Before leaving Karlovy Vary and its many springs to explore Bohemia on the way to Cesky Krumlov, make sure you manage at least one visit to the bar of the Grandhotel Pupp. The bar looks more like a state room in a castle, quite opulent to say the least. Get yourself a drink and simply soak up the atmosphere.
bar area @Grandhotel Pupp
night cap @Grandhotel Pupp
We left Karlovy Vary and headed towards Český Krumlov, our next destination. We had planned a road trip with several stops along the way, the first being Teplá Monastery, founded in the 12th century. I am not sure how much of that original monastery is still left, as we did not get a tour. We arrived when one was already in progress, so instead we wandered around the huge inner courtyard and had a look at the Premonstratensian Abbey.
the abbey as seen from the entrance @Teplá
inside @Teplá abbey
different auxiliary buildings from different periods @Teplá monastery
After that came Pilsen, unfortunately only a short stop for us. The town is famous for its brewery, so you might want to make time for a visit. We only had enough time to walk around the main square and explore a couple of the side streets. The square itself is quite spectacular, with two enormous golden fountains that looked like nothing I had ever seen before.
golden fountain number one @Pilsen
golden fountain number two @Pilsen
The area around the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew was under construction, so the outside did not exactly do it justice. I did, however, have time for a quick peek inside.
inside @Cathedral of St. Bartholomew
The most interesting feature for me was the cross hanging right up near the ceiling. I don’t think I have ever seen anything quite like it.
cross detail @Cathedral of St. Bartholomew
The City Hall of Pilsen is another impressive building. Its structure dates back to the 15th century, although it was severely damaged in 1507. The Renaissance facade and the subsequent reconstruction were designed by an Italian architect in the 16th century.
City Hall @Pilsen
Other buildings around the main square also made quite an impression on me. Pilsen must certainly have been a very wealthy town at one point.
main square @Pilsen
another beautiful building @Pilsen
We also stopped at Zvíkov Castle, but this Gothic gem deserves a post of its own.
Last but not least, shortly before arriving in Český Krumlov, we passed Temelín, a nuclear power plant. As an Austrian, I find those fascinating. Not that I want one in my own country, but seeing one still gives me a strange and slightly guilty pleasure. Because surely Austria also gets some of its electricity from here when we need it.
Temelín @Czechia
We passed right beside it and, while I had no desire to get out of the car, I couldn’t stop taking pictures.
a close up of Temelín @Czechia
The road from Karlovy Vary to Český Krumlov is full of wonders and great places to stop along the way. There is, of course, much more to see than what we managed to fit in, so it is worth looking a little more closely at what else lies along the route.
For us, taking our time and exploring a little of the Bohemian countryside was definitely worth it. Yours, Pollybert
