CzechTourism’s marketing theme for 2022 focuses on all of the elements that make the country a unique destination for travellers. From crafts that have been done by generation after generation, to recipes closely guarded by families, to traditional festivals that are part of our national heritage. Modern trends and innovations have emerged from these deep cultural roots without forgetting their traditional heritage. Tradition and know-how has been transformed into new and original facets of design, fashion and gastronomy.
Discover Czech Traditions
These days people want to find something to hold on to in a world that’s in constant change. There is a notion that tradition means authenticity, which also translates to a sense of quality. And it’s just nice to stop all the running around for a while and just enjoy something that’s been around for centuries with little change.
Traditions are often an overlooked element of a country's culture. But there’s one tradition that is famous all over the world. “ The absolutely best #soczech tradition? That’s beer brewing. And I am not talking about the quantity the average Czech consumes annually, but about the historically proven quality and also the most recent phenomena – diversity. The Czechs’ love for beer evolved into a new kind of tradition – microbreweries in every town, village or just a single restaurant preparing a wide variety of different types of beers. That’s definitely something worth trying.” Says František Reismüller, director of marketing and foreign offices of CzechTourism. František has been working in the tourism industry since 2007. In 2013 he founded CzechTourism’s office in Shanghai and continued his journey in the European Travel Commission.
Traditions are often an overlooked element of a country's culture. But there’s one tradition that is famous all over the world. “ The absolutely best #soczech tradition? That’s beer brewing. And I am not talking about the quantity the average Czech consumes annually, but about the historically proven quality and also the most recent phenomena – diversity. The Czechs’ love for beer evolved into a new kind of tradition – microbreweries in every town, village or just a single restaurant preparing a wide variety of different types of beers. That’s definitely something worth trying.” Says František Reismüller, director of marketing and foreign offices of CzechTourism. František has been working in the tourism industry since 2007. In 2013 he founded CzechTourism’s office in Shanghai and continued his journey in the European Travel Commission.
František has the best insight on what tourists from different source markets are looking for and what their “go to” is when we use the term Czech Traditions. “ Except for the beer brewing that resonates strongly, I’d say it’s the Czech crystal and glass making tradition. You can either explore the modern glass art when buying Czech design glass products, but if you want to dig a little deeper, go to Carlsbad in the West or the Crystal Valley in the North part of the Czech Republic and experience yourself how incredibly hot (in every meaning of the word) the making of Czech glass really is. Speaking of West Bohemia, there are few other “must see” spots. West Bohemia is home to my favourite mountain region in the West – actually that’s where I am originally from. You can find there the famous UNESCO Spa Triangle, but also a very interesting mountain area perfect for light hiking or biking in the summer and skiing in the winter. There is another quite unique UNESCO heritage treasure over there - the mining and cultural landscape that can be found in the Krušné Mountains. That closes the traditional circle from a different angle.”
Traditions are the one element that is preserved in time, however, not everything can stay the same and especially not the CzechTourism strategy in post-pandemic turbulent times. CzechTourism is currently focusing mainly on the neighbouring markets where the booking window is quite short, but then again the euroweekend tourists from European countries further away are returning, so CzechTourism will definitely be developing various marketing campaigns and targeting them as well. Another CzechTourism's effort is to bring European standards to sustainable tourism. ”We definitely support the idea that tourism should be sustainable and environmentally conscious. It requires infrastructure which should be the main focus for a country like Czech Republic. I mean, places like Switzerland are much further with their efforts. In the Czech Republic, we’re not really there yet and we have to proceed step by step. We have a beautiful countryside and a greatly developing product of countryside and agrotourism. That is definitely a good start for us.”, concluded František Reismüller.
Off the beaten path
You can follow the path of traditions across the whole Czech Republic. There are 14 regions in the Czech Republic and every one of them has its own charm. We’re presenting you with a few of them.
Starting in West Bohemia, the centre of centuries old spa tradition, where you can try one of many healing and relaxing procedures, including baths or tasting mineral springs. Furthermore, Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy Lázně now form UNESCO protected West Bohemian spa triangle. West Bohemia is also home of famous Czech Pilsner beer. You can visit the original Pilsner Urquell brewery in Pilsen itself. The beer brewing tradition is directly related with the foundation of the city in 1295.
The rough north of the country boasts a delicate traditional craft. Glass making started originally with cut beads and jewellery stones manufacturing. The jewellery from Jablonec nad Nisou is a unique piece of art known worldwide. Visitors can admire the extraordinary pieces of jewellery at one of the glass museums or glass making companies. Czech Crystal was born more than 400 year ago in the heart of Crystal Valley, a region that is dotted with glass factories and workshops, where traditions are preserved to this day and where visitors can admire this incredibly, literally burning hot craft. Unbelievable pieces of art are created here every day, as well as, utility glass that is exported worldwide.
Going south travellers won’t hit the sea, but will surely run into one of the hundreds of ponds in the Třeboňsko region, a part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. This large pond system goes back to the 15th century, when the tradition of carp breeding started. Carp is the main dish of every Czech Christmas dinner and should really be tasted. Třeboňsko boasts many cycling routes as well, where you can pedal your bike in a beautiful natural environment.
East Bohemia is home to the highest mountain range in the country. Krkonoše boasts a unique mosaic of ecosystems which have remained here as a reminder of an ancient glacial past. The oldest Czech national park invites visitors to follow one of hundreds of perfectly marked tourist trails that have been maintained since 1888 when they were established by the Czech Tourist Club. Hiking has a very strong tradition in the Czech Republic. This fact is demonstrated by the numerous mountain cottages that are scattered throughout the region, where you can grab refreshing beer or delicious cabbage soup. If you fancy something sweet instead, in Pardubice, the town smells like gingerbread. This sweet delicacy has been produced there since the 16th century. Pardubice is also well known for its famous Velka Pardubicka Steeplechase, which is considered the toughest horse race in continental Europe.
The Far East of the country is where Moravia and Silesia are. In these lands you can truly experience traditions with all your senses. South Moravia is the cradle of wine making in the Czech Republic. The region is scattered with beautiful vineyards and magical wine cellars that offer wine tasting at every corner. Unfortunately, most of the Czech wine production is consumed by Czechs themselves, so you don’t get to taste Czech wine abroad usually. In this region you will also hear the sounds of folk music. You will witness dancers who are dressed in opulent local costumes and eventually transform the dance into an acrobatic show.
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North of Moravia and Silesia combine living traditions and folk architecture at the footsteps of the Beskydy mountains. Here you can delight in honey gingerbread which has been baked for centuries in the shape of human ears commemorating an old legend when Tatars invaded the small town of Štramberk. On the other hand this land has been deeply influenced with its industrial past, where you can discover many of its industrial sights on Technotrail. One can admire the raw beauty of the region from the top of a former blast furnace in Ostrava or learn more about the hat making industry in Nový Jičín, where you can try as many as you want on.
Starting in West Bohemia, the centre of centuries old spa tradition, where you can try one of many healing and relaxing procedures, including baths or tasting mineral springs. Furthermore, Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy Lázně now form UNESCO protected West Bohemian spa triangle. West Bohemia is also home of famous Czech Pilsner beer. You can visit the original Pilsner Urquell brewery in Pilsen itself. The beer brewing tradition is directly related with the foundation of the city in 1295.
The rough north of the country boasts a delicate traditional craft. Glass making started originally with cut beads and jewellery stones manufacturing. The jewellery from Jablonec nad Nisou is a unique piece of art known worldwide. Visitors can admire the extraordinary pieces of jewellery at one of the glass museums or glass making companies. Czech Crystal was born more than 400 year ago in the heart of Crystal Valley, a region that is dotted with glass factories and workshops, where traditions are preserved to this day and where visitors can admire this incredibly, literally burning hot craft. Unbelievable pieces of art are created here every day, as well as, utility glass that is exported worldwide.
Going south travellers won’t hit the sea, but will surely run into one of the hundreds of ponds in the Třeboňsko region, a part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. This large pond system goes back to the 15th century, when the tradition of carp breeding started. Carp is the main dish of every Czech Christmas dinner and should really be tasted. Třeboňsko boasts many cycling routes as well, where you can pedal your bike in a beautiful natural environment.
East Bohemia is home to the highest mountain range in the country. Krkonoše boasts a unique mosaic of ecosystems which have remained here as a reminder of an ancient glacial past. The oldest Czech national park invites visitors to follow one of hundreds of perfectly marked tourist trails that have been maintained since 1888 when they were established by the Czech Tourist Club. Hiking has a very strong tradition in the Czech Republic. This fact is demonstrated by the numerous mountain cottages that are scattered throughout the region, where you can grab refreshing beer or delicious cabbage soup. If you fancy something sweet instead, in Pardubice, the town smells like gingerbread. This sweet delicacy has been produced there since the 16th century. Pardubice is also well known for its famous Velka Pardubicka Steeplechase, which is considered the toughest horse race in continental Europe.
The Far East of the country is where Moravia and Silesia are. In these lands you can truly experience traditions with all your senses. South Moravia is the cradle of wine making in the Czech Republic. The region is scattered with beautiful vineyards and magical wine cellars that offer wine tasting at every corner. Unfortunately, most of the Czech wine production is consumed by Czechs themselves, so you don’t get to taste Czech wine abroad usually. In this region you will also hear the sounds of folk music. You will witness dancers who are dressed in opulent local costumes and eventually transform the dance into an acrobatic show.
North of Moravia and Silesia combine living traditions and folk architecture at the footsteps of the Beskydy mountains. Here you can delight in honey gingerbread which has been baked for centuries in the shape of human ears commemorating an old legend when Tatars invaded the small town of Štramberk. On the other hand this land has been deeply influenced with its industrial past, where you can discover many of its industrial sights on Technotrail. One can admire the raw beauty of the region from the top of a former blast furnace in Ostrava or learn more about the hat making industry in Nový Jičín, where you can try as many as you want on.
Traditional festivals and events
There is a wide range of annual festivals and events that touch all traditional elements from beer and wine celebrations to classical music or folklore festivals. Let’s take a look at the most vibrant ones, that should be on everyone's bucket list.
Spa season openings
From 29th April till 1st May there will be magnificent celebrations of the spa season opening in Karlovy Vary, where you can witness a parade, led by the city's founder Emperor Charles IV on horseback and the blessing of the mineral springs.
From the 13th to the 15th of May the spa season opening celebration in Mariánské Lázně takes place along with the age-old custom of blessing the springs. Part of the celebration is also a festive concert, a mass and a craft fair.
From the 13th to the 15th of May the spa season opening celebration in Mariánské Lázně takes place along with the age-old custom of blessing the springs. Part of the celebration is also a festive concert, a mass and a craft fair.
Foklore festivals
Between 27th and 29th May Vlčnov in South Moravia comes alive with colours, folk costumes and regional specialities during the UNESCO protected Ride of the Kings, which has a tradition of more than 200 years. The culmination of the celebration is the procession of the king and his entourage on adorned horses, which passes through the entire village.
The summer months belong to international folklore festivals that are one of the biggest in Europe. Strážnice International Folklore Festival will welcome dancers from 23rd June till 26th June. Prague will welcome dance ensembles from 20 countries between 21th and 24th July at Prague Folklore Days, the biggest folk dance event in Central Europe, where performances take place under the open skies.
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The summer months belong to international folklore festivals that are one of the biggest in Europe. Strážnice International Folklore Festival will welcome dancers from 23rd June till 26th June. Prague will welcome dance ensembles from 20 countries between 21th and 24th July at Prague Folklore Days, the biggest folk dance event in Central Europe, where performances take place under the open skies.
Beer and wine celebrations
The Czech Republic is famous for its beer and rightfully so. The beer is the most traditional beverage for Czech people. The proof is that there are tens of big breweries and hundreds of micro breweries dotted around the country. Festival dedicated solely to micro breweries takes place every year in Pilsen. Sun in a glass festival will be held from 16th till 17th September this year.
The Czech Republic is not known for its wine, but that’s only because Czech people manage to consume most of Czech production and very little is exported. The best time to visit the Czech wine country in South Moravia is during its wine harvest festivals: Pálava Wine Harvest in Mikulov between 9th and 11th September, Znojmo Historic Wine Harvest between 9th and 11th September.
The Czech Republic is not known for its wine, but that’s only because Czech people manage to consume most of Czech production and very little is exported. The best time to visit the Czech wine country in South Moravia is during its wine harvest festivals: Pálava Wine Harvest in Mikulov between 9th and 11th September, Znojmo Historic Wine Harvest between 9th and 11th September.
Sport events
2022 marks 100 years since legendary runner Emil Zátopek was born. Running has a long tradition in the Czech Republic and visitors can enjoy many races around the country in various historical and natural settings.
On 2nd April runners can enjoy a race surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Prague at the Prague Half Marathon.
The 4th of June belongs to the Mattoni Half Marathon in České Budějovice, home to the “real” Budweiser Budvar beer. On 18th June Olomouc will take the baton from the 20 K race. This picturesque city in central Moravia with a UNESCO protected spectacular column in the main square will host the Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon.
Horse races fans will be excited by the toughest horse race in continental Europe, the Velká Pardubická Steeplechase, which is a truly amazing spectacle taking place on 9th October in Pardubice, only an hour train ride from Prague.
On 2nd April runners can enjoy a race surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Prague at the Prague Half Marathon.
The 4th of June belongs to the Mattoni Half Marathon in České Budějovice, home to the “real” Budweiser Budvar beer. On 18th June Olomouc will take the baton from the 20 K race. This picturesque city in central Moravia with a UNESCO protected spectacular column in the main square will host the Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon.
Horse races fans will be excited by the toughest horse race in continental Europe, the Velká Pardubická Steeplechase, which is a truly amazing spectacle taking place on 9th October in Pardubice, only an hour train ride from Prague.
