Prague (Praha) Daytrips From Prague

Bus from Prague’s Florenc station to the Terezín LT stop. The tourist office is at nám. CSA 179. ☎416 782 616; www.terezin.cz. Open M-Th 8am-5pm, F 8am-1:30pm, Su 9am-3pm.

In 1941, when the Nazis opened a concentration camp at Terezín, their propaganda films touted the area as a resort. In reality, over 30,000 Jews died there, while another 85,000 were transported to camps farther east. The Ghetto Museum, left of the bus stop, places Terezín in the wider context of WWII. Across the river, the Small Fortress was used as a Gestapo prison. (1hr., 70-80Kč. Museum and barracks open daily Apr.-Oct. 9am-6pm; Nov.-Mar. 9am-5:30pm. Fortress open daily Apr.-Oct. 8am-6pm; Nov.-Mar. 8am-4:30pm. Tour included in admission price for groups larger than 10; reserve ahead. Museum, barracks, and fortress 200Kč, students 150Kč.) Outside the walls lie the cemetery and crematorium. Men should cover their heads before entering. (Open M-F and Su Apr.-Oct. 10am-6pm; Nov.-Mar. 10am-4pm. Free.)

Český Ráj National Preserve

Buses run from Prague’s Florenc station to Jičín. From there, buses go to Prachovské skály and other spots in Český Ráj. Buses can be unpredictable; you can walk along a 6km trail from Motel Rumcajs, Konwva 331, to the Preserve.

The sandstone pillars and gorges of Prachovské skály (Prachovské rocks) offer hikes with stunning views. Highlights include the Pelíšek rock pond and the ruins of the 14th-century Pařez castle. A network of trails cross the 588 acres of the park; green, blue, and yellow signs guide hikers to sights, while triangles indicate scenic vistas. Red signs mark the “Golden Trail,” which connects Prachovské skály to Hrubá Skála (Rough Rock), a rock town surrounding a castle. From the castle, the trail leads up to the remains of Valdštejnský Hrad (Wallenstein Castle). Only the blue trail is suitable for biking.