Beautiful Architecture & Stunning Landscapes

The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, is an intriguing Central European country bordered by Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria. It has a long and turbulent history, beginning with nearly 400 years of rule by the Austrian Habsburgs. After WWI, the Republic was established, though it was later overthrown by communism. In 1989, the Velvet Revolution brought democracy back to the Czech Republic. 

A few interesting facts:

This landlocked nation is home to remarkable architecture and landscapes, with Vienna being closer than Prague in the southeast of the country. The Czech Republic also has an advanced social market economy, with free tuition university education and universal healthcare for its citizens. The Habsburgs also left behind a sweet tooth, with many delicious desserts still popular today.

From The Lonely Planet travel site, we learn that:

“Since the fall of communism in 1989, the Czech Republic – and its capital in particular – has evolved into one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations.”

And rightfully so. As professional architectural and landscape photographers, we have been fortunate to explore and capture the beauty of the country through our photo tours. We offer a photo tour in the spring of 2024 which is designed to visit the rolling wheat fields in Moravia in April when they are vibrant with spring green and golden canola blooms. The landscape is similar to the Palouse in Washington State, but with a steeper terrain which provides great photographic opportunities. Additionally, three nights in Prague, a city with an unharmed medieval inner city, two days in the fairytale town of Cesky Kumlov, and other scenic spots create a thrilling adventure. We hope these photos will encourage you to experience the Czech Republic for yourself.

We hope that these images will inspire your own travels and photography. And if you want to travel in the compony of like-minded photo enthusiasts, have transportation and accommodations all arranged for you and learn a few new photographic skills from 2 award-winning professionals, we’d love to have you join us in 2024. Enrollment is open now. 

Feel free to contact us if you have questions about experiencing the wonders of the Czech Republic on our 8-day Photo Tour in this beautiful part of Europe.

Beautiful Medieval Prague

Prague, also known as The City of a 100 Spires, is a magical city with its medieval buildings, cobblestone streets, and grand historic architecture. The Old Town Square boasts an original astronomical clock on the Old Town Hall Tower. The River Voltava flows through Prague, and the Charles Bridge is one of 18 bridges spanning the river. Prague also has the largest castle complex in Europe, complete with a magnificent cathedral and many other grandiose structures. There are also many well-preserved Art Deco and Art Nouveau buildings, such as The House of the Black Madonna. If you visit this building in the Old Town, don’t forget to grab a snack at the period Café on the first floor. Join us in 2024 and witness the wonders of the Czech Republic!

The Old Town Square in Prague, Czech Republic, viewed from the Old Town Hall Tower

Prague, the City of a 100 Spires with a view from the medieval Powder Tower

View of the largest castle district in Europe with the gorgeous St. Vitus Cathedral where coronations of Czech kings and queens took place

The famous astrological clock that’s embedded in the wall of the Old Town City Hall

The cubist staircase inside the House of the Black Madonna in Prague’s Old Town

A sweet back alley in Prague’s castle district

Charming Kutna Hora

Kutna Hora went through a remarkable transformation over the last decade, uncovering its historic architecture and adding a fresh coat of paint. Just a thirty-minute drive from Prague, the city is worth a visit, especially for the amazing Santa Barbara church, with its white and cream-colored interior and stunning sculptural staircase. We loved capturing photos of the staircase, lying on the marble floor and pointing the lens upwards when no one was around.

One of the many wonders of the Czech Republic: The stunning staircase inside St. Barbara’s Church in Kutna Hora

St. Barbara’s spiral

The Rolling Hills of Moravia

In Moravia, rolling hills covered with bright green wheat and golden canola fields in full bloom can be found, much like Washington State’s Palouse area. We heard about a great photo spot called the “Ribbons” which we found by following a local’s directions: “Take a right at the junk yard and a left at the dung heap.” Sure enough!

The “Ribbons” to the right of the junk yard and the left of the dung heap in Moravia

More ribbons

The famous Chestnut Grove in the south-east of Moravia in the Czech Republic

Moving closer in – a telephoto lens works beautifully in the Moravian landscape

This little chapel is about the size of a phone booth – remember those?

In the spring, canola is in full bloom in Moravia and infuses the air with a sweet scent.

The beauty of a simple moment

The graphic nature of Moravia

Leading lines in spring wheat

Study in yellow, green, and blue

Telc – A stunning UNESCO World Heritage Town

The small town of Telc is one of the absolute wonders of the Czech Republic and not to be missed. The main square of this town is truly a sight to behold. It’s almost like you’re stepping into a scene from a classic Mozart opera. The Renaissance buildings that encircle the square have been lovingly restored, and now they glow in a myriad of pastel colors. As we lead our photo tour participants into the square, we pause and watch as they take in the beauty of this picturesque town. Every single one of them stops dead in their tracks, unable to process the sheer beauty of the sight in front of them. The sun is setting and the colors of the buildings seem to be even more vibrant, creating a dazzling display of color. It’s a sight that none of us will ever forget, and it’s why Telc is such a beloved UNESCO World Heritage Town.

Colorful Renaissance buildings around the main square in Telc

Romantic Cesky Kumlov

The Voltava River, which passes through Prague, creates an unusual horseshoe shape around the old town. Boasting the second-biggest castle district after the capital, this picturesque village is a haven for creatives and artists. A walk through the winding alleys reveals many attractive architectural features.

Blue Hour in one of the most romantic towns in Europe

The river Voltava circles around the medieval center of Cesky Krumlov.

The second-largest castle district of Europe in Cesky Kumlov

Peach sorbet-colored facade in a back alley

For more on the Czech Republic, click on the links below:

https://slowtraveltours.com/blog/photographing-the-elegant-spiral-staircases-of-the-czech-republic/

https://slowtraveltours.com/blog/a-photographic-journey-through-the-czech-republic/

And if you’re interested in joining us on our Czech Republic Photo Tour in April 2024, please click here »

Jim and Magrit have been photographing professionally and traveling in Europe for the past 20 years. They started Photography Travel Tours in 2011 with the goal of educating and guiding photographers to some of the most beautiful and iconic scenes in Europe. The tours are not just about getting great photographs but also have the side benefits of doing so in wonderful environments. Great food, wine, people, and ambiance. Read more about Jim & Magrit and their wonderful photo tours here: (http://photographytraveltours.com/about/). Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.