Nature |

In the years of 1990’s, the Czech Republic has been considered as one of the top destinations for filmmakers. Low production costs, professional staff and beautiful scenery, that sounds great even to foreign productions. Recently, there are big competitors in Europe as attractive filming locations. Namely Hungary or Greece provide distinct tax incentives, however, Bohemian Paradise is still a fairytale place, literally. Countless classic movie stories loved by children and adults, too, have been shot right among breathtaking sandstone rocks area, just 50 kilometers far from Prague. As well as numerous US films shot after 2000’s.

The first nature reserve in the Czech Republic magnetizes tourist, climbers, artists and all nature lovers by its splendid rock towns, chateaux and green hills. You could see the paradise in movie scenes of Van Helsing with Hugh Jackman, Hellboy with Selma Blair casting, Brothers Grimm with Matt Damon or Beautician and the Beast with Timothy Dalton starring. The frequently visited gothic Kost castle served as a backdrop while making of Hannibal Rising. Stunning Prachovské rocks can be found in The Last Knights where Clive Owen and Morgan Freeman act.

Just a step from the rock town area, you find yourself in the city of Mladá Boleslav, which is home to ŠKODA Auto Company, currently owned by Volkswagen Group. The local former prison gave place to Tom Cruise while shooting some scenes for Mission Impossible 4. What an event in Czechia, some of his die-hard fans were standing in front of a prison for over 11 hours, just to see him getting out of car!

Nowadays, the Bohemian Paradise Film Office supports the local tourism by promoting the region via movies. They help to filmmakers in all ways, from searching for attractive exteriors and chateaux interiors, arranging the accommodation or assisting while transporting, to providing services in marketing and public relations.

In additon to Hollywood movies, one of the most popular Czech cartoon characters lives in the Bohemian Paradise, too. It is nothing but a Highwayman Rumcajs and his family, created by significant Czech writer Václav Čtvrtek. The favorite cartoon series takes place in the forest situated in Jičín area – a part of the paradise. That is how this destination has contributed also in the Czech culture.

The gorgeousness of this story-book destination could be described also by adrenaline sport fans. High rocks serve as a favorite spot to climbers. These who are not equipped with climbing gear can enjoy adventurous walking tour on staircases built right in the rocks. Last but not least adventure sports buffs come every summer to support Kozakov Challenge longboard riders. The Kozakov hill, placed under the lookout tower is one of the destinations of World Championship in Longboarding. That is truly no chance to get bored in this well-preserved area, surrounded by forests.

Since we have been charmed by a place personally, we had to put together a guided tour around the Bohemian Paradise for foreign friends, who would like to see the pure Czech nature. Easy day trip with nice views to the landscape is a great way to discover the country from different point of view, compared to Capital Prague. With Tom Cruise or not, you will certainly turn your video camera on while seeing that picturesque scenery!

From 2001 to 2013, the population of Prague’s suburbs increased more doubled. The reason for that is quite obvious: who wouldn’t like to live with their family in nice natural environment while staying close to the city centre, where you have a well-paid job? However, this urban sprawl is not only about building family houses. It is necessary to take into account all the related services, such as water and electricity networks, infrastructure or waste management. Then you also need schools, healthcare facilities, shops and restaurants. Moreover, lower taxes in the suburbs compared to the city centre attract companies and businessmen. As a result, more and more industrial warehouses of all kinds, new factories and large shopping centres are being built on places, which used to be green…

According to the Prague Institute of Planning and Development, the city will not continue to expand in the following years. The goal is rather to renovate existing unused areas also called brownfields. A perfect example of this is the DOX Centre of Contemporary Art situated in the Prague district Holešovice. The abandoned factory was reconstructed into a multi-functional building, where contemporary art, architecture and design are exhibited. The Phaidon Atlas of 21st Century World Architecture ranked it among the best architectural projects in the world. Instead of destroying the original landscape by building another new complex, an old one was cleverly reconstructed. How cool is that?

If you live in the centre of Prague, you are happy to have at least a balcony with flowers or a park nearby to compensate for the lack of greenery around. But nothing is black-and-white and there are undoubtedly pros and cons when it comes to living in the Czech capital. All the amazing social events, fun activities and breath-taking architecture are in sharp contrast with the hectic lifestyle, busy traffic and grey urban environment.

The good news is that within spitting distance of the city centre, you will find the fairy-tale Průhonice Chateau surrounded by a picturesque park. The local fauna and flora invite all those who like to spend time outside for a nice walk along streams and meadows. All exotic and local plant species are dispersed over the area so that the walk is magical all year round. This Czech National Historical Landmark is also inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site List, which inspired us to put this beautiful place on our list of ThinkPrague guided tours. It is a quick and easy way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and go into the wild. In the second part of the tour, there will be time to visit the Prague Environmental Education Centre Toulcův Dvůr.

Just at the imaginary border of the city, you may explore a farm with cows, sheep, horses, goats and chickens. It also includes listed buildings, such as the old stable, where both children and adults can get into closer contact with the farm animals. It is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the surrounding countryside. You can also buy fresh herbs and other local products. No car noise, no rush, no crowds. Instead of impersonal industrial zones, only forests and meadows as if you weren’t even in Prague. So despite of being in a capital city with more than a million inhabitants, countryside and beautiful views are within your reach. Thumbs up for all similar projects preventing Prague from looking like a successfully completed SimCity!

Tag: nature

Perfect filmmaking destination in the Czech Republic? Bohemian Paradise!

Want to go Into the Wild right now? Just take the bus.