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Best Day Trips Outside Prague

Prague is a wonderful city, in fact, I think it’s quietly one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It’s also very easy to get around and small enough that you can see many of the major attractions with just 3 days in Prague. If you’re wondering if it’s worth sticking around in Prague for more than 3 days I wholeheartedly say YES! There are several easy train trips from Prague that make great day trips, so it’s worth keeping Prague as your home base.

Awesome day trips outside of Prague include the spa city of Karlovy Vary, Kutná Hora, home of the famous “bone church”, the fairytale city of Cesky Krumlov, historic Dresden, Germany, and the tremendously moving Terezin Memorial. All of these are a short distance from Prague and are well worth the trip. I’ll go into each of them in more detail below so you can decide if one or all of them are right for you. So, buckle up, and let’s get ready to explore the best day trips from Prague, Czech Republic.

Karlovy Vary

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of wandering around this weird wonderful world, it’s that sometimes the most magical places aren’t flashy mega-cities or postcard-famous landmarks. Sometimes, they’re quiet little spa towns tucked into the hills of Central Europe. Enter: Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic’s crown jewel of wellness and old-world charm.

First of All, Where Is Karlovy Vary?

Karlovy Vary (also known as Carlsbad, because Europeans love to give places multiple names like it's a secret spy code) is nestled in the Bohemian region of western Czech Republic, just under 2 hours from Prague by car or train. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve wandered into a Wes Anderson movie—pastel facades, grand colonnades, fancy hats, and a deeply serene energy that suggests your cortisol levels are about to drop whether you like it or not.

Spa Culture, but Make It 14th-Century

The town has been known for its thermal springs since the 1300s when King Charles IV allegedly discovered the first hot spring while out hunting. (Because nothing says “medieval wellness influencer” like stumbling onto a geyser mid-boar chase.)

Today, 13 main springs feed the town's therapeutic spa culture, with dozens more little ones bubbling beneath the surface. You can taste the warm mineral water from ornate public fountains—yes, you’re supposed to drink it—and although it kind of tastes like a rock had a fever, locals and visitors swear by its healing properties. And let’s face it, we here at Sick Girl Travels can use all the healing we can get.

Soak It All In (Literally)

Karlovy Vary isn’t just about sipping steamy spring water and pretending it doesn’t taste like liquid nickels. It’s also home to some of Europe’s most beautiful spa hotels, including the legendary Grandhotel Pupp (yes, that’s really its name and yes, it’s as fancy as it sounds). Whether you go full luxury or keep it budget-friendly, spa treatments here are next-level—we’re talking mud wraps, mineral baths, and massages that could probably solve your midlife crisis.

Movie Stars & Wafers

You might also know Karlovy Vary from the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, one of the oldest and most prestigious in Europe. Every July, the town fills with actors, directors, and very cool people wearing sunglasses indoors. It’s glam but still charmingly Czech—less Cannes, more quiet confidence.

And before you leave, you must try a lázeňská oplatka—those giant, thin spa wafers sold on street corners. They’re warm, lightly crispy, and come in flavors like hazelnut, vanilla, and cinnamon. Yes, they’re called “spa wafers,” because even snacks are relaxing here.

Why You’ll Fall in Love

Karlovy Vary is where time slows down. You stroll. You soak. You sip questionable water. You look at grand buildings that whisper stories from centuries past. Whether you're here for a wellness reboot, a scenic getaway, or just a place to wear a bathrobe in public without judgment, Karlovy Vary delivers.

And if you’re anything like me, you’ll leave feeling lighter, calmer, and possibly a little bit smug that you now know how to pronounce "Vřídlo" (the name of the town’s most famous geyser—it’s a whole throat workout).

Accessibility

Karlovy Vary is making strides in enhancing accessibility for wheelchair users, though some challenges remain due to its historic architecture and hilly terrain. Fortunately, you can take this wheelchair-accessible tour of Karlovy Vary from Prague.

The town features several wheelchair-friendly attractions, including spa hotels like Spa Hotel Iris, which offers accessible accommodations and wellness facilities. The annual Karlovy Vary International Film Festival supports inclusivity through its "No Barriers" project, providing services such as free tickets to barrier-free cinemas, assistance services, and transportation in specially modified vehicles. Additionally, platforms like Wheelmap.org can assist visitors in identifying accessible locations throughout the town. While the cobblestone streets and elevation changes may pose difficulties, with proper planning and available resources, wheelchair users can enjoy the cultural and therapeutic offerings of Karlovy Vary.

Click Here For A Guided Tour Of Karlovy Vary From Prague

Kutná Hora

Tucked away in the heart of the Czech Republic, just an hour’s train ride east of Prague, lies a town that feels like it was pulled straight out of a gothic fairytale—and possibly a Tim Burton fever dream. Welcome to Kutná Hora, a medieval mining town where cathedrals touch the sky, silver once ruled the world, and a church made of bones quietly dares you to say, “No thanks, I’m good.”

Visitors can make the treck on their own or take this wheelchair-accessible tour of Kutna Hora.

Once Richer Than Prague (No, Seriously)

Back in the 13th century, Kutná Hora was a boomtown thanks to its rich silver deposits. At its peak, this little town wasn’t just wealthy—it was a financial powerhouse of the Kingdom of Bohemia, minting coins in the famous Italian Court (Vlašský dvůr) that made Prague look like its scrappy side hustle. Today, you can still visit the Italian Court and tour the old mint, complete with medieval money-making tools and enough royal drama to make a Netflix series.

The Church That Made Me Gasp (Twice)

You can’t talk about Kutná Hora without mentioning its absolute showstopper: St. Barbara’s Cathedral. This soaring, lace-like Gothic cathedral is dedicated to the patron saint of miners and took over 500 years to complete. (That’s longer than the lifespan of most empires, marriages, and sourdough starters.) With its intricate flying buttresses and jaw-dropping frescoes, it’s a spiritual and architectural mic drop.

Okay, Let’s Talk About the Bone Church

Yes, it’s real. Yes, it’s full of human bones. And yes, it’s kind of beautiful in a deeply unsettling way.

Just outside the main town, you’ll find the Sedlec Ossuary, a small chapel decorated with the bones of an estimated 40,000 to 70,000 people. We’re talking chandeliers made of femurs, garlands of skulls, and a bone coat of arms that would make the Addams Family weep. It’s not morbid—it’s oddly reverent. The monks who arranged the bones did it as a reminder of the brevity of life and the certainty of death, and somehow, in all its macabre weirdness, it works.

Wandering Through Time

Beyond the big-ticket stops, Kutná Hora is made for slow wandering. The crooked cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and tiny cafes feel frozen in time. You’ll find quiet corners to sip coffee, charming souvenir shops, and a distinct sense that the town isn’t trying to impress you—it just is. And that’s exactly why it does impress.

Getting There and Getting Around

Kutná Hora is an easy day trip from Prague by train or bus, but if you can, spend the night. The crowds vanish by evening, and you’ll have the eerily atmospheric streets almost to yourself. It’s mostly walkable, though keep in mind there’s some hilly terrain and those ever-charming, ankle-hating cobblestones.

Why You’ll Remember Kutná Hora Forever

Kutná Hora doesn’t scream for your attention. It whispers—in Latin inscriptions, creaky chapels, and silent bone chandeliers. It’s a place of faded glory and quiet intensity, where the past isn’t just preserved—it lingers.

If you like your travel with a side of haunted elegance and a sprinkle of existential reflection, Kutná Hora is waiting.

Bring good shoes.

Accessibility

Kutná Hora has made commendable efforts to enhance wheelchair accessibility, though its medieval architecture and cobblestone streets present inherent challenges. To assist visitors with mobility needs, the town offers a dedicated Route Map for Wheelchair Users, outlining two circuits: a 2.77 km route through the city center and a 2.5 km path connecting the Sedlec district to the historical core. These routes highlight accessible pathways, ramps, and potential obstacles, allowing travelers to plan accordingly. Notably, major attractions such as St. Barbara's Cathedral, the Jesuit College housing the Gallery of the Central Bohemian Region (GASK), and the Sedlec Ossuary are wheelchair-friendly. However, some sites like the Czech Museum of Silver have limited accessibility due to their historic structures.

Click Here For A Private Tour Of Kutna Hora From Prague

Cesky Krumlov

Let’s get one thing straight: Český Krumlov isn’t a town—it’s a vibe. A full-blown, pastel-drenched, turret-topped, “is this a movie set?” vibe. Nestled in the curves of the Vltava River like it’s posing for a Renaissance painting, this South Bohemian treasure is about as close to a fairytale as you can get without being kidnapped by a talking wolf.

And yes, it’s worth rearranging your whole itinerary for a glimpse. Luckily, this is an easy trip to make with this wheelchair-accessible tour to Cesky Krumlov.

Come for the Castle, Stay for the Spell

You see it before you even step off the bus: Český Krumlov Castle, perched dramatically on a cliff, giving off “I have secrets and I’m not afraid to haunt you with them” energy. It’s the second-largest castle in the Czech Republic, but unlike big-name castles that feel more like stone museums, this one wraps around you—bridges, gardens, towers, courtyards. There’s even a Baroque theater that still uses the original 18th-century stage machinery. If you’re into velvet curtains, candlelight, and dramatic sighing, this is your moment.

The Town Itself Is Basically Therapy

Český Krumlov is the kind of place where you slow down without trying. You meander. You get lost on purpose. You walk past half-timbered houses and alchemy shops and you buy a trdelník even though you swore off sugar three cities ago. There are no skyscrapers here. No chain stores. Just buttery facades, creaky doors, and enough history to fill a Game of Thrones spinoff.

You will take more photos than you planned. Your camera roll will become a shrine to crooked doorways, flower boxes, and the way the late afternoon light hits that one salmon-colored wall (you’ll know it when you see it).

Where the Artists Hide (and Sometimes Paint in the Street)

I have a thing for towns that attract weirdos. Český Krumlov has been a magnet for creatives for centuries—painters, poets, puppeteers. You’ll feel it in the Egon Schiele Art Centrum, which celebrates the Austrian expressionist who got kicked out of town for scandalous behavior. There’s also the Museum Fotoatelier Seidel, which somehow makes early photography feel like magic.

And then there are the random little galleries and street musicians and women selling handmade earrings under archways. It’s like Etsy and history had a beautiful little baby and raised it on espresso and fairy dust.

Should You Stay Overnight? Uh, Absolutely

Listen, during the day, Český Krumlov is cute. But at night, after the day-trippers leave? It becomes unreal. The streets go quiet, the castle lights up, and suddenly it feels like the town is letting you in on a secret. You wander under lanterns. You hear music drifting from an open window. You feel like the main character in a European indie romance, and honestly? You are.

Find a cozy guesthouse. Drink local wine. Pretend time doesn’t exist.

Accessibility

Navigating Český Krumlov in a wheelchair presents certain challenges due to its medieval architecture, hilly terrain, and cobblestone streets. However, the town has made significant strides in improving accessibility for visitors with mobility needs. Key attractions like the Český Krumlov Castle offer wheelchair access through the main entrance at the 1st Castle Courtyard, with reserved parking nearby and accessible routes within the complex. The castle gardens and select areas of the historic center have been adapted to accommodate wheelchair users. Additionally, the Church of St. Vitus is noted for its wheelchair accessibility. For a more comfortable experience, it's advisable to plan visits during off-peak hours and consider guided tours that cater to accessibility needs. While some areas may still pose difficulties, with thoughtful planning, wheelchair users can enjoy the rich history and charm of Český Krumlov.

Click Here For Tickets To The Prague To Cesky Krumlov Guided Day Trip

Dresden Germany

Sometimes, a travel day sneaks up on you and says, “Hey, what if you left one stunning European city in the morning… and found yourself in a whole different one by lunch?” That, my friend, is exactly what it’s like to take a day trip from Prague to Dresden. It’s culture shock, in the best way—like swapping out dumplings for bratwurst, Baroque for bombastic, and beer for, well... more beer, but now it’s German.

And the best part? You can do the whole thing in a day without needing a Red Bull IV drip or a second passport.

The Easy Part: Getting There

The direct train from Prague to Dresden is about 2.5 hours, and it's a chef’s kiss ride through river valleys, forests, and charming little villages that look like they were illustrated by someone with a thing for cuckoo clocks. It’s scenic enough to make you forget you downloaded six podcasts and brought a book you’re definitely not going to open.

Pro tip: sit on the left side of the train leaving Prague—that’s where the magic is (a.k.a. the Elbe River views and the dramatic sandstone cliffs of Saxon Switzerland).

Alternatively, you can take a private wheelchair-accessible tour of Dresden from Prague.

The Fancy Part: Welcome to Dresden

Dresden is what happens when someone says, “Let’s rebuild a city to be just as majestic as it was before it got bombed into dust.” This city was famously flattened during WWII, but its heart never really left. Now, it’s a glorious mix of resurrected Baroque architecture, cool art scenes, and futuristic trams that make you feel like you’re inside a very polite sci-fi movie.

You’ll step off the train and beeline to the Altstadt (Old Town), where it’s all dramatic domes, cobblestone squares, and "wait, this was destroyed?" vibes.

The Culture Bomb (That’s Not a Bomb)

Don’t miss the Zwinger Palace, which is basically what happens when someone builds a fortress and then says, “But make it couture.” Inside you’ll find world-class museums, royal art collections, and enough gold and porcelain to make your apartment feel like a storage unit.

And then there’s the Frauenkirche, a stunning church that rose from the rubble and now stands as a symbol of peace and architectural glow-up energy.

Hungry? Walk toward Brühlsche Terrasse, sometimes called “The Balcony of Europe.” Grab a bratwurst or a fancy German pastry and eat it with a view of the Elbe River like you’re starring in your own tasteful Euro travel montage.

Optional Shenanigans

If you’re more into vibes than museums, there’s plenty of wandering to be done in Neustadt, the artsy, gritty, lovable “other” side of Dresden. Think street art, indie boutiques, and cafés that take their flat whites very seriously. It’s like Berlin’s little sibling that decided to rebel, but politely.

Back to Prague

By 5 or 6 p.m., you’re probably full of pretzels, culture, and smugness. Hop the train back to Prague and relive the whole day through your camera roll—cathedrals, bratwurst, and that one selfie where you tried to look pensive in front of the Zwinger.

You’ll roll back into Prague under a blanket of city lights, feeling like you’ve somehow time-traveled—twice.

Final Thoughts (Aka My Soapbox Moment)

Look, I love a good city. I love Prague. But sometimes, leaving just for a bit makes you love it even more when you return. Dresden doesn’t just give you new scenery—it gives you contrast. A reminder of how history shifts, art endures, and how incredibly cool it is to ride a train through two countries in one day like it’s no big deal.

Spoiler: It is a big deal. And it’s totally worth it.

Accessibility

Dresden, Germany, has made significant strides in enhancing wheelchair accessibility, ensuring that residents and visitors with mobility challenges can navigate the city with greater ease. The city's public transportation system, operated by Dresdner Verkehrsbetriebe (DVB), features a fleet of 100% low-floor trams and buses equipped with ramps and audiovisual information systems, facilitating barrier-free travel across the city . Many tram stops have been reconstructed to allow level boarding, further improving accessibility .

Tourist attractions in Dresden have also prioritized accessibility. Landmarks such as the Zwinger Palace Gardens offer barrier-free access and guided tours tailored for visitors with visual impairments . Additionally, the city's official website provides resources like the "City Guide for the Physically Disabled," which includes maps highlighting barrier-free routes, parking spots, and public transport stops with disabled access .

Click Here For A Private Tour Of Dresden From Prague

Terezin Memorial

There are travel days that leave you buzzing, and there are travel days that leave you quiet. My visit to Terezín Memorial was the second kind. Quiet in the soul, quiet in the chest. Not because there’s nothing to say—but because everything feels heavier when you realize you’re walking through a place where unspeakable things actually happened.

Just a one hour drive from the postcard-perfect chaos of Prague sits Terezín, a former 18th-century military fortress turned Nazi ghetto and concentration camp during World War II. And yes, you’ve probably read about it or seen it mentioned in a history class. But being there? That’s something else entirely.

There are wheelchair-accessible tours of Terezin from Prague offered on Get Your Guide if you’d like to avoid making the drive yourself.

A Town That Looks Too Normal

As you approach, you might think, This can’t be it. The grass is green. The sky is blue. There’s even a school and people biking down the street. It’s almost disorienting. But then you step into the Small Fortress, and the silence starts to speak.

This was the Gestapo prison—high walls, cramped cells, long echoing corridors where hope once went to die. You’ll see rows of bunk beds—wooden planks where prisoners slept shoulder to shoulder. You’ll see the execution grounds. And you’ll feel the chill, even on a warm day.

There’s a part of your brain that will try to protect you from fully absorbing it. Let it. But also—don’t look away.

The Ghetto That Was a Lie

Across the river is the Main Ghetto, where thousands of Jewish people were deported. Terezín wasn’t an extermination camp like Auschwitz, but it was a stop on the way. A cruel waiting room. A place where starvation, disease, and false hope ruled the day.

The Nazis used it for propaganda. Cleaned it up for the Red Cross. Staged musical performances. Filmed fake “life in the ghetto” documentaries to fool the world. Meanwhile, people were dying in the thousands.

In one of the museums, there’s an exhibit of children’s drawings. Bright little suns and butterflies, scrawled by kids who didn’t survive.

Why You Should Go

This is not a "fun" day trip. It's not pretty. It's not light. But Terezín matters. Because history can be uncomfortable and confronting and still absolutely essential.

The memorial is well-curated, respectful, and deeply moving. There are English-speaking guides and plenty of information to help you understand the context. And the staff? Kind and gentle in that way people are when they know they're helping visitors carry something heavy.

I left changed. And I think that’s the point.

Travel with Heart

If you're planning a visit to Prague and you have a spare day, please consider making space in your itinerary—and in your heart—for Terezín. It’s the most important Prague day trip. Go not for the photos. Go not for the story. Go because remembering is an act of resistance. Go because empathy is a muscle that needs exercise. Go because some places demand to be witnessed, not just read about.

You’ll come back a little quieter. But maybe also a little stronger. You can read more about Terezin in my travel blog entry about Terezin.

Accessibility

I found the site's accessibility to be thoughtfully considered. Most areas, including the Ghetto Museum, Magdeburg Barracks, and the Crematorium, are wheelchair accessible, allowing for an immersive and respectful exploration of the history preserved here. The Small Fortress, however, presents some challenges; while it's partially accessible, certain sections require light assistance due to uneven terrain and historical architecture . It's advisable to have a companion if you plan to explore these areas. For those traveling from Prague, several guided tours offer transportation options that accommodate folding, non-electric wheelchairs, ensuring a smoother journey . Overall, the Terezín Memorial's commitment to accessibility allows visitors with mobility challenges to engage deeply with its poignant history.

Click Here For A Wheelchair Accessible Tour Of Terezin From Prague

Final Thoughts On The Best Day Trips From Prague Czech Republic

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the best day trips from Prague. As you can see there are a wide variety of trips available and best of all, all of these day trips from Prague are wheelchair accessible.

Have you been to one of the destinations above? What did you think? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

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