Cesky Krumlov in the South Bohemian region of the Czech Republic is a charming place.
Last month, my family and I went on an Eastern European trip and visited several countries, namely the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria and Germany.
Although our flight from Malaysia landed in Munich, Germany, our tour actually started in the city of Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic. Cesky Krumlov is also the name of its castle, which was built in 1240 by the Witigonen family, a powerful clan in Czech Republic. This amazing historical castle was inscribed into the Unesco World Heritage Site list in 1992.
The city, located in the South Bohemian region, is very picturesque. It is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and stunning natural surroundings. It’s a good destination for folks interested in the medieval times, as well as those who love art and history.
We also spent some time at the charming Old Town, a historical centre. The maze of narrow, winding streets were lined with colourful shops offering traditional Czech crafts and souvenirs.
In Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, we marvelled at the splendour of Saint Vitus Cathedral and took a leisurely walk along the iconic Charles Bridge.
Two of the most iconic spots that really stood out for us during the tour were located in Poland: the Wieliczka Salt Mine in the south, and the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial & Museum.
The writer (left) in front of the Prague Castle, one of the oldest castles in the world.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the world’s oldest salt mines. It started operating in the 13th century and only stopped producing commercially in 1996. Today, the place is a museum and a Unesco World Heritage Site, and is known for its historical significance and glorious underground chambers. We were stunned by the intricate salt-carved sculptures, and the breathtaking underground chapel, which had some of the prettiest salt chandeliers we had ever seen.
Meanwhile, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial & Museum is a former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp. Over 1.1 million men, women and children lost their lives at the camp. The museum is actually divided into two sections: Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, which are situated 3.5km from each other.
A view of Budapest at night from the river Danube.
After Poland, we went to Bratislava in Slovakia but did not manage to explore the place much. This old town was teeming with history, beautiful architecture, and lots of nature.
We also went on a cruise on the river Danube during the tour, and we boarded in Budapest, Hungary. The Danube is the second longest river in Europe, flowing through 10 countries, making it one of the continent’s major waterways. It originates in the Black Forest of Germany and flows southeast for 2,850km before emptying into the Black Sea.
Another picturesque city is Vienna, the capital of Austria, that is renowned for classical music, stunning architecture, and history. Vienna is where lots of the famous classical music composers called home, including Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss.
We also went to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart. Its well-preserved baroque architecture, which you can see in the Hohensalzburg Fortress and Salzburg Cathedral, attracts tourists from all over the world.
According to our tour guide, Mozart was an influential and prolific composer of the classical era, born on Jan 27, 1756, in Salzburg, Austria. He was a child musical prodigy, displaying exceptional musical talent from an early age. He composed his first symphony at the age of eight.
Mozart’s compositions span various genres, including symphonies, operas, chamber music, and concertos. Some of his most renowned works are The Marriage Of Figaro, Don Giovanni, and The Magic Flute. His compositions are characterised by their elegance, emotional depth, and technical mastery.
Hallstatt is a picturesque village in Austria, known for its stunning natural beauty.
Hallstatt in the Salzkammergut region of Austria) is a small village with about 700 residents. The crystal-clear water of its lake, which is surrounded by the Dachstein mountains, creates a beautiful background for pictures. In fact, it is one of the best places to snap pictures.
Hallstatt, known for its salt production, is also a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Our last destination was Munich, Germany. Of course, the country is famous for its production of cars, especially BMW and Mercedes. Germany’s agriculture also brings substantial wealth to the country.
As for food, Eastern European cuisine tends to be on the salty side, while the portion sizes are usually large. The desserts are the best things about the food in the region!
Our trip to Eastern Europe was very rewarding. Despite the tight schedule and having to walk more than 15km every day, each place brought different experiences and pleasures.
The views expressed are entirely the reader’s own.
