The Czech Republic is not just about its most famous monuments and tourist icons. Once again this year, CzechTourism, in collaboration with regional partners, is presenting a selection of so-called undiscovered gems—places that lie off the beaten track yet offer a compelling story, an authentic atmosphere, and a surprisingly rich experience.
The project has long drawn attention to locations that remain in the shadow of better-known destinations while encouraging people to explore the regions. An overview of this year’s recommendations is available on the Kudy z nudy portal and on the Tourdata website.
“The aim is to showcase less-visited but highly attractive places and to support the even distribution of tourism. In addition, we highlight living traditions and folklore, which often appeal not only to foreign visitors but also to Czechs themselves,” says the agency’s director, František Reismüller.
Places off the beaten track
The selection for 2026 offers a colourful mosaic across regions—from architecture and technical monuments to natural sites. Even Prague reveals that it harbours lesser-known treasures. These include, for example, Bílek Villa, a unique Symbolist house designed by the sculptor František Bílek, or the Old Wastewater Treatment Plant in Bubeneč, which offers an insight into the city’s technical history. Another point of interest is the Folimanka Bunker, which evokes the atmosphere of the Cold War.
The regions feature both historical monuments and more unexpected sites. South Bohemia is represented by the Edvard Beneš Memorial or the Slavonice Underground, while Central Bohemia includes, for example, the Monastery of St Francis of Assisi or the Huť Barbora industrial complex in Jince.
Western Bohemia evokes the romance of smaller towns and natural attractions—Rabštejn nad Střelou and Komorní hůrka, the youngest volcano in the Czech Republic, are worth mentioning. The Liberec Region, meanwhile, attracts visitors with attractions such as Hrubý Rohozec Castle.
Moravia and Silesia: tradition and nature
The Moravian and Silesian regions are also well represented. In the Vysočina Region, the historic Šlakhamr is a highlight, while South Moravia showcases its cultural diversity through sites such as the Synagoga maior.
Natural beauty is represented, among other things, by the Javoříčské Caves, which are among the richest karst systems in the country. In the Zlín Region, Rochus Park is well worth a visit, combining nature with folk architecture.
The selection is complemented by technical and cultural monuments in the Moravian-Silesian Region, such as the traditional wooden houses in Borek or the historic underground passages in Horní Město.
Authentic experiences without the crowds
The ‘Undiscovered Gems’ project has long demonstrated that the most memorable travel experiences often arise away from the main tourist trails. It is here that visitors can find peace, authenticity, and closer contact with local culture.
In addition to supporting the regions, the initiative also contributes to more sustainable tourism development—it helps to spread visitor numbers, reduce pressure on the busiest sites, and, at the same time, opens up new opportunities for smaller destinations. The result is a more varied and balanced picture of the Czech Republic as a country that has much to offer far beyond the boundaries of its most famous landmarks.
Source: CzechTourism
