“Eastern Europe in times of war is not a travel destination”…that’s what my friends and family said when I revealed to them that it wasn’t the sunny south of the Europe or the dignified north of the continent, that attracted me to travel, but the wild east, which i was eager to discover.
Why, some of you might ask? Quite simply, I want to see the places where the continent’s recent history leaves its deepest scars. From the remains of the Berlin Wall in East Berlin to the Russian border stretches a territorial strip of magnificent historic cities, untamed wilderness, majestic landscapes, significant locations of war history, and a multifaceted cultural heritage of diverse European peoples, who have shaped and influenced the continent for millennia.
I would like to take you on my journey across Eastern Europe and share all the impressions I gained along the way.
My very first destination in Europe ever: Praque – I felt in love with you.
I began my adventure on August 5, 2024, with a weekend in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, which many describe as “the Golden City and a place which completely blew me away! And neither beer nor absinthe had a hand in it!
Prague survived both World Wars almost unscathed. All the buildings, all the cobblestone streets, even the streetlights, are still standing today in Prague just as they were centuries ago. In other European cities, there are at most a few districts where the architecture and cityscape of the past centuries have been preserved, and usually it’s just a few buildings – but not in Prague. The whole town is one big open-air museum. Yet the city is full of significant historical moments (just think of the Defenestration of Prague or the Prague Spring) and is surrounded by a very unique mystical atmosphere: Prague thrives on its centuries-old stories and myths. A European gem you need to see!
That’s why I can only rave about Prague’s Old Town – a must-see for everyone! The fact that it was once the center of commerce is evident from the many magnificent buildings surrounding the square. You’ll look in vain for half-timbered houses here, though, because the historic center of Prague owes its architecture to centuries of Austrian influence. The center is the Old Town Square – a large square where you’ll find several churches (Týn Church and St. Nicholas Church are very nice!) and the historic Prague City Hall with it’s Astronomical Clock. From up there, you have a fantastic panoramic view of the entire city, and the entrance fee of around €12 for the tower, the astronomical clock, and the City Hall rooms is absolutely reasonable. After heading into the tourist hustle and bustle in front of the Astronomical Clock at the Town Hall, the many cafés and restaurants invite me to take a short break before heading into the tourist hustle and bustle in front of the Astronomical Clock at the Town Hall.
Attention: Here, you should keep an eye on your belongings, as it can get quite crowded. The Old Town Square is also worth a visit in the evening.
The next place I visited was Prague Castle: It is definitely one of the top attractions in the Czech capital. It is located on Hradčany (German: Hradschin), which means nothing other than “castle town” or “place near the castle.” The Prague Castle sits 270 meters above sea level and thus towers over the city.
How to get to Prague Castle easily: If you want to visit Prague Castle, you can’t avoid a short hike up Hradčany. Especially in summer, when it’s really hot in Prague, this can be quite strenuous. But there’s a way to avoid the climb and still get a very special view of Prague Castle. Take the tram! The stop for getting off is in a garden directly behind Prague Castle. This gives you a view of the top sight that you wouldn’t normally have. For the return trip, I recommend the normal “descent,” which is much easier than the reverse. This also gives you a completely different view of the surrounding area and Prague.
I ended my first day in Prague with dinner at a small restaurant serving local cuisine. I got a mixed plate of potato pancakes, grilled sausage, pulled pork, pickled vegetables, and Kozel (Chech beer). And I really enjoyed it! When you think of Czech food, you primarily think of hearty dishes with roasts, dumplings, and pastries. But there are so much more delicious stuff to taste.
Tipp: You can try one of the offered Prague Foodie Tours, a walking tour through the Old and New Towns, you’ll also get an insight into contemporary cuisine. This made me want to make more culinary discoveries.
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