Start our journey with the Bohemian Switzerland National Park, a true gem among Czech national parks. Located in northern Bohemia, near the border with Germany, this park impresses with its picturesque rock formations, deep gorges and dense forests. The easiest way to get here is by car from Prague (about a two-hour drive) or by train to Děčín, and from there by bus to the village of Hřensko, which makes an excellent base. The park is open all year round, but the best time to visit is from May to October. Admission to the park is free, but some attractions, such as the famous Pravcice Gate, require a ticket (about 100 CZK for adults, 50 CZK for children). Families with children will appreciate the gentle trails around Hřensko, while more experienced hikers can take a day hike to the viewpoints of Jetřichovice. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and stock up on water, especially on hot days. The park is currently recovering from the 2022 fire, which is an interesting lesson about ecosystem recovery.

Another fascinating site is Adršpašskoteplické skály, also known as the Rock City. This is a vast complex of sandstone rock formations in northeastern Bohemia, not far from the Polish border. The most convenient way to get here is by car from Prague (about 2.5 hours) or by train to Teplice nad Metují, and a short walk from there. The park is open all year round, but for safety reasons, some paths may be closed in winter. Admission tickets cost about 180 CZK for adults and 60 CZK for children (as of 2023). It's worth booking them online, especially during the summer season. The route through the Rock City is about a 4 km walk that takes 2-3 hours. It's ideal for families with children over 5 years old - younger ones may have difficulty with some of the steeper sections. On the route there are viewpoints, a picturesque lake and the possibility of a short boat ride. Remember to wear comfortable, non-slip footwear and a light backpack with water and snacks.

The Moravian Karst is another hidden treasure of Czech nature, offering fascinating geological formations and underground wonders. Located in eastern Bohemia, about 30 km north of Brno, it is easily accessible by car or bus from Brno. The best time to visit is between April and October, when all the caves are open to the public. Ticket prices for individual caves range from 130 to 250 CZK for adults and 70 to 130 CZK for children (prices as of 2023). The most popular Punkva Cave requires advance reservations, especially in high season. For families with children, we recommend the more easily explored Catherine's Cave. Remember to wear warm clothing - the temperature in the caves is around 8°C all year round. There is also the Macocha Abyss, accessible by cable car, which is an additional attraction for the little ones.

The Šumava National Park, located in southwestern Bohemia, is a true paradise for lovers of wildlife and active recreation. Often referred to as the 'green roof of Europe,' this vast forest area offers countless opportunities for hiking and biking. The easiest way to get here is by car from Prague (about a 3-hour drive) or by train to the village of Kašperské Hory, from where buses run to various parts of the park. The park is open all year round, but the best time to visit is from May to October. Admission to the park is free, but some attractions, such as the observation towers, may require a small fee. Families with children will appreciate the gentle trails around Lake Laka, the smallest glacial lake in Šumava. More experienced hikers can take a day hike to the summit of Plechý (1,378 meters above sea level), offering panoramic views of the Czech Republic, Austria and Germany. Remember proper footwear, warm clothing (even in summer) and a map - the trail network is extensive, but cell phone coverage may be limited in some places.

Another fascinating site is Panska Skała, a unique geological formation located in northern Bohemia near the town of Kamenický Šenov. Often referred to as the 'basalt organ' due to the distinctive shape of the rock columns, this remarkable site is easily accessible by car (about a 1.5-hour drive from Prague) or by bus from the nearby town of Česká Lípa. The site is accessible year-round, and admission is free. Parking near the rock is paid (about 50 CZK per hour, as of 2023). A visit here is a great option for a short family outing - the path around the rock is easy and accessible even for small children. There is also a small pond on site, which adds to the charm of the whole landscape. It is worth taking a camera - at sunset the rock looks especially picturesque.

Krkonoše National Park, also known as Krkonoše National Park, is another gem of Czech nature, offering unforgettable mountain scenery. The park is located in northern Bohemia, on the border with Poland, and is easily accessible by car from Prague (about a 2-hour drive) or by train to Špindlerův Mlýn. The park is open year-round, offering activities both in summer (hiking, mountain biking) and winter (skiing). Admission to the park is free, but some attractions, such as taking the cable car to Sněžka (the highest peak in the Czech Republic), are chargeable (about 300 CZK round trip for adults, 150 CZK for children, prices as of 2023). For families with children, we recommend the route to Pančavský waterfall - the highest in the Czech Republic. The route is relatively easy and offers spectacular views. More experienced hikers can take on the challenge of climbing Sněžka. Remember to prepare accordingly - the weather in the mountains can change very quickly.

The Earth Gate Nature Reserve is a lesser-known, but equally fascinating place to visit. Located in northeastern Bohemia, near the border with Poland, this reserve offers picturesque views of the watershed of the Wild Orlice River. The easiest way to get here is by car from Prague (about a 2.5-hour drive) or by train to Žamberk, and from there by bus to Klášterec nad Orlicí. The reserve is accessible all year round, but the best time to visit is from May to October, when the trails are dry and easily accessible. Admission to the reserve is free. For families with children, we recommend the route along the river, which is relatively easy and offers numerous places to rest and picnic. More experienced hikers can take the longer trail, which leads through scenic forests and offers viewpoints of the river valley. Remember to wear appropriate footwear - some sections of the trail can be rocky. The reserve also contains remnants of World War II bunkers, an added attraction for history buffs.

Český les Protected Landscape Area is another hidden treasure of Czech nature, offering peace and tranquility away from the crowds of tourists. Located in the western part of the Czech Republic, near the border with Germany, this protected landscape area is ideal for those looking for an authentic contact with nature. The easiest way to get here is by car from Pilsen (about a 1-hour drive) or by train to Domažlice, and from there by bus to smaller towns in the region. The area is accessible all year round, but the best time to visit is from April to October. Admission to the protected landscape area is free. Families with children will appreciate the gentle trails around Čerňák Lake, where you can also observe water birds. For more active hikers, we recommend the trail to Čerchov, the highest peak in České lesa, which offers panoramic views of the Czech and German landscapes. Remember the map - some areas are sparsely populated and may have limited cell phone coverage.

All in all, these hidden treasures of Czech nature offer an unforgettable experience for nature lovers of all ages. From fascinating rock formations to picturesque river valleys to dense forests and mountain peaks, each of these places has its own unique character and charm. When planning your visit, remember to prepare properly - comfortable shoes, appropriate clothing and a map are the basis for a successful trip. It's also a good idea to check up-to-date information on the official websites of national parks and reserves, as some trails may be temporarily closed due to conservation or maintenance work. Whether you take a short walk or a full-day hike, these lesser-known places are sure to give you an unforgettable experience and allow you to discover the Czech Republic from a completely new perspective. Remember to always follow the rules of nature conservation when exploring these beautiful places - take all trash with you, don't go off the marked trails and respect the wildlife. In this way, we will contribute to preserving these hidden treasures for future generations.