Discover Eastern Europe [ Part 1 : Czech Republic - Bohemian Switzerland & Prague ]
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
اسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
First, one need to understand what is defined by Eastern Europe. Currently, it is a vast multiple countries with various beliefs and culture that often difficult to define. However, once upon a time, Eastern Europe falls under one union called the Iron Curtain. They were divided into what we know as Eastern Europe in the 1990s.
Czech Republic is categorised under 'east central' Eastern Europe. It is landlocked between Germany, Poland, Slovakia and Austria.
- Capital : Prague (Praha)
- Currency : Czech Koruna (CZK) [ 1GBP = 38 CZK ]
Tips :
You could plan your journey using this website ; Rome2Rio. It tells you every mean of transportation available from one place to another as well as fares and companies offering their services.
You could plan your journey using this website ; Rome2Rio. It tells you every mean of transportation available from one place to another as well as fares and companies offering their services.
DAY 1
We had a total of 3 days and 2 nights in Czech Republic. Upon arrival, there were nothing we did except checking into our hostel as we arrived quite late. There are plenty of low-cost flights available going to Prague from England or the UK. This time, we decided to try Jet2 Flights. It was a last minute booking, so we had a fairly expensive fare at 70GBP for two person - one way.
The flight will arrived at Ruzyne International Airport (PRG) - Czech Republic's main airport. Our advice upon arrival, withdraw money from the available ATMs at the airport. It is easier that carrying a lot of cash around. But, you will need to change your notes into smaller ones as they won't have accept big notes. There are plenty of coffee shops and local grocery store inside the terminal of which you could change.
For telecommunication, we bought a data-only simcard from Vodafone Czech. Just hand in your phone, and the staff will handle the rest. For 1.5GB, you need to pay around 400CZK. Fairly reasonable.
In order to get to the city centre, there are several small kiosks located inside the arrival terminal selling bus tickets. Buses will arrive at 40 minutes interval and will take you to the main train station in the city. Bus number is 119, company is called Prague Airport Bus. Fares are reasonable at only 1-2GBP equivalent to 38 to 76 CZK.
Upon arriving the main train station, we took local city trains to reach our hostel. It was located in Prague 8 and was a bit far. But the main thing is, we only had to pay 25GBP for 2 person for 2 nights. It was dirt cheap. The hostel is named Hostel Kotva. Book here, or at Booking.com. Whichever you prefer. Note that the hostel is located at an isolated place. Hence, a simcard with excellent data plan is recommended.
DAY 2
We get up super early today. Just to catch the earliest train to Germany border where Bohemian Switzerland is situated. This place is home to the largest natural stone bridge in Czech Republic, Pravcicka Brana.
When To Go :
Depending on your interest, you could choose to visit here in the spring-summer season where it occasionally snow during early spring. Or in the autumn-winter season where the view is absolutely breathtaking. Imagine Disney Frozen.
How To Go :
Hopefully, someone will benefit from my post. Jazakillahu khayr.
When To Go :
Depending on your interest, you could choose to visit here in the spring-summer season where it occasionally snow during early spring. Or in the autumn-winter season where the view is absolutely breathtaking. Imagine Disney Frozen.
How To Go :
- From Praha, take their regional train by Czech Railways until Decin. Fares are around 4GBP one way/person.
- Upon arriving Decin, you could choose either local bus or Germany train to Hrensko, which is the base of Bohemian Switzerland. Fares are around 1GBP one way/person.
- From Hrensko, you have to walk for around 3 miles (4.8KM) to reach the national forestry. There upwards, you have to hike for another 60 minutes-ish depending on the weather.
 |
| Main road which you have to walk before entering the forest. |
 |
| The forest. Surreal beauty isn't it? MasyaAllah. |
Entrance Fees :
- Adult : 75CZK (3 Euro)
- Student/Children/Retirees : 25CZK (1 Euro)
 |
| Few more steps before the entrance. |
 |
| View from the stone sign. |
 |
| From entrance café. |
Tips :
- VERY IMPORTANT. Follow the guided signboards with specifically marked routes in different colours (Red, Yellow, Green). We didn't and the careless mistake made us hike along spooky forest for 16KM. In snow and rain.
It was heavily snowing on the day of our arrival. So we had to hike fighting mild snowstorm. Tiring, but once we reached the top, everything is worth it.
Day 3 :
Prague Sightseeing. Utilising the same railway company we used the day before, we bought a 24-hour public transport pass for 110CZK (3 GBP) to use within Prague. It was worth it.
 |
| The famous Prague postcards view. |
 |
| Me, messing around on Charles Bridge. |
 |
| Trdelník, local delicacy. |
Tips :
- Buy the pass at your local Czech train/subway station. Cheaper and thankfully, they do understand English to a certain degree.
We left our hostel around 3pm as we couldn't make ourselves separate from sleeping. All thanks to the day before. Hence, not much sightseeing done as we need to catch a bus to Austria the very same night. We used Student Agency bus services to Austria. Excellent service! However, that post shall come later.
Hopefully, someone will benefit from my post. Jazakillahu khayr.
0 comments