Paddling along this scenic river is a summer ritual in Bohemia. Our crew have an adventurous spirit, sunshine and beer. What could possibly go wrong?
republic
Czech out Brno for a cheaper, calmer city break
Booming Brno, with its creativity, history and subterranean mystery, is the perfect antidote to overrun Prague and its forests of selfie sticks
‘People are dreaming big in Brno – the city has a real buzz’
World champion rock climber Adam Ondra started climbing when he was three, and is still inspired by the outdoors community of his home town
Prague’s cryptocurrency cafe: a perfect brew of beans and bitcoins
The terms espresso bar and ‘anarchic ethical hacker collective’ don’t usually go together but this radical bitcoin-only hub in the Czech capital is no ordinary cafe
Europe’s oldest pagans: the deep forest life of Mari people – in pictures
Ikuru Kuwajima photographed the Mari El republic in Russia over the course of a year, learning about everything from witchcraft to paranormal activity
‘Like nowhere else’: Madagascar casts a spell over Simon Reeve
The country’s mix of cultures, bizarre food, taboos and unique wildlife leaves the TV presenter gobsmacked
Travel 2016 – Brno – Czech Republic
Again, I travelled on the train from Bratislava on the Hungaria Express (Budapest – Hamburg) which takes you directly to Brno in 1.25 hours for a cost of 13.90 Euros. This city has a boring reputation for some reason. It is not justified. If you like trams, this is a wonderful chance to see old and new trams being used for public transport and they don’t half go quickly so be careful if you amble across their tracks. There are many churches with lovely spires (plus one small statue of a man baring his backside on the Church of St James), lots of lovely coloured buildings, and cafes galore. The Czech Rep doesn’t use the Euro and all prices are in crowns.
There’s a Mies van der Rohe house slightly out of the centre – it’s called Villa Tugendhat and there are many other lovely houses on the same street. Of course, there’s a castle, Spilberk Castle, and also a crocodile hanging in the ceiling of the Old Town Hall. A very strange knight on an absolutely massive horse awaits outside the Tomasz Church.