Road trip to Bohemia - Czech glassworks and Zoo - Ideas for exciting adventures

A Bohemian Adventure: Crystal Creations and Wild Encounters in the Czech Republic

Our road trip through Bohemia in the Czech Republic promised a wonderful mix of artistry and wildlife, and it certainly didn’t disappoint! Before checking into the Camping Dolce Vita after our journey from Poland, our first port of call was the charming mountain village of Harrachov.

Visiting Harrachov’s Historic Glassworks

Tucked away in this small ski resort is the magnificent Novosad & Son glass factory (Harrachov 95, 512 46 Harrachov). Czech glassworks are known for their centuries-old traditions. Stepping inside this particular one is like stepping back in time. This is the second oldest glassworks in the country, founded in 1712. Astonishingly, it has been in continuous operation ever since, and now opens its doors to visitors for truly captivating guided tours.

The experience is simply mesmerising. You feel the intense heat from the ancient glass furnaces and watch, utterly transfixed, as master craftsmen transform molten glass into exquisite pieces through skilled blowing and cutting. Seeing the precision of crystal polishing and the delicate art of hand-painting up close gives you a deep appreciation for this world-renowned craft. It’s a truly unforgettable and educational spectacle.

One thing that surprised me, though, was the very small number of people working at the glassworks. I had expected there would be more. During our visit, we only saw a couple of glassmasters at work.

After the tour, be sure to visit the Pivovar Novosad restaurant right next door. It’s the perfect place to reflect on what you’ve seen over a hearty lunch or dinner, accompanied by a well-deserved tasting of their local, freshly brewed beer. The menu offers a delicious mix of traditional Czech fare and international classics. All in all, we spent a fantastic four hours in Harrachov before heading to our campsite, utterly captivated by the beauty of the surrounding woodlands and mountain landscapes that framed our journey.

A Day on the Wild Side: Zoo Dvur Kralove

After a day steeped in centuries-old craft, we were ready for a complete change of pace, which we found at the incredible Zoo Dvur Kralove (Štefánikova 1029, 544 01 Dvůr Králové nad Labem). This isn’t just any zoo – it’s sprawling and impressively designed 6.5-hectare park packed with exotic animals like rhinos, antelopes, zebras and thrilling attractions. The variety of birds here is simply astonishing! We explored a genuine safari, marvelled at the aquarium, wandered through a tropical swamp, and even encountered a ‘Dinosaur World’!

The territory is so well-planned, making it a joy to observe the animals and birds in spacious, naturalistic enclosures. The best part? It’s wonderfully dog-friendly! We were thrilled to be able to explore with our four-legged companion (tickets: Adult ~£3.50, Child ~£1.40, Dog ~£1.75).

If you find yourself in the Hradec Kralove region, I cannot recommend this zoo enough. Plan to spend at least four hours here; it’s an engaging and entertaining day out that will delight both children and adults.

Beyond Our Trip: The Treasures of the Czech Republic

While this covers our brilliant three-day excursion, the Czech Republic is brimming with countless other treasures. From the iconic spires of Prague to the haunting beauty of Kutná Hora, and the countless majestic castles and monasteries, there’s always more to discover.

In fact, for such a compact country, it boasts an impressive twelve UNESCO World Heritage Sites! This includes the Historic Centre of Prague, the Gardens and Castle at Kroměříž, and many more. Wherever your travels take you, you’re never far from something extraordinary. For more inspiration, I highly recommend checking out the official Czech Tourism website for comprehensive and helpful travel information.

Ready to plan your own Bohemian road trip? Pin this post for later and share your favorite Czech destination in the comments. Happy exploring!