With Autumn at our heels, that usually means one very important thing for Camphill: it’s time for volunteers to return to their home countries.

Some stay on for an additional year but most leave at the end of summer in order to study, volunteer at another Camphill place or to start a new chapter, whatever that may be!

Before we part ways, I thought it would be great to hear from other international volunteers and learn what they think about their cities; not to mention, what advice would they give to potential travellers! I do have a soft spot for the local’s opinion.

For your reading pleasure, here’s your local guide Michaela, on her city Hradec Králové in the Czech Republic!

Tell us a bit about Hradec Králové

The official language is Czech. It’s a middle-sized city–not far from the capital [Prague] or the mountains. It’s in a good location really.

Here’s an interesting fun fact! Hradec Králové was actually a royal present (or dowry town) to the Queen in the late 13th century. In the city centre, the original wall still stands. There are many old buildings around.

The architecture is unique. In the last century, the city was designed to connect by two circles. The infrastructure is quite good. 

What are the people like in Hradec Králové

*She smiles* Typical Czech mentality

(I’m intrigued. Even though our chat went on, I had to revisit this topic later)

Earlier, you mentioned the “Czech mentality.” What is the Czech mentality?

I don’t know. Pessimistic. We’re good at seeing the negative. Although, with a warm smile like Michaela’s it’s a bit difficult to believe this!

With the wars, communism, then capitalism, people still lived in fear and this really shaped the Czech mentality. But we are determined people. We’re also not very religious and there’s a high percentage of atheists.

What are a few things others may not know about Czech people?

We are comfortable with nudity. Rest assured, more on this later under nightlife!

We love nature. We go all of the time [to nature]. Some people might think it’s weird but we walk around in athletic wear a lot.

We also know our mushrooms. I can’t think of anyone my age who doesn’t know their mushrooms! It’s something your family just teaches you at an early age. You can see some people leaving the forests with baskets of mushrooms.

When is the best time of year to visit Hradec Králové

It’s nice at the end of Summer but especially in the Autumn, when there’s a festival in celebration of the Queen. In late June, there’s also a theatre festival with street performers and the whole town comes alive!

When is the worst time of year to visit Hradec Králové

Probably the summer. There’s not much to do as many people are at their holiday cottages.

Most people live in flats–it’s like a concrete jungle–but they own cottages in the countryside with a small garden. They’ll go there in the Summer or even on weekends.

Alas, my favourite topic!

What can I expect to eat in Hradec Králové

Dumplings, fried potato pancakes…breaded deep fried cheese in a bun with chips on the side. Sorry?  This is what you’d eat after the club at 3am. Ahh okay, makes sense now. Carby meal after a night out in Hradec Králové sorted! 

The coffee and vegan cakes at Na Kole (“Cafe on a Bike”) are really good

As for drink recommendations, it’s quite clear. Michaela suggests,

Czech beer! There are many breweries and the beer is inexpensive as are hotels and hostels. After all that incredible but affordable Czech beer and a deep fried cheese bun, you’ll want a bed to rest your head on without breaking the bank!

Drinks also worth mentioning are…

Honey liqueur, which you can have soft or strong (for the sake of my dignity, I’ll have soft please!) and plum brandy. Some people like to make these at home. If someone offers you, accept it but drink slowly. There is the danger they’ve made it very strong!

Give us some insight into the nightlife in Hradec Králové

There are a few clubs, [places for] live music, concerts and pub life.

As promised, nudity subject cont’d here:

During a live music event in a pub, one of the singers stripped down to his er, well…birthday suit and continued to perform in the buff! All the while there was an image of the Pope on the amplifier in the background. Apparently, displays of nudity like this are not unusual.

Slightly more baring than the pub culture you might find in other countries!

Attractions in Hradec Králové

Nuuk sauna was started by a friend of mine and some others. It is an outdoors sauna by the river and sometimes there are concerts.

Nuuk was a crowdfunded initiative! If the name sounds familiar, it’s probably because you’re a clever sausage and know that Nuuk is the capital and largest city of Greenland.

It is a private club so you must become a member but it’s about £1/month + entry fee about £5.

When you’re not at Nuuk…

There are also castles, a zoo, mountains and (of course) nature.

Tips for travellers planning to visit Hradec Králové

Hradec Králové is inexpensive and it’s safe to travel alone.

Whatever you do though!

Don’t refer to us as Eastern Europeans. We are literally in the centre. We are Central Europeans.

The nearest airport to Hradec Králové is in Prague (100km away).

Thanks you Michaela for the local tips. I will certainly use them when I return to the Czech Republic!

Yours in travel,

B the Travelling MS x