeseníky mountains, still relatively untouched by tourism. You can ski in winter, hike in summer, and stay in one of the numerous pensions and mountain chalets that are scattered around. When you get tired of the mountains, you can drop down to Olomouc, which has the most important historical sites besides Prague. You may hear the biggest organ in Central Europe play in St. Michael's Church.

Text kindly supplied by MyCzechRepupublic