The entirety of the Czech Republic was such a lovely country. Everything from the people to the varied landscape. Unfortunately so many people are so Prague-centric, only visiting Prague in the entirety of the Czech Republic.  But there's quite a few other locations that's worth sparing a few days for. So without further ado, here are some other great locations to visit and understand the greater whole of the Czech Republic.

1. Olomuoc

The hidden gem of the Czech Republic. It seems that few tourists make their way here. Olomuoc is home to one of the largest town squares in the Czech Republic. It may be a small town but its old town is lovely and the nearby countryside has a nearby monastery, some breweries and beautiful landscape.

During the summer, Olomouc becomes a sleepy little town since all the students are gone. It's a perfect place to kick back and enjoy a Pilsner or the local Slivovitz. Or if you prefer a more upbeat atmosphere, visit during the other months to hang out with all the university students.

2. Cesky Krumlov

Want to see a fairytale medival town? You'll be inclined to don a suit of armor and ride in on a white horse since this town is that well preserved. A castle overlooks the antique city that's wrapped around by a river and lush green trees make a wonderful backdrop. Just look at that.

Oddly, it seems western tourists haven't caught on to the majesty of Cesky Krumlov. The tourists that absolutely flood the town are mostly Chinese. Many of these Chinese have come here looking for history and romantic cities to the point where I even saw a Chinese destination wedding out here. Part of the influx may be due to a popular romantic comedy being filmed in the town.

Well we westerner's shouldn't miss out on all the fun! Apart from just walking and sightseeing are restaurants serving traditional medieval food, fun souvenir stores, hikes and most of all, rafting on the river. That beautiful river that wraps around the town? Rafting or canoeing on that river is a big thing here. Many Czechs or Austrians make small vacations to Cesky Krumlov just for the rafting.

Its truly an unmissable experience if you're a bit outdoorsy and its a nice day. You get to paddle casually and enjoy some nature as the current does most of the work. As you approach the town, you get unique views of the city and a cool atmosphere as pedestrians across the bridges will often wave or even cheer you on. Its a beautiful view but you'll have to pardon my pictures for not showing the majesty of the river journey. The weather was less than nice for my trip.

How to Raft the River Vltava in Cesky Krumlov

Rafting rental companies will rent out to you rafts or canoes at a specific starting point. You can choose a location upstream or stay in the town. You then choose an endpoint that can be in the town or even further downstream. The rental company will drop you off at the starting point and pick you up wherever you end. No hassle.

All that service is included for a two person canoe will run you a total of 800 crowns or $36 for a three hour long journey. Go with a friend and that's only $18 each. You can always go on shorter trips to save money or if you're big into rafting, there are excursions can last a whole day.

If that's not already convincing enough, the Czech added their bit of drinking culture to the rafting. As you paddle down the river, bars and restaurants are spaced down the waterfront. You can stop by these bars or restaurants as you place, getting a nice meal or a drink, making the trip that much more leisurely. Or you can do what I saw many of the Czech do. Get sloshed at each and every bar before continuing on. Even in the pouring rain.

        Barely noon and there were a lot of shots going around                                                                          One of many river bars

As a Pacific Northwesterner that was born in the dreary, overcast rain, I couldn't help but feel a certain kinship to the Czech. I will advocate rafting in the rain during Czech summers, and that's just not because I've been accustomed to being rained on my whole life. One good rain a day sends all the tourists away. The only other rafters hardy enough to brave the rain are the locals and the temperature is still warm despite the rain so its hardly an issue.

One last thing that I found undeniably cool, is that the Vltava river also contains numerous weirs. These man made barriers change the height of the river and would normally make it hard to go down the river. Fortunately rafting was kept in mind and small chutes positioned on either the left or the right side of the weir. Just look at the sign and make sure you're on the correct side of the weir.

It makes for a fun ride down

I've heard stories of a couple of people not pay attention and it ends up with a flipped boat topped off with some scratches and bruises. Once you see the water quality of the Vltava River, you know you'll want to be on top of the water rather than in it. This isn't really a problem as the directions are clear and the river flows slowly so you'll have plenty of time to prepare. The only way to go down the wrong side is to be completely oblivious or drink so many beers that you believe you can conquer the weir.

Good luck if you do try

3. Stay at a Castle in the Bohemian Switzerland

If your little childhood self didn't get overjoyed about visiting a picturesque medieval city, then staying at a castle or chateau will make your inner child scream in delight. If that doesn't do it, I apologize for your childhood.

Well the Czech Republic like many other European countries have old castles littering the countryside. Some here are in ruins and make a great visit, while others have been renovated and turned into hotels. You can stay here for a couple days, using it as a base of operations as many castles are ideally located in the Bohemian Switzerland.

There are countless biking and hiking paths link many castles together with the occasional restaurant nestled between the forests. Of course in European fashion, there are restaurants and bars located at mid points in the trails so you can have a well deserved beer. Most castles are located on higher ground, so they have outstanding views or are close to hikes with great view points. The unfortunate downside is that some of these hotels can be expensive and few buses run to some of these locations so a car would be helpful.

Oh when I saw that last picture, I realized how much traveling can mess with your diet.

Until next time.