The Czech Republic—sometimes mistakenly referred to as Czechoslovakia (a name that ceased to exist since January 1st, 1993)—is a beautiful, landlocked country nestled between Germany, Austria, Poland, and Slovakia. While it’s world-famous for its beer, there’s so much more to discover beyond the pints and Prague. As someone with both Czech and English roots, I want to share some of the best experiences and hidden gems across the country—especially the ones waiting for you outside the capital.

1. Aqualand Moravia

Aqualand Moravia, nestled in the serene village of Pasohlávky, is one of the Czech Republic’s premier leisure destinations. Just a 20-minute drive from Brno, this sprawling aquapark combines natural thermal pools, thrilling water rides, and wellness services—all set against the scenic backdrop of the Pálava hills.

🌊 What Makes It Special

• Thermal Water Pools: Most pools use geothermal water drawn from a local borehole at 46 °C, recognized by health authorities for its healing properties and year-round comfort—even in winter.

• Impressive Size & Variety: With 16 pools and around 40 attractions—including extreme slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and a dedicated children’s zone—it’s the largest aquapark in Czechia.

• Massive Slide Expansion: Recent upgrades include the 242-meter-long “Master Blaster” ride and a playful indoor “Tutti Frutti” interactive area for kids.

🧘‍♀️ Wellness & Relaxation

The Forum Romanum wellness zone is inspired by ancient Roman bath culture and includes 30 sauna types, jacuzzis, adventure showers, and rejuvenating treatments under one roof. Ideal for a peaceful escape after adrenaline-pumping fun.

🍽 Dining, Extras & Amenities

Inside, you’ll find restaurants, cafés, and snack stalls offering Czech and international fare. An onsite Aqua Shop carries swimwear, towels, and souvenirs. Additional services include swimwear dryers, phone charging, fast-track options on slides, and paid towel rental.

🕒 Visitor Info

🎉 Why Locals & Families Love It

Visitors rave about the full-day value, especially the combination of exciting rides and relaxing pools in a clean, spotlessly maintained environment. Animation programs in summer and thoughtful design make it engaging for all ages.

📝 Perfect for:

• Families looking for a full day of fun and cooling off near Brno

• Wellness seekers who enjoy thermal pools and spa treatments

• Adrenaline lovers craving Europe’s biggest water slides and rides

✍️ Pro Tips

• Arrive early or visit on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.

• Bring or rent a towel—they’re not included in the entry ticket.

• Book tickets online to save up to 200 CZK and reduce queue time.

Aqualand Moravia is the ideal blend of fun, relaxation, and wellness, set in a unique historical and natural landscape. It’s well worth a visit as a day trip or family outing from Brno or the broader South Moravian region.

2. Fajnpark

Nestled in the heart of East Bohemia near Chlumec nad Cidlinou, Fajnpark is an expansive family entertainment park spread over 12 hectares of former military land. Designed to delight visitors of all ages, it offers over 40 imaginative attractions and more than 30 animated models of dinosaurs and giant insects—each combining education, fun, and creativity.

🎪 What Sets Fajnpark Apart

• Hopsálkov: the largest outdoor trampoline center in the Czech Republic, featuring bungee trampolines, zorbing spheres, and giant jumping pillows.

• Dinoprales & Hmyzákov: wander through realistic dinosaurs or oversized animated insects on educational themed trails.

• Adventure rides and mini‑car tracks: Try out Mini cars, Safari cars, and the futuristic UFO cars—vehicles without steering or control bars—for hands-on thrills.

• Nature and sensory play: Take the Bosov barefoot trail over meadows, ponds, and white-sand paths, or stroll through Zvířátkov and Kozov, where kids can walk among goats, llamas, sheep, donkeys, and even kangaroos.

🧘‍♂️ Relax, Learn & Enjoy

Not just about activity—Fajnpark blends fun with relaxation. Visitors can unwind in shaded picnic spots, enjoy the daily bonus program featuring workshops, live performances, or craft activities like falconry and horseback riding sessions. All attractions are supervised by trained staff to ensure safety and fun.

🍔 On-site Refreshments

A dedicated refreshment zone (Jedlíkov) serves a variety of food and beverages, with ample seating for families. It’s easy to recharge before returning to the fun.

📍 Logistical Details

Location: Kozelkova 898, Chlumec nad Cidlinou, about 26 km west of Hradec Králové—accessible by car, regional train, or a pleasant 1.7 km walk from the train station.
Area: Approximately 12 hectares (~110,000 m²), making it the largest fun park in East Bohemia.

✅ Why It’s Perfect for Families

💡 Pro Tips

• Best time to visit: Go on weekdays or early in the morning to avoid crowds.

• Bring basics: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, towels (for water-based play), and small change for snacks.

• Event calendar: Check the park website or social media for daily bonus activities and season-specific shows.

Whether you’re seeking active play, immersive learning, or just a fun day in nature, Fajnpark offers a memorable, tailor-made experience for families in the Hradec Králové region. Perfect for blog readers planning a local adventure!

3. Prehrada Les Kralostvi – Bridge

Tucked away in a verdant valley along the Elbe River, just 4 km upstream from Dvůr Králové nad Labem, the Les Království Reservoir is an architectural masterpiece built between 1910 and 1920. What sets it apart is its romantic, pseudo-Gothic design—with towers and turrets carved in sandstone—once earning it the title of the largest dam in Czech.

🏰 A Dam That Looks Like a Castle

Constructed primarily as a flood-control measure after devastating floods in 1897, the dam was shaped to blend with its forested surroundings. The sturdy arch-gravity structure, built of local Královédvorský sandstone, features decorative towers and a scenic road running across the 218-meter crest. The riverside building of the dam keeper—even echoes a castle-like tower.

📊 Technical Highlights

• Height: ~32.7 m above ground (up to ~41 m from foundation)

• Length: 218 m; Top width: 7.2 m; Base width: ~37 m

• Capacity: Reservoir area of ~85 hectares, up to 9.2 million m³ during floods

• Power generation: A small hydroelectric plant, active since 1923 (modernized in 2005 with ~2×1 105 kW output)

🎨 Why It Feels So Romantic

It’s said that Les Království looks like a set piece from a fairy tale—“like Sleeping Beauty’s castle.” The ornate arches, spired towers, and surrounding forested slopes create a captivating scene that has resonated with photographers, travel writers, and castle lovers alike

👣 Enjoying the Site: Visitor Tips

• Walk across the dam—a roadway connects Bílá Třemešná and Dolní Nemojov, perfect for a scenic stroll or drive

• Nature paths diverge from the dam into inviting forest trails—ideal for hiking, fishing, or relaxation

• Exhibition & lookout: The former dam keeper’s house hosts a small interpretive display and allows access to a viewpoint tower in summer (July–August, Thurs–Sun) with advance booking required. Entry: ~50 CZK/adult and ~20 CZK/reduced; children under 6 free.

📍 Nearby & Practical Info

• Getting there: Drive or walk (~2.5 km) from Bílá Třemešná station via marked trail; parking available near the dam on local road 299.

• Combine this with: A visit to Zoo Dvůr Králové or the historical sites of Kuks and nearby hiking routes like Zvičina lookout or Bohemian Paradise trails.

📝 Quick Overview – Why You Should Visit

🎒 Pro Tips

• Visit on weekdays or early mornings for quieter access.

• Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to explore trails along the banks.

• Reserve exhibition slots early if visiting in mid-summer—they’re limited to 20 spots

🧭 Conclusion

With its fairy-tale charm, rich heritage, and tranquil natural surroundings, Přehrada Les Království is an unforgettable destination in the Hradec Kralova region. Whether you’re a fan of architecture, history, or outdoor walks, it’s an ideal spot to slow down and enjoy one of Czechia’s most enchanting landscapes.

4. Daškova cukrárna

Daškova cukrárna, located in the historic Klicperovo náměstí of Chlumec nad Cidlinou, is a beloved family-run pastry shop cherished for its tradition, warmth, and generous selection of homemade sweets.

🏛️ A Legacy of Family and Flavor

Established in a historic building back in 1932, the cukrárna was revived by the Dašek family after the fall of communism in 1992, reigniting a local tradition of quality and warmth. Today, Martina Dašková, a trained pastry chef, operates the bakery, carrying forward the family legacy.

🍮 What’s on the Menu

Sweet Creations

Daškova offers an abundant selection of:

• Mini pastries and classic zákusky—including nut, fruit, chocolate, coconut, and vanilla flavors

• Custom cakes for birthdays, weddings, and special events

• Specialty mini treats like panna cotta, Prague balls, and layered rolls

Savory Delights

Alongside the desserts, they craft a wide variety of obložené chlebíčky—traditional Czech open-faced sandwiches—in multiple flavors and styles, from basic to gourmet, plus gift sets for celebrations and corporate events.

☕ Atmosphere & Experience

• Small but cozy interior with limited indoor seating—though outdoor seating is available, especially useful in finer weather. Despite tight space, visitor reviews rave about the friendly staff, exceptional value, and surprisingly affordable prices (e.g. four pastries for just 140 CZK!).

🕒 Opening Hours & Location

• Address: Opening times 58/1, Chlumec nad Cidlinou (Hradec Kralova region)

• Opening hours:

  • Mon: 09:00–15:00

  • Tue–Fri: 08:00–17:00

  • Sat: 08:00–12:00

  • Sun: 09:00–16:00

👥 Who Should Visit?

• Sweet lovers seeking high-quality traditional Czech desserts

• Event planners looking for custom cakes, celebratory pastries, or catering for occasions

• Foodies on a budget—where premium taste meets great prices

✅ Why Daškova cukrárna Stands Out

✨ Pro Tips

• Time your visit: Arrive midweek or earlier in the day to find seating and selection at its best

• Special orders: Reach out at least a few days in advance for custom cakes or larger catering needs

• Bring patience on rainy days: Indoor seating is limited, so rainy afternoons may mean outdoor logistics

🧁 Wrap-Up

Daškova cukrárna is more than just a pastry shop—it’s a hub of local flavor, family history, and genuine hospitality. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat, browsing custom cake options, or picking up deli bites for a gathering, it’s a must-stop in Chlumec nad Cidlinou.

5. Dvořákova zmrzlina – Ice cream shop

Tucked in the delightful heart of Chlumec nad Cidlinou at Klicperovo náměstí 204, Dvořákova zmrzlina is a family-run gelateria with over 30 years of tradition. Rooted in a childhood dream of its founder, Jaroslav Dvořák, the shop still thrives on handmade recipes passed down through generations.

👨‍🍳 A Tradition of Taste

Every scoop is made with devotion:

• House-crafted recipes inspired by a mentor from the Balkans

• Choices of both kopečková (scooped) and točená (soft serve) styles

• Clean formulations: no artificial additives–just fresh milk, cream, fruit—and every batch is gluten-free

🍧 Flavours & Favorites

• Seasonal fruit varieties, creamy classics, and rich chocolate or vanilla

• Soft serve (“točená vodová”) often gets rave reviews

• Compliments also come in on supportive prices and generous servings

🕒 Practical Visit Info

Advice: head there midweek or early afternoon to avoid queues and enjoy the full flavour selection.

🌟 Why Locals Go Back

• Consistently praised for friendly service, approachable prices, and quality ingredients

• Handmade blends and rotating flavours based on daily inspirations

• Options for e‑shop orders and DIY ice cream kits for home creations

✅ Must Know Tips

• Visit early to ensure full flavour variety

• Ordering soft serve? Ask for the classic “vařená vodová” style—often highest rated

• Planning a special cake? Place your custom order a few days in advance

In Summary
Dvořákova zmrzlina merges genuine artisanal passion with Czech tradition, delivering a memorable experience in every cone. Whether it’s a quick treat or part of a Chlumec day out, this ice cream spot continues to win hearts with every scoop.

6. Punkva caves

Hidden beneath the verdant forests of the Moravian Karst, the Punkva Caves are one of Czechia’s most extraordinary underground adventures. This cave system—decorated with spectacular stalactites, towering domes, and subterranean lakes—offers a unique combination of walking tours and a serene boat cruise. To top it off, visitors can marvel at the Macocha Abyss, a dramatic 138-meter deep sinkhole—a true geological wonder.

🧭 Natural & Historical Highlights

• Discovered between 1909 and 1933 by speleologist Karel Absolon’s team, the Punkva Caves form part of the extensive Amateur’s Cave system, which stretches over 35 km.

• The guided route includes the Front, Reichenbach, and Back Domes, featuring breath taking formations like the 4-meter stalactite Guardian, the Salm Column, the Turkish Cemetery, and the ethereal Mirror Lake.

🚢 Boat Ride & Macocha Abyss

After the walk-through, guests glide along the subterranean Punkva River, passing through hidden water domes and into the magnificent Masaryk (Fairy-Tale) Dome—arguably the most beautiful section.

From there, the route leads to the bottom of the Macocha Abyss, where you can gaze up at vertical cliffs reaching 138 m above, and see the Upper and Lower Lakes fed by the river. The abyss is classified as a “light hole”—rare in Europe—with stunning visibility deep into its reflective waters.

🚦 Visiting Info & Practical Tips

• Tours last about 60 minutes and require a guide. The cave climate stays around 7–8 °C with high humidity. Photography (no flash) is allowed, but no pets or selfie sticks within the cave.

• Book early—especially in summer and weekends, ticket slots fill up fast, often a month or more in advance.

• Access points include a 1.6 km level walk from Skalní Mlýn, a charming eco-train, or a cable car drop from the Macocha parking area—south Moravia’s only one.

• Not fully wheelchair accessible except for select first or last tours—baby strollers are prohibited.

🌿 Make It a Full-Day Adventure

Located just north of Brno near Blansko, the Punkva Caves pair perfectly with surrounding hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, or a stop at the Skalní Mlýn restaurant after your visit.

Nearby gems include Sloupsko-šošůvské Caves, Výpustek Cave, and forest paths winding through the karst terrain.

📌 Quick Summary – Why Visit Punkva Caves?

✨ Local Tips

• Visit early in the day or during weekdays to avoid crowds.

• Bring a lightweight jacket and comfortable shoes for wetter, cooler cave paths.

• Reserve your tickets online as soon as possible—weekends fill fast.

• For a great photo opportunity, use the viewing bridges above Macocha Abyss for aerial perspectives.

✅ Final Thoughts

The Punkva Caves and Macocha Abyss are more than a cave system—they are an underground journey into the heart of Czech natural wonder. Perfect for families, nature lovers, or photography enthusiasts, this day trip delivers awe, beauty, and unforgettable memories in the Moravian Karst.

These are the places I’d personally recommend visiting in the Czech Republic if you’re looking to explore beyond Prague—shared from the perspective of a Czech-English local. If you ever find yourself here, I hope you enjoy the journey as much as I do.

From,

Scape west’s Placement student.