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Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. If you're planning a trip to Prague and want to explore nearby cities in Austria, there are several options to consider. The closest capital city to Prague is Vienna, Austria, which is approximately 155 miles away. However, there are other charming cities and towns in Austria that are easily accessible from Prague. One option is to visit Brno, a large city with a historical centre, a castle, and a unique astronomical clock. It's a popular stop for travellers en route to Vienna and is known for its vibrant pubs and modern architecture, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Villa Tugendhat. Another option is to explore South Bohemia, which is south of Prague and north of Linz. This region boasts popular destinations such as Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and České Budějovice, known for its neat historical centre and square-shaped main square. These towns offer a wealth of cultural and natural experiences, making them ideal day trips or stops on your journey to Austria.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nearest Austrian cities to Prague | Vienna, Innsbruck, Tyrol |
| Travel time to Vienna | 4 hours by train |
| Other cities close to Prague | Berlin, Dresden, Budapest, Krakow, Warsaw, Bratislava |
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What You'll Learn
- Vienna, Austria's capital, is the nearest major city to Prague
- Brno, Czech Republic's second-largest city, is a common stop between Prague and Vienna
- The Moravian Karst, just north of Brno, is a popular tourist attraction
- Blansko is a town on the main rail line from Prague to Brno
- The South Bohemia region, between Prague and Vienna, is home to Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Vienna, Austria's capital, is the nearest major city to Prague
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is the nearest major city to Prague. It is located in the northeastern corner of Austria, between the foothills of the Alps and the Carpathians. The city is situated alongside the Danube River, with most of it on the right bank. Vienna is known for its rich history, culture, and architecture, and has been a centre of high culture and modernism.
Vienna has a well-preserved historical cityscape, with grand buildings from the Baroque and Gründerzeit eras. The city's landmarks include St. Stephen's Cathedral, the State Opera, the Museum of Art History, the Museum of Natural History, the Parliament, the Burgtheater, and the Town Hall. The Innere Stadt, or the historic city centre, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.
Vienna is also known for its musical legacy, having been home to famous composers such as Beethoven, Brahms, Bruckner, Haydn, Mahler, Mozart, Schoenberg, Schubert, and Richard Strauss. The city's coffeehouse culture and culinary scene, including traditional dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel and Sachertorte cake, are also notable.
In terms of proximity to Prague, Vienna is located approximately 310 kilometres away. While it is not the closest city to Prague, it is a popular tourist destination and can be reached via various means of transportation. The distance can be covered by car or by taking advantage of the region's public transportation options, such as trains and buses.
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Brno, Czech Republic's second-largest city, is a common stop between Prague and Vienna
Brno, the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, is a common stop for travellers journeying between Prague and Vienna. Located in the South Moravian Region, it is relatively close to the borders of Austria and Slovakia. With a population of almost 400,000, Brno is a bustling city with a rich history and several cultural attractions.
For those travelling by bus or train, Brno is an inevitable part of the journey between Prague and Vienna. While some direct trains and buses do not stop in Brno, it is still a convenient and popular place to break up the trip. The city is also easily accessible by car, with several major airports within a reasonable distance, including Prague, Vienna, and Budapest.
Brno has a diverse range of attractions for visitors. The city is known for its exhibition centre, which hosts about 50 trade fairs and other events annually, attracting over 1 million visitors. Brno also boasts significant historical landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, which, along with Špilberk Castle, dominates the city skyline. The cathedral's facade and towers showcase Neo-Gothic architecture, while the interior is predominantly Baroque.
The city is also home to the Moravian Museum, the largest museum in Moravia and the second-largest in the Czech Republic, with over 6 million artefacts in its collections. Brno's astronomical clock, added more recently, is another notable feature, releasing a glass ball each day at 11 am to commemorate the successful defence of the city against Swedish forces in 1645.
Beyond its cultural and historical offerings, Brno is an important centre of higher education and research. It is home to prestigious institutions such as Masaryk University, the Brno University of Technology, and the International Clinical Research Center. The city also has a thriving student population, with over 62,000 students enrolled in its higher education institutions in 2019.
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The Moravian Karst, just north of Brno, is a popular tourist attraction
The Moravian Karst is a popular tourist attraction just north of Brno in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic. It is a spectacular karst landscape, a unique geological formation that results from water coming into extended contact with soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum over millions of years. The Moravian Karst is one of the largest such systems in Europe, covering 92 square kilometres and encompassing over 1,100 caverns and gorges.
Five of the cave systems in the Moravian Karst are open for public tours: the Punkva Caves, Balcarka Cave, Kateřinská Cave, Výpustek Cave, and Sloupsko-šošůvské Caves/Kůlna Cave. The Punkva Caves are one of the more popular places to visit, with a road train, boat ride, and cable car in addition to the cave tour. The tour includes two sections, dry and wet, and takes about an hour to complete. The dry section is a short walk inside, with several rooms connected by tunnels constructed for ease of access. The Moravian Karst is also home to one of the Czech Republic's most important single geological features, the Macocha Abyss, a 138-139m deep gorge formed by the collapse of a cave chamber ceiling. The Punkva River begins at the Macocha Abyss and runs underground through the Punkva cave system, re-emerging above ground at Pustý Žleb Canyon, where a motorized train follows it through a green forest.
The Moravian Karst is easily accessible from Brno, with tours available from the city, and it is also possible to take a day trip from Prague. It is a popular day trip from Brno, with tours ranging from easy walks through the caverns to adrenaline-pumping adventures with climbing and crawling. There are also other outdoor activities in the area, such as hiking, cycling, and rock climbing. The main season at the Moravian Karst runs from April to September, with some caves offering winter tours and the Macocha Abyss accessible free of charge all year round.
Brno itself is the second-biggest city in the Czech Republic, with a population of almost 400,000, and is a common stopping point for those travelling from Prague to Vienna. It is easily accessible by train or bus from Prague, with a travel time of around 2 hours and 45 minutes.
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Blansko is a town on the main rail line from Prague to Brno
Blansko is a town in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic. It is situated on the main railway line from Prague to Brno, with regional trains from Brno serving Blansko every hour and a direct express train from Prague to Blansko every two hours. The town is also served by buses, although these do not go directly to the town. Blansko is home to around 20,000 inhabitants and is located on the Svitava River, on the border of the Moravian Karst. It is mainly an industrial town, with companies such as Pyrotek CZ, ČKD Blansko, and Synthon being based there.
The town has a rich history, dating back to the 14th century, when a new settlement called Nové Blansko ("New Blansko") began to grow on the left bank of the Svitava River. In the late 16th century, Blansko was promoted to a market town, and the local Gothic fortress was rebuilt into a Renaissance residence by the Žalkovský of Žalkovice family. The town changed hands several times over the centuries, with owners including the Gellhorn family, who founded the first foundry and ironworks in the town, and the Salm-Reifferscheidt family, who owned the estate from 1766 until 1945.
Today, Blansko is a popular tourist destination, known for its caves, sinkholes, and deep valleys with interesting rock formations. The town is also home to the Blansko Castle, a Renaissance castle built in the early 17th century, and the wooden Church of Saint Paraskieva, which was brought to Blansko in 1936 and is the oldest church of the Ruthenian Gothic type in the country. The main season for tourism in Blansko runs from April to September, although some attractions, such as the Macocha Abyss, are accessible year-round.
In terms of nearby cities in Austria, Prague itself is located in the Czech Republic, which borders Austria. Brno, a city in the Czech Republic, is often passed through when travelling from Prague to Vienna, Austria. Brno is the second-largest city in the Czech Republic and is easily accessible by train or bus from Prague. Other towns and cities in Austria, Poland, or Germany that are close to Prague include Dresden, Bad Schandau, and Vienna, although these may not be suitable for day trips.
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The South Bohemia region, between Prague and Vienna, is home to Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
South Bohemia offers a wealth of attractions for visitors, including the charming town of Český Krumlov. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a historic centre, with cobblestone streets, baroque buildings, and a picturesque river. The Castle Gardens are particularly breathtaking, with lush flowering gardens, blasting fountains, and stunning views.
In addition to its natural beauty, South Bohemia has a rich history. The region was once part of Bohemia, a historical country in Central Europe. Bohemia was a kingdom within the Holy Roman Empire and later became a province in the Austrian Empire. The area has a complex cultural and political history, with influences from various dynasties, including the Přemyslids and the House of Luxembourg.
South Bohemia is easily accessible from Prague and Vienna, making it a popular day trip for visitors to these cities. By train or bus, travellers can reach the region in around 2 hours. The nearby city of České Budějovice, known for its neat historical centre and square-shaped main square, is also worth exploring.
Whether you're interested in history, nature, or just a relaxing day trip, South Bohemia and Český Krumlov offer a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The region's charming towns, stunning castles, and natural wonders will leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
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Frequently asked questions
Vienna is the closest Austrian city to Prague and can be reached by bus in 4 hours.
Some other cities close to Prague include Cesky Krumlov, Dresden, Berlin, Munich, Budapest, and Bratislava.
Vienna Woods is a popular attraction in Vienna. You can also take a day trip to Bratislava, a small city with lots to see and explore.
Cesky Krumlov is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular day trip from Prague.
You can take a direct bus or train from Prague to Vienna. The train journey takes approximately 4 hours.
