Czech Republic, 1994, 2015

Many travellers to the Czech Republic are primarily drawn to Prague, the historic, vibrant city on the Vltava, even though the country boasts many other regions worth seeing.

Prague has changed significantly since my first visit in 1994. Back then, I still had the impression that I could directly feel and experience the often dark and dreary atmosphere from Franz Kafka’s books. Since then, large parts of the city centre have been modernised and many of the houses renovated or restored. They shine in fresh colours far beyond the Old Town – the city has probably not been this attractive and inviting for decades.

Of course, there is still art, architecture, history, and culinary delights to experience – Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, the Lesser Town with Prague Castle, St Vitus Cathedral or Golden Lane, Vyšehrad and much more.

The dark chapters of German history can also be movingly experienced on a trip to Theresienstadt, to the former German concentration camp.