Ústí Region: A Land of Classical Music and Rock Cities

Towns full of legends, majestic rock cities and the spa town of Teplice, which once attracted world-famous composers such as Richard Wagner and Ludwig van Beethoven, make this region in the north of Czechia truly unique.

Ústí nad Labem: A City of History and Modern Marvels

Our tip: Try local fish specialities, roast duck, or the traditional sour soup kyselo.

Ústí nad Labem, the capital of the Ústí Region, is one of the most important cities in the area. In addition to its location on the banks of the Elbe River, along which runs one of the best cycling routes, the city also offers numerous historical landmarks.

A dominant feature of the surrounding landscape is Střekov Castle, perched on a rock above the river. It offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside and also served as an inspiration for the composer Richard Wagner, who drew on it when composing his opera Tannhäuser.

Which Other Towns to Visit?

• Děčín: Děčín is known for its stunning chateau perched on a rock above the Elbe River. Děčín Chateau is one of the largest and most beautiful in Czechia. The town also serves as the gateway to the Bohemian Switzerland National Park.
• Litoměřice: Another charming town is Litoměřice, an ideal place for strolls through historic streets and for tasting local wines.
• Roudnice nad Labem: The town is best known for the chateau of the Lobkowicz family. It’s a perfect spot for walks in the surrounding area.

Teplice: Where Beethoven Spoke With Goethe

Our tip: Teplice Spa boasts a beautiful historic centre.

Teplice is not only one of the oldest spa towns in Central Europe, but also a place that attracted key figures of world cultural heritage. The famous German poet and writer Johann Wolfgang Goethe met there with the world-renowned composer Ludwig van Beethoven.

How to get there:

Flight from Tokyo to Prague, Czechia
Or flight to Dresden, Germany
Train from Prague to Ústí nad Labem (60 - 80 minutes, book via Czech Railways)
Train from Dresden to Ústí nad Labem (60 minutes, book via Czech Railways)
Train from Karlovy Vary to Ústí nad Labem (100 minutes, book via Czech Railways)

Duchcov: Memoirs of the Womaniser Casanova

Our tip: Visit the chateau in Duchcov.

The town of Duchcov is best known for its connection to the famous adventurer Giacomo Casanova. This restless seducer and writer spent the final years of his life here as a librarian to Count Waldstein. It was in Duchcov that he completed his famous memoirs Histoire de ma vie, in which he recounted his romantic escapades and encounters with notable figures of his time.

Hiking: Views That Take Your Breath Away

Our tip: Set out for Hazmburk Castle.

The Ústí Region offers some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Czechia. If you love nature and scenic views, don’t miss the Hřebenovka Trail in Bohemian Switzerland and the Krušné Mountains, which will lead you to breathtaking viewpoints. An iconic spot is Pravčická Gate, considered the most beautiful natural formation in Bohemian Switzerland. Discover the Baroque Jezeří Chateau, dramatically perched above a brown coal mine, and explore the magical sandstone formations of the Tisá Walls, which also featured in the film The Chronicles of Narnia.

And don’t forget Milešovka, the windiest mountain in Czechia, from where you can enjoy one of the most stunning views over the landscape of this region.