Since 2000, the Czech Republic has been divided into thirteen regions, and its capital city, Prague, is designated as a separate fourteenth region. These regions in the Czech Republic are often referred to as provinces.
Names of Czech Regions with Cities
Central Regions of the Czech Republic
1. Prague. The capital of the Czech Republic is situated in the very center of the country. This city does not belong to any of the provinces; it is considered a separate region.
2. Old Bohemian Region. This area surrounds the capital from all sides. The landscape here is mostly hilly, with the Brdy Mountains located in the southwestern part of the region. The Staročes region is known for its thriving food production and is also home to the Czech Republic's automobile factories, including Skoda in Mladá Boleslav and Toyota-Peugeot-Citroen in Kolín.
Northern Regions of the Czech Republic
1. Karlovy Vary Region. This region is the westernmost part of the Czech Republic, bordering Germany. It's known for the famous Karlovy Vary, as well as resorts like Mariánské Lázně and Františkové Lázně. The Karlovy Vary Region boasts the Slavkovský les Nature Reserve with mud volcanoes and mineral springs, and it's a popular destination for skiers, especially in resorts like Klinovec and Boží Dar. Additionally, towns like Cheb, Loket, Jáchymov, and Ostrov are renowned for their ancient architecture.
2. Ústecký Kraj. This region borders Germany and is celebrated for its natural beauty. Surrounded by mountains, including the Lusatian and Ore Mountains, it's home to numerous ski resorts like Bořňák. The Ústecký Region features several nature reserves, such as Czech Switzerland and the landscape reserve Labské pískovce. Interesting towns for excursions include Dečín, Most, Louny, Teplice, Chomutov, and Litoměřice.
3. Liberec Region. Known for its magnificent nature, this region encompasses much of the Lusatian Mountains, the Krkonoše Mountains, the Jizera Mountains, the Czech Paradise Reserve, Frindlansko, and more. Skiing is a popular activity here, and towns like Liberec, Česká Lipa, Jablonec nad Nisou, and Semily feature numerous architectural and artistic landmarks. Thermal resorts built around mineral springs and mud baths are also found in this region. The Liberec Region is located along the Czech Republic's borders with Germany and Poland.
4. Královéhradecký Region. This region boasts diverse landscapes, including plains and mountains like the Orlické and Krkonoše Mountains. It's known for skiing, thermal spas, and a large safari park in Dvůr Králové. Towns rich in attractions include Hradec Králové, Jičín, Náchod, and Trutnov. The region's border runs along the Czech Republic's border with Poland.
5. Pardubice Region. Another mountainous region, the Pardubice Region is bordered by the Železné and Žďárské Mountains and the Orlické Mountains. It's home to numerous ski resorts, with Kralice Sněžník being particularly famous and designated as a national nature reserve of the Czech Republic. Natural attractions include Toulovcovy Maštale, an area with sandstone cliffs and coniferous forests, and the Zemská Brána Nature Reserve. The Pardubice Region also features the thermal spa Bogdaneč. For excursions, consider visiting towns like Pardubice, Chrudim, Svitavy, Česká Třebová, Letohrad, and Ústí nad Orlicí. The region's territory extends along the Czech Republic's border with Poland.
6. Olomouc Region. Within this region, you'll find nature reserves like Jeseníky, Litovelské Pomoraví, Šerák-Kepník, and Velká Kotlina, as well as the country's deepest chasm, Hranická Propast, and other natural attractions. Tourists often explore towns such as Olomouc, Přerov, Prostějov, Šumperk, and Jeseník. The Olomouc Region shares a border with Poland.
7. Moravskoslezský Region. Known for its coal industry, this region has a distinctive character. Its mountainous terrain includes the Beskids and Jeseníky, attracting skiers and mountaineers. Ostrava, the capital of the region, serves as the cultural center and is home to numerous museums, art galleries, and theaters. Notable technical museums include an automotive industry museum in Kopřivnice and a mining industry museum in Ostrava-Petřkovice. The eastern section of the Polish and Slovak border with the Czech Republic runs along the Moravskoslezský Region.
Southern Regions of the Czech Republic
1. Pilsen Region. Among the natural attractions of the region are the nature reserves Slavkovský les, Český les, Křivoklátsko, Šumava, and the Bavarian Forest National Park. The historic centers of Domažlice, Plzeň, and Horšovský Týn are protected as historical monuments. In Pilsen, the famous Czech beer "Pilsner Urquell" is brewed, and the city is also home to the Škoda factory. The border with Germany runs along the region's territories.
2. South Bohemian Region. Covered by forests for about a third of its area and with approximately 7,000 ponds, the South Bohemian Region attracts outdoor enthusiasts and fishing enthusiasts. It's home to Šumava National Park, Třeboň Landscape Reserve, and Blanský les Landscape Reserve. In terms of attractions, the historical centers of České Budějovice, Český Krumlov, Tábor, and Písek are noteworthy. The region shares borders with Austria and Germany.
3. Vysočina. This picturesque region is the coldest in the Czech Republic and is predominantly occupied by the Czech-Moravian Highlands. It's home to the protected natural area of the Žďárské Hills and the Iron Mountains. The towns of Jihlava, Telč, Pelhřimov, Třebíč, Žďár nad Sázavou, and Havlíčkův Brod are interesting for excursions.
4. South Moravian Region. Known as the wine region of the Czech Republic, as 96% of the country's vineyards are located here. The region also features mountains, numerous ponds, and other natural beauties. Notable natural areas include the Palava Biosphere Reserve, Lednice-Valtice park complexes, Lower Moravia and White Carpathians Biosphere Reserves, Podivín National Park, and a plethora of stalactite caves. Historical sights can be found in cities like Brno, Blansko, Vyškov, Hodonín, Znojmo, and Břeclav. The region is famous for preserving national traditions and hosting a multitude of folklore festivals. Borders with Austria and Slovakia pass through this region.
5. Zlín Region. This region borders Slovakia and features the Bata Canal, popular among water travelers. It's home to the Beskid and White Carpathians nature reserves. The towns in the region are rich in historical monuments, including Zlín, Vsetín, Kroměříž, and Uherské Hradiště. Zlín hosts a regular film festival for children and young people, while Uherské Hradiště hosts an annual film school that attracts movie stars from around the world.