Most Americans have heard the term “Bohemian,” but would have a difficult time saying exactly where Bohemia was. This is not a problem for tourists who have stayed in holiday homes in the Czech Republic, where the northwestern areas of the nation is a region known by that name. Bohemia is an area characterized by outstanding natural beauty, even featuring a national park known as “the Czech Switzerland” for its peaks and valleys.
Czech Switzerland National Park features rock formations created by erosion and other weathering forces over the course of millennia. These natural bridges, gates, towers, and cornices are located in a deep canyon forged by the River Elbe. The most recently declared national park in all of Europe, the Czech Switzerland lets tourists see the Czech Republic as it existed before the construction of castles and chateaux.
Another attraction in Bohemia is the town of Žatec. One of the region’s oldest towns, its main claim to fame derives from centuries of growing hops. Here, visitors can tour the Hop Museum and learn about the history of this important crop. The city brewery is located in an old Gothic castle structure, which has been suggested as a UNESCO-listed location for its historical significance.
Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture are on display in the town of Litoměřice in Bohemia. Centered in a wine-producing region, this town is surrounded on most sides by ancient defenses hailing from the Gothic period.
