The history of the Czech Republic begins in the 4th century BC, when the first historical inhabitants appeared on its territory - the Boian Celts, from whose name the country received its name - Bohemia. Around the middle of the 1st century BC. Bohemia began to be populated by the Marcomanni - ancient Germanic tribes who ousted the Celtic tribes from these lands. Marobod, who stood at the head of the Germanic tribes and eventually united all the East German lands that inhabited a large area from the middle Danube to the lower Vistula, founded the first state. This state did not last long - internecine wars between tribes and the rivalry of their leaders had an impact.
The Germanic tribes were replaced by the Huns, and then the Slavs. In the center of the country lived one of the most powerful tribes - the Czechs, under whose rule other tribes were united. This is how a union of Czech Slavs was created, which was able to defend their lands. Over time, neighboring Slavic peoples joined the union.
Uniting peoples and creating a state
During the period from 830 to 907 AD, there was a gradual unification of the Czech Slavs and neighboring Slavic peoples. As a result of this unification, the Great Moravian Empire was created, which included Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia, parts of modern Slovakia, Poland and Germany.
During this period (863), Christianity became widespread, the preachers of which were two monks who arrived from Byzantium and were subsequently canonized - Methodius and Cyril.
They conducted services in the Slavic language, and also taught the Slavic population to read and write.
The Great Moravian kingdom did not last long; it collapsed at the beginning of the 10th century, unable to withstand the onslaught of the Hungarians. And only at the beginning of the 14th century the country again became united thanks to the efforts of the Přemyslid princes.
Přemyslid Dynasty
The history of the Czech Republic from 872 to 1306 is marked by the period of rule of the first Czech princely dynasty - the Přemyslids.
Prince Wenceslas, who was one of the founders of the dynasty and sought to improve relations with Germany, was killed in 935 by his brother Boleslav I. For 14 years, Boleslav I fought with the Germans, but, in the end, he was forced to admit dependence on the German state in 950
During the reign of Boleslav I, Moravia and part of the Polish lands located in the upper reaches of the Elbe and Oder rivers were annexed to the Czech Republic.
Under Boleslav II, a bishopric was founded in Prague in 973, and Vratislav II became the first crowned king of the Czech Republic in 1086. This royal title was bestowed upon him in 1085 by Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor.
During the beginning of the reign of Přemysl Otakar I, different lines of the Přemyslid dynasty waged internecine wars among themselves for power, of which Otakar I emerged victorious. He established peace, strengthened central power and weakened the political independence of the major nobility.
For his support of Frederick II of Hohenstaufen in the fight for the crown of the Holy Roman Empire, Otakar I received from him in 1212 the Golden Sicilian Bull, a document that confirmed the hereditary right to the Czech royal throne without any conditions or tribute, as well as the integrity of the state and its borders. Czech kings also received the right to participate in the election of the Holy Roman Emperor.
Under Otakar I, cities actively developed, the Czech kingdom received international recognition, and bishops and clergy received significant privileges and rights.
In the 13th century, the Czech Republic became one of the most powerful states within the Holy Roman Empire; Germans began to actively populate its territory.
In the second half of the 13th century, during the reign of Přemysl Otakar II, Austria and the duchies of Styria and Carinthia were annexed to the Czech lands. However, his claims to the German crown and throne led to the death of Otakar II in 1278 during the Battle of the Moravian Field.
After the death of Otakar II, his son Vaclav II ascended the throne, who was able to strengthen power through a number of active measures and pursued an active foreign policy. After his premature death, his son Wenceslas III ascended the throne, but was soon killed under mysterious circumstances. With his death, the Přemyslid dynasty ceased to exist in 1306.
Luxembourg board
The history of the Czech Republic from 1306 to 1310 is marked by a period of four years of struggle for the Czech throne, which ended with the ascension to the throne of John of Luxembourg, who married Elizabeth, daughter of Wenceslas II. During the reign of John of Luxembourg, the power and borders of the Czech kingdom increased significantly, due to the annexation of Cheb and a large part of Silesia. During the reign of John in 1338, the Old Town Hall was erected.
In 1346, John's son, Charles IV, ascended the Czech throne. The reign of Charles IV (1346 - 1378) is rightly called the “Golden Age” of the Czech Republic. Under him, the first university in Prague was created, construction of the Cathedral of St. Vita, numerous churches and monasteries were erected, as well as the Karlštejn Castle and the bridge in Prague (Charles Bridge). Charles IV founded the New City of Prague and famous resort Karlovy Vary.
Charles IV was the first Czech king to be crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 1355, with Prague as its capital.
During the reign of Charles IV, winemaking, textile and agricultural production developed, the borders of the Czech kingdom were expanded by annexing part of the lands of Germany and Poland.
Charles IV actively supported the clergy, who, during his reign, accumulated enormous wealth and received privileges. This circumstance caused discontent among the population.
At the same time, the free lands were actively populated by German colonists, creating their own cities and villages and living according to their own established laws.
After the death of Charles IV in 1378, the throne was inherited by his son, Wenceslas IV, who was constantly in conflict with the clergy and representatives of the Czech aristocracy. Conflicts that arose on national and religious grounds led to the emergence of a reformist religious movement in the country.
Hussite movement
The leader of the reform religious movement was the priest Jan Hus. In his sermons, he demanded reform of the church, calling for the deprivation of its property, denounced the morals and corruption of the clergy, and also spoke out against German dominance in the country.
Jan Hus was excommunicated from the church, and on July 6, 1415, accused of heresy, he was sentenced to be burned by the decision of the Council of Constance.
Four years after the execution of Jan Hus, anti-German riots that began in Prague served as the beginning of the Hussite Wars, which engulfed the Czech Republic and lasted for 15 long years (1419 - 1434). The Hussite wars left a deep mark on the history of the Czech Republic - the country, preoccupied with its religious problems, was cut off from pan-European cultural development for a long time.
Habsburg rule
In 1526, Ferdinand I of Habsburg ascended the Czech throne, the first representative of the Habsburg dynasty, which ruled the country for 400 years, until 1918.
One of the most prominent rulers of the Habsburg dynasty is Rudolf II, who left a noticeable mark on the history of the country. He was a very extraordinary person: he patronized science and art, and was fond of astrology and astronomy. Famous artists, poets, musicians, astronomers and alchemists gathered at the royal court at that time. Prague, which he made his royal residence, was at that time the center of alchemical science.
In 1611, under pressure from his relatives, Rudolf II, who at that time was sick and exhausted, was forced to abdicate the throne in favor of his brother Matthias, who pursued a tough policy towards the population of the country. He abolished all the “liberties” that Rudolf II was generous with. Political situation in the country by 1618, it had become so aggravated that it resulted in an event that was called the “Second Prague Throwing from Windows: Czech nobles threw royal palace two imperial governors and their secretary." This event marked the beginning of the Thirty Years' War between Catholics and Protestants.
In 1620, the Protestant army suffered a crushing defeat at the White Mountain near Prague. Participants in the uprising were subjected to repression: many of them were either executed or sentenced to exile from the country. Bohemia lost its autonomy and became part of Austria. All churches were transferred to the disposal of the Catholic clergy, and non-Catholics were deprived of all civil rights. This period in the history of the Czech Republic is marked by the period of German colonization, oppression Czech population and forced Catholicization.
During the reign of Empress Maria Theresa, national consciousness awakened and peasant uprisings swept the entire country. The reign of Emperors Joseph II and Leopold II was marked by a revival of Czech culture: museums and theaters were built, and theater productions were staged exclusively in the Czech language. The works of composers Smetana and Dvorak, writer Alois Jirasek, and artist Miklos Ales were very popular among the population.
Emperor Franz Joseph tried to stop revolutionary sentiments in the country, realizing that they posed a great threat to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but his plans were disrupted by the outbreak of the First World War in 1914.
XX century
The defeat of the German bloc in World War I led to the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the end of the rule of the Habsburg dynasty in the Czech Republic.
The year 1918 was marked by the creation of an independent republic - Czechoslovakia, which included the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Tomas Masaryk was proclaimed the first president of the new state, and Prague became the capital of the republic.
However, the young state did not last long. After the Munich Treaty of 1938, Nazi Germany was given the Sudetenland to Czechoslovakia, populated mainly by ethnic Germans who were happy to reunite with Germany.
In 1939, Slovakia declared its independence and became an ally of Germany. In the same year, the remaining part of the Czech territory was occupied by German troops (Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia).
During the German occupation, the main victims were Czech politicians and intellectuals, as well as Jews who were killed or sent to concentration camps.
Czechoslovakia, liberated by the Red Army in May 1945, came under the influence of the USSR, as a result of which a communist regime was established in the country. The development of the economy along Soviet lines contributed to the nationalization of industry and the collectivization of agriculture.
An attempt to reform the communist system in 1968 (Prague Spring) ended with the introduction of troops and tanks of the Warsaw Pact countries into Czechoslovakia and, thus, the suppression of the Prague Spring occurred.
The history of the Czech Republic at the end of the 80s was marked by a period of democratic change. Mass protests and demonstrations that swept the entire country marked the beginning of the Velvet Revolution (1989), which resulted in the overthrow of the communist regime in the country.
On January 1, 1993, Czechoslovakia was divided into two independent states - the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Vaclav Havel was proclaimed President of the Czech Republic, and Prague became the Czech capital.
In 1995, the Czech Republic was admitted to the OECD, and in 1999 joined NATO.
XXI Century
In 2000, the capital of the Czech Republic - Prague was declared cultural capital Europe.
In 2004, the Czech Republic joined the European Union, and in 2006, civil partnerships between people of the same sex were legalized in the country.
Since 2007, the Czech Republic has been part of the Schengen zone.
Good neighborly and friendly relations have been established between the Czech Republic and Russia, which are based on mutually beneficial cooperation.
Currently, the Czech Republic is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.
Tourism plays an important role in the economy; every year Czechs earn more than 100 billion from tourists. – this is 5.5% of the country’s GDP. About 170,000 residents are employed in tourism, although this figure is clearly underestimated, because it does not include bartenders and waiters, shop assistants, and all these establishments work both for tourism and for the local population.
The Czech Republic receives about 9 million guests a year. According to statistics for 2016, German citizens are the leaders among travelers - 1,880,000. Tourists come from Slovakia (645,000), Poland (543,000), USA (511,000), Great Britain (470,000). Russians are in 6th place on this list - 406,000 tourists in 2016.
The number of tourists from China visiting the Czech Republic is growing rapidly. South Korea, Japan. Don't be surprised if you see Chinese characters on shops and stores in Prague by 2020 exchange offices currencies.
What attracts tourists to the Czech Republic? What is the country proud of? What surprises visitors?
Firstly, historical centuries-old monuments. Although not as long as the Greek, Chinese or Egyptian, there are many monuments preserved here, and most are in excellent condition.
Having a thousand-year historical path behind it, the state is full of architecture of different styles and trends. These are more than 2 thousand castles, their ruins and palaces, among them the following are especially popular: Litomysl, Pardubice Castle, Jindrichuv Hradec, Star Summer Palace, Kromeriz Castle, Wallenstein Palace, Kinski Palace.
Religious monuments in the Czech Republic fascinate with their grandeur and unique architectural solutions. This is the Cathedral of St. Wenceslas in Olomouc, the Church of St. James the Elder, and many others scattered like pearls throughout the country. There are 11 Catholic cathedrals in the country.
Medical tourism is another strong point Czech tourism industry. The healing springs of Karlovy Vary are famous throughout the world. It is believed that the resort was founded here by Emperor Charles IV in 1350. Other destinations: Poděbrady, Jáchymov, peloidal springs in Bechyn and Třebon, sulfur-iron peloidal springs in Lazne Toušeni, natural warm and hot water in Teplice and several others.
The Czech Republic is one of the European “Meccas” of gastronomic tourism. Beer tours are in particular demand, when tourists are taken to breweries and tastings. However, there are so many types of beer in the Czech Republic that even during the longest beer tour it would be impossible to try them all.
Gaining momentum ski holiday. Unfortunately, the country cannot boast of high mountains; in this area it is difficult for the Czechs to compete with neighboring Austria and Switzerland. There are mountains in the Czech Republic - these are the Sudeten Mountains, highest point countries - Mount Snezka (1602 meters). Some ski resorts are located in the Moravian hills. The most developed ski resort in the country is now Pec pod Snezkou.
Czech Republic, or Czech Republic is a Central European state bordered in the north by Poland, in the west by Germany, in the south by Austria, and in the east by Slovakia. The capital of the Czech Republic is the city of Prague, which is one large open-air attraction. The country covers an area of 78,866 km² and has a population of 10,610,947 people (2016). The largest cities are Prague, Brno, Pilsen, Ostrava.
According to legend, the ancestors of today's Czechs, led by their leader Czech, settled on the territory of the modern Czech Republic, which has been inhabited since the Stone Age. The first chronicle mentions of settlements on Czech soil date back to the end of the 9th century, when these lands were united by princes from the Přemyslid family. In the Middle Ages, the Czech kingdom had significant influence, but the religious conflicts that arose (the Hussite Wars in the 15th century and the Thirty Years' War in the 17th century) significantly weakened it. Soon the kingdom came under the rule of the Habsburgs and became part of Austria-Hungary.
After the end of the First World War and the fall of Austria-Hungary in 1918, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Subcarpathian Ruthenia united to form the independent republic of Czechoslovakia. The country was occupied by Germany in 1939. At the end of the Second World War, the Czech Republic found itself in the Soviet camp, which predetermined its history until 1989. On January 1, 1993, Slovakia separated from the Czech Republic, and both countries gained independence. Today's Czech Republic has been a member of NATO since 1999, and has been a member of the European Union since 2004.
The Czech Republic is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. About 50 million people visit the country every year, regardless of the season. Choice tourist routes in the Czech Republic is so extensive that it is worth deciding in advance which direction of tourism interests you in this moment, and what should be saved for future visits. The most attractive are historical routes, since the country has a huge number of objects that will be of interest to fans of antiquity: towns, fortresses, castles. Some cities of the Czech Republic are included in the list of world cultural heritage UNESCO.
Current time in Prague:
(UTC +1)
Fans of active recreation will find something to their liking - ecotourism and skiing are developed in the country. Those who want to admire the natural beauty in the Czech Republic are a real expanse: forested mountains, caves, lakes and waterfalls. The Czech Republic also attracts tourists in need of wellness: many popular thermal resorts await them.
How to get there
The Czech Republic and Russia are connected by many flights. So, you can fly to Brno from Moscow, and to Karlovy Vary - from Moscow, St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg. But most popular city arrival is Prague. In addition, from October 28, 2012, Transaero opened flights on the route Moscow - Pardubice.
From the Czech capital, planes fly to Moscow (“Aeroflot” and “Czech Airlines”), St. Petersburg (“Russia” and “Czech Airlines”), Voronezh (“Polyot”), Yekaterinburg (“ Ural Airlines" and "Czech Airlines"), Rostov-on-Don ("Aeroflot-Don" and "Czech Airlines"), Samara ("Aeroflot" and "Czech Airlines"), Novosibirsk ("S7") and Tyumen ("Yamal" ).
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Climate and weather in the Czech Republic
The climate of the Czech Republic is temperate continental with maritime features. Summer in the region is warm, with daytime temperatures +23…+25 ° C, with a lot of precipitation. Winter cloudy, cool, daytime around 0…+3 ° C, and at night -5...-2 ° C, snow often falls. In winter, ski resorts begin to operate in the mountains.
The minimum precipitation occurs in spring and autumn; this time is considered the most comfortable for excursions and travel around the country.
The weather in the Czech Republic rarely brings surprises: in summer, as a rule, it is not hot, and in winter it is moderately cool, so tourists visit the country all year round.
Cities and regions
Regions
- Bohemia - western part of the Czech Republic
- Moravia - eastern part of the country
- Czech Silesia is the northeastern part of the Republic.
- Prague is the capital and most Big city Czech Republic.
- Brno is the largest city in Moravia and hosts the Moto GP Grand Prix every year.
- Ostrava is the third largest city in the Czech Republic.
- Cesky Krumlov is a beautiful old town and castle.
- Opawa is a rich and historically important city in Silesia, near the border with Poland.
- Jesenik is a popular winter resort.
- Karlovy Vary is also known as “Carlsbad”, a historical resort.
- Karvina is a resort located near Ostrava.
- Kutna Hora - historical city with the famous St. Barbara's Cathedral and old silver mines.
- Novosedlý is a village in the Moravian wine region, where you can take a horseback ride through the vineyards.
- Olomouc is a vibrant university city.
- Pilsen is the birthplace of Pilsner Urquell beer and the largest city in Western Bohemia.
What to see
Castles of the Czech Republic
The pride of the Czech Republic is its castles, of which there are about 2,500. Almost every corner of the Czech Republic has its own castle - ancient, with interesting ancient history. Castles - fortified dwellings of feudal lords - were built according to a certain structure: the castle itself (hail) with a church, surrounded by one or several outskirts, gradually built up and used for economic purposes. During the Renaissance, castles lost their significance as military fortresses and turned into comfortable homes. In the 19th century, many Czech castles were rebuilt in the spirit of romanticism, acquiring neo-Gothic elements and a certain “English accent”. At the end of the 20th century, some castles were returned to the families that historically owned them as part of restitution, others became hotels, and others became museums. Many castles today offer guests magnificent theatrical performances - excursions into the history of the Czech Republic, organizing knightly tournaments, costume performances, concerts of ancient music, and tastings of Czech cuisine. Below is a list of the most famous castles in the Czech Republic. You can read more about Czech castles in the article “Castles of the Czech Republic. Fabulous atmosphere of the Middle Ages."
- Karlštejn Castle
Ancient cities of the Czech Republic
In addition to castles in the Czech Republic, it is definitely worth visiting ancient cities, which contain a huge number of historical and architectural monuments.
Once in Brno, it is worth taking time to explore the Moravian Gallery - the second largest museum in the Czech Republic, famous for the richness of its collection. The gallery, founded in 1961, houses objects of free art - not only painting, drawing and plastic arts from ancient times to the present, but also photography, applied art, and graphic design.
Also worth visiting in Brno Cathedral Saints Peter and Paul, Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Church of Saint Jacob, Town Hall, Church of Saint Michael.
Kutna Hora
Terezin Memorial
Terezin Fortress was founded at the end of the 18th century at the confluence of the Laba and Ohří rivers, 5 km south of the city Litomerice. During World War II, the German occupiers set up a concentration camp for Jews in the fortress, the so-called “Terezin Ghetto,” which held just under 140,000 people (of which 33,000 died while in the ghetto). Some Jews (88,000 people) were deported to Auschwitz and other death camps. By the end of the war, 17,247 people survived in the ghetto. Terezin was liberated by Soviet troops on May 9, 1945. Today it is located in Terezin.
Medical resorts Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a recognized destination for health tourism; the country is famous for its thermal and mineral resorts, the most famous of which is Karlovy Vary. The city was founded by Emperor Charles IV. 1358, appeared in a place where 132 mineral springs make their way to the surface of the earth, 12 of which contain healing water. The resort has a glorious history; the entire world elite came here to improve their health: monarchs, prominent political figures, famous people of art. The streets of the city follow the curves formed by the Teplaya River, across which lacy bridges are thrown. The city is decorated with picturesque buildings of various eras, parks, and public gardens. Except medical procedures, shown for a wide range of diseases, and pleasant walks in the lap of nature, you can always have an interesting time here. For example, the city hosts the Karlovy Vary Film Festival - the second most important in Europe after Cannes.
Attractions
Museums and galleries
Entertainment
Parks and Recreation
Transport
Wellness holiday
Private guides in the Czech Republic
Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with the Czech Republic in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.
Things to do
- University Hospital in Motol
Getting around the country
Bus
The most convenient form of transport for traveling around the Czech Republic is a bus. To some destinations, buses travel faster and more often than trains. Dozens of carrier companies operate flights throughout the country. Communication between large cities is provided at least several times a day. Small towns and remote places can also be reached easily with daily flights. The lines operate comfortable buses with air conditioning and TVs, often with reclining seats. Czech buses follow the schedule impeccably. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office in advance, when entering the bus from the driver, or online on the carrier company’s website. The tickets do not indicate a seat - passengers sit in empty seats.
One of the main carriers is the country's largest bus company CSAD (Ceska Autobusova Doprava), which operates both domestic and international flights. The departure point in Prague is Florenc Station. Information on routes and schedules is available on the website www.florenc.info, or in the CSAD information window from 6:00 to 19:45, on Saturday from 6:00 to 16:00, on Sunday from 8:00 to 18:00 hours . They also sell tickets there. If the window is closed, you can consult the travel agency located opposite, which also carries out its own transportation throughout the country.
Another very popular bus company in the Czech Republic is. Its buses are distinguished by impeccable comfort and high level service: female flight attendants will offer you tea, coffee and chocolate, and the Czech press for free. In addition, tickets from this company are often cheaper than tickets from other carriers, and the bus travel time is much shorter. Bright Student Agency buses depart from Prague from the Zlicin metro station; tickets can be purchased upon departure at a kiosk near the platform or ordered on the company’s website. Student Agency tickets show seats.
The desired bus route in the Czech Republic can be found at. To create a personal route, select the kombinace link, enter the name of the starting point (Оdkud) and destination (Kam), the date (Datum) and time (Čas) of departure (odjezd) or arrival (příjezd), as well as the possible number of transfers (přestupů). The site will display a list of route options with the numbers of all flights, departure and travel times, as well as a cost calculation. The only caveat is that the site works in Czech, but words can be typed in regular Latin letters, without using diacritics. For translation, you can use one of the online dictionaries.
Trains
The Czech Republic has a fairly dense network of railways, operated by the company, or simply CD. Trains to most destinations depart hourly.
The slowest regional trains are called Osobni (O), they stop at all stops, and at major cities several times. Spešný (Sp) - regional express trains, moving slightly faster than regular ones, because in big cities They stop only at the main stations. Fast trains are called Rychlik (R) and Express (Ex), and they usually have a dining car or a buffet.
Fast night trains have the same name - Rychlik, but traveling with them is not entirely convenient - you still won’t be able to get enough sleep due to the shortness of the trip. Night international trains are called EuroNight (EN).
The fastest - InterCity (IC) and EuroCity (EC) trains have a high level of comfort; travel on them will be more expensive. EU trains are international and connect Prague with major European cities, while IC trains are domestic.
Supercity or Pendolino are new fast trains recently purchased by Czech railways", have a special ticket rate (SC). The schedule is available on the website.
The ticket price depends on the class of carriage and distance. To save money, you can buy a weekend pass - SONE+, which is intended for travel on all trains throughout the Czech Republic during the weekend, it is also valid in the border areas of Germany, Austria and Poland. On other days it is worth using one of travel tickets Sitova jizdenka, information about which can be seen.
There are significant discounts for young people and students: the ticket will be about one and a half times cheaper for them. Travel is free for children under 6 years old, children under 15 years old receive a 50% discount.
Remember, to get to small breweries or remote towns by train, you'll likely have to make several connections. You can optimally plan your route at.
Bike
Bicycles are a very popular mode of transport in the Czech Republic: the length of bicycle routes currently exceeds 37 thousand km. The most extensive network of routes is located in Prague, in Central and Northern Moravia, and most of of these are the so-called “greenway” routes. "Green roads" are laid along rivers, water canals and railway tracks, they pass along old pilgrimage and trade roads, past famous historical monuments or natural attractions. These include the following routes: Prague - Vienna, Amber Route, Moravian Route, Labe Route, Moravian Wine Route, etc. The widespread development of cycling in the Czech Republic is due to the fact that the country was included in the project of the European network of cycling routes "EuroVelo", developed European Cycling Federation with the aim of linking 12 European cycling routes connecting all European countries.
Auto
To travel in the Czech Republic by car, the driver must be over 18 years old, have a valid international driving license, an identity card (for everyone except EU citizens, you also need a passport), registration documents for the car and a third party liability insurance policy ( "green card")
The car must be equipped with a nationality sign; failure to do so will result in a fine. The car must have a warning triangle in the shape of a red triangle and a first aid kit. Children must only ride in a car with seat belts fastened and in appropriate seats. From October 15 to May 15, drivers must turn on low beam headlights even during daylight hours. Driving while intoxicated is punishable by a severe fine or detention. Motorcyclists and their passengers are required to wear protective helmets.
The maximum permissible speed for cars and buses is 50 km/h in populated areas, 90 km/h on normal roads and 130 km/h on motorways.
Motorways and motorway-type roads in the Czech Republic are toll-free, so motorists need to purchase a ticket with which they can drive for a whole year. The ticket is stuck on the windshield. You can buy it at the post office, at gas stations along the roads, at all large border crossings. The cost of the coupon is 400 CZK for Vehicle weighing up to 3.5 tons, 1000 CZK - over 3.5 tons.
Gas stations are located on all main roads within approximately 50 km, at the entrances to major cities. After 21:30 most gas stations close.
Renting a car in the Czech Republic will not be difficult: at airports, in large cities and in upscale hotels there are offices of all leading car rental companies. If you intend to visit only Prague, you should not rent a car: many city streets are closed to car traffic, and public transport very well developed.
Aircraft
Internal air traffic in the Czech Republic is practically undeveloped: by plane you can only get from Prague to Brno and Ostrava. Flights are mainly carried out by. In the Czech Republic there are several international airports: Prague airport "Ruzyne", Brno airport "Turany", Ostrava airport "Leos Janacek" and airport in Karlovy Vary.
Communication
Unsurprisingly, the main language spoken here is Czech. Czechs are very proud of their native language and even in Prague there are few signs on English language(outside the main tourist places). Older people often do not speak English, but most young people speak at least some English as they learn it in schools.
Kitchen
Czech cuisine is the result of local culinary traditions and borrowings from the cuisines of neighboring nations. Czech cuisine is very nourishing, made from natural products, replete with first courses, meat dishes, and delicious desserts.
Sauces
Czechs cannot imagine a meal without sauces, of which there are a lot: tomato, horseradish, dill, cucumber, sour cream, lingonberry, garlic, onion, etc. The sauces are based on meat broths, in which flour is sautéed and various ingredients are added.
Another “trick” of Czech cuisine is dumplings - boiled pieces of flour or potato dough. Dumplings themselves are not eaten, only as a side dish for meat dishes.
Soups
First courses - soups, or Polévky (voles), occupy a special place in Czech cuisine - Czechs love them very much. The most popular are the garlic soup Česnečka (garlic), Jihočeská kulajda (yigocheska kulajda) - mushroom potato soup with sour cream, often served in bread, Cibulačka (tsibulachka) - onion soup with croutons and cheese.
Meat dishes
Meat dishes are no less popular: the Czechs have pork, beef, lamb, poultry, and game. A traditional meat dish is Vepřo-knedlo-zelo (veprsho-knedlo-zelo) - baked pork in gravy with dumplings and stewed cabbage. Favorite among tourists Pečené vepřové koleno (liver boar's knee, or simply boar's knee) - baked pork knee with horseradish and mustard, or pork knuckle. The knees are, as a rule, very large, pay attention to the weight - sometimes the portion is too much for two. On the menu of any restaurant you will also find rib dishes, goulash, rolls, cutlets, steaks, schnitzels, kebabs, etc.
The most interesting beef dishes: Pivovarský guláš (brewery goulash) with gravy and dumplings, Biftek naložený v barevném pepři s omáčkou (biftek served in barevnem pepři s omáčkou) - steak on multi-colored peppers with sauce and side dish, Moravský hrnec (Moravian Grnets) - Moravian pot.
Fish
Fish is not the most popular product on the Czech table, but during the fishing season in the Moravian lakes or for Christmas, many dishes are prepared from fish: Pečený kapr na česneku (baked kapr on garlic) - baked carp with garlic, Pečený pstruh (baked pstruh) - baked trout, Pečený tuňák (baked tuna) - baked tuna.
Dessert
Czech desserts are very good. It’s worth trying Zmrzlinový pohár s čerstvým ovocem (zmrzlinový pogar with stale sheep) - ice cream with fruit, syrups, chocolate, wafers, Horka laska (hill of weasel) - “hot love”, ice cream with hot raspberry syrup and fresh berries, Zmrzlinové palačinky s horkými malinami a šlehačkou (zmrzlinova palachinki with mountain raspberries, and šlehačka) - pancakes with ice cream, hot raspberry syrup and whipped cream. The Czech tiramisu is no worse than the Italian one - Domácí tiramisy zdobený čerstvým ovocem (Domácí tiramisu is made with stale sheep), and the Czech strudel Jablečný štrudl s vanilkovou zmrzlinou (apple strudel with vanilla zmrzlinou) may well compete with the strudel I love Austrian.
Beverages
Wine is a popular drink, especially from Moravia in the southeastern part of the country, where the climate is most suitable for growing vineyards. White wine is considered better because the growing conditions are more suitable for it. Try the white wines Veltlínské zelené (Green Veltliner), Muškát moravský (Moravian Muscat), Ryzlink rýnský (Rhine Riesling) or Tramín (Traminer); or red wines such as: Frankovka (Frankovka), Modrý Portugal (Blue Portugal, named after the grape variety, not the country), or Svatovavchinecké (St. Lawrence).
Also try ice wine (ledové víno), made from the harvest after the vines have been frozen; or straw wine (slámové víno), made by ripening grapes on straw - these wines are more expensive and are almost the same as dessert wines. Bohemian Sekt is a very popular wine among Czechs, it is sweet, fizzy, similar to Lambrusco and is drunk on holidays. Places to buy wine: wine bar (vinárna) or wine shop (vinotéka), which sometimes has a small bar.
For spirits, try Becherovka, a herbal liqueur, vaguely similar to Jagermeister, its taste is a mixture of cloves and cinnamon, improves digestion, Slivovice, plum brandy, a very popular tonic, Hruškovice, peach liqueur , not as hot as Slivovitz). Alcoholic drinks are made from almost all fruits (plums, peaches, cherries, sloe, etc.). The unique Czech tuzemský rum (made from sugar beets rather than sugar cane like Cuban rum) is sold under the Tuzemák brand. Be careful as they all contain around 40% alcohol.
Try also Svachák - hot wine, which is served in pubs, outdoors during Christmas sales, Grog - hot rum and water, served with a slice of lemon, and Medovina (honey), which is usually served hot, and is especially good for keep warm at the cold winter market.
Finally, if you are going to Moravia, try Burchák, this drink is only sold in late summer or early autumn. This is a very young wine, usually white, cloudy, still in the fermentation stage, when the wine is very sweet and easy to drink. It continues to ferment in the stomach, so the alcohol content at the time of consumption is unknown, but is usually high. The Czechs say that it should only be drunk fresh and many private winemakers are passionate about it, waiting until the very night for the moment when the wine reaches the “burch” stage. It can be purchased at wine festivals throughout the country, sometimes at markets or wine bars.
Beer
And finally, beer. A drink without which it is difficult to imagine any meal or snack in the Czech Republic. Some travel to the Czech Republic solely for the sake of beer, creating special “beer” routes for themselves and paying little attention to Czech cuisine itself. You can read about the history of brewing in the Czech Republic, modern types of beer, snacks, beer bars and prices for a foamy drink in our special material “How to drink beer in the Czech Republic? " You can also get acquainted with the breweries of the Czech capital in the section “Beer Houses of Prague”.
Purchases
The Czech Republic is the center of Europe, and shopping there promises the same variety of goods as in any other European country. In the Czech Republic, shopaholics will find not only a good assortment of goods from famous brands, pleasing with affordable prices, but also an impressive list of authentic endemic items that can only be bought here.
Shops in the Czech Republic are usually open from 9:00 to 18:00, on Saturdays from 9:00 to 13:00. In large cities, stores can be open until 21:00. Grocery stores are open on weekdays from 6:00 to 18:00, and on Saturdays until noon. Sometimes there is a lunch break in stores, usually between 12:00 and 13:00. Large department stores are open daily until 10:00 p.m., and some supermarkets are open 24 hours a day.
More information about shopping in the Czech Republic (popular souvenirs, store opening hours, shopping centers, shopping in Karlovy Vary, Brno, Olomouc, Pilsen and Cesky Krumlov, tax refunds and much more) you can read in the article “Shopping in the Czech Republic”. If your visit to the country is limited only to its capital, then you can read our special material “Shopping in Prague”.
Connection
You can buy a SIM card from the Vodafone operator (for example, in Prague, this can be done on Wenceslas Square, if you go down from the monument to St. Wenceslas - on the right side), a SIM card costs 200 CZK (this already includes a credit for calls). Call to Russia: +7 - area code - number;, Czech Republic code: +420. You can top up your account at Trafika kiosks; the nearest kiosk on Wenceslas Square is in the Mustek metro station.
Safety
- Taxi drivers. Negotiate the price before getting into a taxi or use trusted companies (for example, in Prague AAA taxi, Profi Taxi, City Taxi). Taxi drivers in Prague are known for taking the longest route to make more money. The Prague municipality has introduced new rules requiring legal taxis to be yellow. If you don’t want to overpay, use public transport – it’s cheap, fast and reliable. In Prague the metro runs until midnight and there are also night trams that run all night and very often go to the central tram stop Lazarská.
- Pickpockets. Watch your wallet, especially in crowds (while sightseeing, on the subway, on trams). Be especially vigilant around large groups of people.
- Prostitution. Prostitution is not illegal in the Czech Republic, but the health risks can be very high, especially in cheap brothels on the streets. There have also been cases of prostitutes giving their clients drinks laced with sleeping pills and then taking everything they had. Pay attention to the age of the prostitute, as paying someone under the age of 18 for sex is a crime.
- Drugs. Since the beginning of 2010, in the Czech Republic you can have up to 15 grams of marijuana, up to four ecstasy tablets, two grams of amphetamine, one and a half grams of heroin, and one gram of cocaine. Czechs are also allowed to grow up to five cannabis bushes and 40 hallucinogenic mushrooms at home. In connection with the legalization of the above drugs, an increase in the number of HIV-infected people and an increase in the flow of drug tourists is expected in the Czech Republic, and a general decrease in drug prices could lead to a cocaine boom.
- Ticks. In the Czech Republic there are ticks that cause encephalitis and borreliosis. Ticks hide in grass and bushes, so try to walk along paths and inspect the body after a walk. Vaccination against encephalitis is available and recommended. A good insect repellent will also help. Ticks are also sometimes found in city parks, including Prague.
Health
Pharmacies (lékárna) are usually open from 8 am to 7 pm, Monday to Friday. In large cities there are 24-hour pharmacies; you should find out the address of the closest one on the list in the window of the nearest pharmacy. In Prague, one of the central 24-hour pharmacies is the one located on the corner of Belgická and Rumunská streets, they sell medicines both with a prescription and without a doctor's prescription. Medicines are dispensed from a small window regardless of the time of day - ring the bell if no one is there.
A hospital with a good reputation in Prague is Nemocnice na Homolce, located at Roentgenova 37/2, Prague 5 (tel.: 257 272 350). This clinic is adapted for foreigners. The person at the reception speaks English and can make an appointment. Most doctors speak at least some English and the level of service is of a high standard.
The Czech Republic is a state that has everything for normal peaceful life, including for migrants. Among the advantages, it is worth noting social stability, well-developed infrastructure, relatively low levels of crime and corruption, as well as the fact that thanks to membership in the European Union, Czech citizens, as well as holders of residence permit and permanent residence status, have the opportunity to visit the Schengen countries without issuing visas. It is not surprising that such conditions attract the attention of immigrants from different corners the former Soviet Union, including Russia.
Foreigners in the Czech Republic: average standard of living, reviews
According to the population census carried out in 2011, the number of officially registered foreigners is almost 450,000 people. This is three and a half times more than in 2001, when the total number of immigrants did not even reach 125,000. In the first half of the tenth, the rate of immigration fell sharply. This was due to the tightening of legislation, but serious changes for the better are expected soon. For example, if previously in order to obtain citizenship it was necessary to renounce this status in your home country, today this is not necessary. Today, about 36,000 Russians live in the Czech Republic (+368.5% compared to 2001). The most numerous diasporas are Ukrainians (≈118,000), Slovaks (≈84,500) and Vietnamese (≈53,000).
The average salary in the Czech Republic fluctuates around $1,000 per month. The most profitable professions are those related to the financial, telecommunications and IT sectors. There this figure is close to 2 thousand USD. The highest salaries are traditionally among residents of the capital, who receive an average of 1335 USD, the lowest - among residents of the Karlovy Vary region (≈945 USD). The official cost of living for foreigners is 3410 crowns (≈135 USD), but this amount may vary depending on marital status. Everyone who lives in the Czech Republic is required to have legal (permanent residence, employed persons) or contractual health insurance. The level of hospital care here is quite high, especially compared to Russia, Ukraine and other former Soviet republics, but lower than in most Western European countries. For rental housing you need to pay from 150–200 USD per month. The average cost of a food basket is estimated at approximately 200–250 USD, which is one of the lowest in the EU. Prices for clothing correspond to European prices. A single monthly pass costs 530 kroons (≈21 USD), a liter of gasoline is a little more than one dollar.
Andrey, 38 years old, freelancer, Prague:
In terms of earnings, Czech society is quite homogeneous - there is no huge gap between the poor and the rich. Most residents can be classified as middle class. Conveniences that in Russia are available only to wealthy citizens, in the Czech Republic can be afforded by many. I would also like to note the fairly low level of aggression and rudeness. This is especially felt during the first two to three months after moving. And the nature here is very beautiful.
Job
Getting a job with a good salary in the Czech Republic is not so easy. The market primarily requires highly qualified specialists (doctors, programmers, engineers) who have a decent command of the local language. If you have the appropriate education and good knowledge of English/German, you can apply for some kind of administrative position. Smart auto mechanics, turners, mechanics and electricians are also in demand here. Russians who do not yet have permanent residence status will also need permission from the Employment Service to find employment. An exception is made only for case managers. To obtain the right to work, you will need to submit the following documents:
- copy of international passport;
- a document on education translated into Czech;
- statements from the applicant and employer;
- extract of the company from the Trade Register;
- photo;
- a stamp worth 500 CZK confirming payment of the state tax.
The salary level is largely determined by the place of work. If in Prague specialists can earn from 1,500 USD, then in a small town somewhere in the north similar activities are estimated two to three times more modestly. From the money earned, it is necessary to make deductions for medical (4.5% of the total amount) and social insurance (6.5%). Other income, including payments on bank deposits, is taxed at 15%.
Those wishing to work, study or do business in the Czech Republic often need to undergo nostrification, that is, obtain confirmation of their diploma (exceptions are possible only for graduates of Moscow State University). This procedure is quite simple. The translated and officially certified document is sent to an educational institution whose program includes this specialty. After a certain time (usually the waiting period is several months), a certificate is received confirming the diploma or refusal. In the case of secondary education, the request is sent to the local mayor's office.
Olga, 28 years old, employee travel agency, Pardubice:
It is quite difficult for a foreigner to find a job today, especially in the periphery. Preference is given local residents, which is quite natural. For applicants who do not have permanent residence status, the chances of getting a decent vacancy are close to zero, unless we are talking about highly qualified specialists for in-demand professions.
Pensions for Russians
Citizens of the Russian Federation who have permanent residence status in the Czech Republic, upon reaching a certain age (57 and 60 years for women and men, respectively) receive the right to a pension. To do this, they need to submit to local social security authorities:
- a copy of the work book;
- certificate of deregistration from pension registration in the Russian Federation;
- a certificate from the Russian social security services, which indicates the amount of accruals and the date of the last payment of the pension;
- a copy of the diploma/certificate indicating graduation from the educational institution, as well as any other documents that will be requested. Everything must be translated into Czech and certified by the official service.
When calculating a pension in the Czech Republic, the length of service in the country of residence is taken into account and the pension increases accordingly (the number of years is also summed up)
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The waiting period can last up to six months, since the check is carried out not only in Prague, but also in Moscow. If the pension is approved, it will be paid from the moment of deregistration in Russia. Its size depends on many factors: length of service, amount of earnings, availability of academic degrees, etc. The national average is about 450USD, so many pensioners are forced to look for additional sources of income. If a person worked in the Russian Federation all the time, the pension is calculated based on local salaries for similar professions. If, despite having Russian work experience, a permanent residence resident is not employed in the Czech Republic, he must still make monthly contributions to the social security fund until he reaches the required age.
How are Russian emigrants treated?
The attitude of Czechs towards Russians can hardly be called positive, but there is not much negativity either. The events of 1968, memorable for the older generation, no longer evoke strong emotions among the majority of young people. If a visitor behaves appropriately and respects the local language and traditions, then he should not have any special problems with neighbors and colleagues. Among them, of course, there may be different people, but in general the adaptation is going well. The attitude towards “persons of Arab and Gypsy nationality” is much worse. As for the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the indigenous residents, as a rule, are not very interested in it. Unfortunately, Ukrainians and Russians themselves quarrel more with each other, and many of them, until recently, communicated quite closely and warmly. If before the start of the Crimean events, Czechs generally perceived visitors from these countries as one people, now this is no longer the case. In general, it’s better to try not to raise the topic of politics again - other than negative emotions, such a conversation usually leads to nothing.
Review from Nikolay, 46 years old, manager, Ostrava:
It is difficult to say that after the Ukrainian events the attitude of the Czechs towards the Russians changed significantly. There was no great love for us before, nor any exceptional hatred. There will always be people who are ready to spray poisonous saliva, but there are many more normal ones. By the way, even attempts to speak Czech, which many of our former compatriots almost ostentatiously neglect, really help to get closer to the local residents.
Speaking about communication between former compatriots, it is necessary to note the disunity of the Russian diaspora.
Community
There are a number of metropolitan and regional organizations, each of which positions itself as the official representative of the community. The most famous and powerful is, perhaps, the “Russian tradition”. Its activities include holding various public events (cultural, sports, scientific), publishing newspapers and books, and providing comprehensive assistance in contacts with representatives of local authorities. The main financial support for this structure is provided in the form of grants by the Prague City Hall, the Ministry of Education and Culture, as well as various foundations. However, it should be noted that the majority of Russian-speaking residents of the Czech Republic are not too keen on “organized” communication, preferring to spend time with close friends.
Undoubtedly the most “Russian” city in the Czech Republic is the resort city of Karlovy Vary. Here, a third of the population speaks Russian. But the fact that you very often find holidaymakers and residents speaking your native language is not the main advantage. In Karlovy Vary you can often see signs in Russian, as well as many restaurants, shops, bars, sanatoriums, where you will not only be understood, but also served in your native language. In general, there are a lot of “Russian speakers” and Russians in the Czech Republic. In almost all major cities, walking along the central (and not only) streets, you will meet Russians.
Samaria
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Pros and cons of living in the Czech Republic compared to Russia
| pros | Minuses |
| Decent standard of living. | Difficulties in obtaining even a work visa and residence permit, not to mention permanent residence. |
| Well developed social infrastructure. | Many services are much more expensive than in Russia. |
| Low crime and corruption levels. | Lack of jobs with decent pay. |
| Free education, decent medical care. | High utility bills, not the greatest pensions. |
| Opportunity to freely visit Western European countries. | Laws on the presence of foreigners are constantly becoming stricter. |
| High-quality roads, public transport runs strictly on schedule. | Quite expensive gasoline. |
| Low interest rates on mortgages and loans. | Interest rates on deposits are also low. |
| The usual temperate climate (mild winters), beautiful nature. | Inability to relax by the sea due to its absence. |
Czech Republic in questions and answers - video
The Czech Republic is far from an ideal country in terms of living comfort, especially when compared with Western Europe. This is not surprising, considering that in modern history This state became truly independent only a quarter of a century ago, after the Soviet empire finally collapsed. It is much more logical to compare the living standards of Czechs and Russians. Unfortunately, the advantage here is clearly not on the side of the Russian Federation. According to the Social Progress Index, the Czech Republic ranks 22nd in the world in terms of ease of living. Russia is allocated only 71 positions in this list. The difference is most clearly noticeable when comparing small provincial towns and villages.
